Accessibility isn’t optional. It’s not something you add in later or only bother with if someone asks. If your website can’t be used properly by everyone, then it’s broken.
And if you’re running a business, charity, school, council service, or public platform, it’s not just a bad look - it could be breaking the law.
Accessibility isn’t just about disability
A lot of people hear “accessibility” and think “screen readers” or “blind users”. Yes, that’s part of it. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Accessibility is about making sure your website works for everyone - including people with:
- Long-term impairments (e.g. visual, hearing, cognitive, motor)
- Temporary issues (e.g. broken arm, eye infection, concussion)
- Situational barriers (e.g. using a phone in bright sunlight, trying to browse one-handed while holding a baby)
- Technological limitations (e.g. old phone, poor internet connection, assistive tech)
You don’t always know what your users are dealing with - and frankly, they shouldn’t have to tell you.
The more accessible your site is, the more people it works for.
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about reach.
- More users = more engagement
- More devices = more flexibility
- More compatibility = fewer issues
- Better design = faster load times and better UX
- Better code = higher search rankings
It’s not just the right thing to do - it’s the smart thing to do. Oh, and it's a legal requirement.
So why do so many websites still get it wrong?
Because accessibility is often seen as a checklist, not a mindset. People chase trendy designs, animations and gimmicks, but forget that not everyone can interact with a site in the same way. Not everyone can see the same content, use the same devices, or navigate the same patterns.
This leads to:
- Users being locked out or ignored
- Missed opportunities for your business or organisation
- Legal complaints or public backlash
- Sites that just don’t work for real people
And the thing is - most of these issues aren’t hard to fix. But they need someone who knows what to look for and cares enough to do it right.
What I do differently
I build accessibility in from the start. Not bolted on. Not fixed later. Just part of how it’s done, every time.
Everything I build is:
- Navigable by keyboard
- Clear and readable
- Tested for screen reader compatibility
- Free from common traps like poor contrast, missing alt text, or confusing markup
- Designed to work for real people, not just ideal users
If your current site isn’t accessible, I’ll tell you honestly. If you want one that works for everyone, I’ll build it.
Get in touch or see my accessibility services.
Or request a Site Score for a no-nonsense performance breakdown of your current site - the quick report is free.