What frustrates Accessibility Consultants
Accessibility experts often face frustrating challenges in their work. Despite the increasing awareness of the importance of accessibility, there are still numerous hurdles that hinder progress. Some of the key frustration factors are explained below.
Common Frustrations
A recurring problem is that many projects have to be ‘started from scratch’. Despite the clear legal requirements and ethical responsibility to ensure accessibility, experts have to explain again and again why it is so important. Unfortunately, accessibility is often still seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than an essential foundation.
Unfortunately, you always have to start from scratch. Many clients mistakenly believe that their employees are familiar with the topic of accessibility. This has never been the case. It makes sense, because if they knew about it, they wouldn't need us. But that also means that we always have to teach the small 1:1 of accessibility. Some people can't cope with that.
Another significant frustration factor is the frequent lack of budget and prioritisation. Accessibility projects are often included in the budget plan too late or not at all. In many cases, accessibility is cancelled in favour of ‘cool’ features because it is considered ‘invisible’ - a key feature for access to digital content for all people.
The practice of making decisions without those affected also leads to frustration. Accessibility is often not developed with the actual users, but merely ‘for them’. Instead of relying on manual checks and user tests, accessibility is often reduced to the use of automated tools, which, however, cannot cover all necessary aspects.
Another problem is the frequent misunderstanding of development and design. Many developers and designers do not have enough understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), semantics or the use of screen readers. A common misconception is: ‘It works with the mouse, so it's accessible.’ This attitude fails to recognise the reality of accessibility, which encompasses much more than just mouse control.
Another stumbling block is insufficient training and sensitisation within the team. Although accessibility affects all areas - design, development, content, quality assurance and project management - training is often neglected. Another common misconception is that accessibility is only relevant ‘for the blind’, although it encompasses a much broader target group.
Accessibility is also often only considered at the end of a project instead of being integrated from the beginning. This approach not only makes implementation more expensive and less efficient, but also causes unnecessary frustration for everyone involved.
Finally, ignorance despite feedback is another common problem. When experts or users point out existing barriers, their comments are often ignored or dismissed as unimportant. It is even worse when feedback is responded to with the comment: ‘We know someone with a disability who didn't have any problems.’ Such an attitude is not only unprofessional, but also dangerous, as it ignores and marginalises real problems.
These frustrations are often hard to bear for accessibility experts as they advocate for the rights of all people and push for solutions that lead to a more inclusive society. It's time for accessibility to be seen not just as a theoretical goal, but as a practical necessity.
A special problem for disabled accessibility consultants is the discrimination they face in the accessibility community.
How can we deal with this Situation?
What I find difficult with many activists is that they often take such things personally. However, as in many areas, it is important to have a certain inner distance to the projects. Otherwise you will suffer a buronout, especially when it comes to accessibility, because things are progressing slowly or not at all.
In my view, one mistake many accessibility experts make is that they strive for perfection. Perfection is good in the textbook, but impossible in practice with complex projects. You can also muck out the Augean stable. And because that doesn't work, you quickly get annoyed. But that doesn't help anyone. Part of our job description is to explain the same thing again and again and again with the patience of an angel and to help those involved to find solutions. Anyone who can't do that is in the wrong place in this job, sorry to say that. Our job is to explain accessibility and help implement it, not to confront other people.
The carrot and stick is the last strategy I would recommend. The carrot is sensitisation and motivation. Accessibility increases product quality. Accessibility is an additional skill that you can add to your CV and is in high demand on the labour market. It's difficult at first, but once you've grasped it, it's not that complicated. We are here to help you and Show you the Right way.
And the stick? It's the law. Sometimes it's as simple as that. It's not like you can choose it. Implement it or don't, but then you have to take responsibility for it. Yes, we have to be patient, but sometimes you have to come with the law to take the sluggishness out of the system.