The same goes for making your website accessible – you need clear goals to guide your journey.
How to set clear accessibility goals
1. See where you stand
- Conduct an accessibility audit: Use tools like accessibility checkers to find out how your website is doing. Identify areas that need improvement.
- Listen to users: Gather feedback from your users, especially those with disabilities. Their insights can highlight issues you might have missed.
2. Define clear and measurable goals
Vague goals won’t get you far. Make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Examples:
- Achieve compliance: Aim to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards on all web pages within six months.
- Reduce complaints: Decrease accessibility-related user complaints by 50% in the next quarter.
- Team training: Train all content creators and developers in accessibility best practices within the next three months.
3. Get everyone involved
Accessibility isn’t a solo mission; it’s a team effort.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Bring together designers, developers, content creators, and customer service reps. Everyone has a role to play.
- Assign responsibilities: Clearly define who is responsible for what. When everyone knows their part, things run smoothly.
4. Equip your team with the right tools
You wouldn’t fix a car without the right tools; the same goes for accessibility.
- Use accessibility tools: Implement Silktide to help you identify, monitor, and fix issues.
- Follow guidelines: Make sure your team is familiar with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and incorporate them into your workflows.
5. Monitor progress and adapt
Setting goals is just the beginning.
- Regular check-ins: Keep an eye on your progress. Use analytics and feedback to see how you’re doing.
- Stay flexible: If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your goals.
Implementing accessibility goals across your organization
1. Make accessibility a strategic priority
- Align with business objectives: Ensure your accessibility goals support your company’s mission and values.
- Allocate resources: Budget for accessibility initiatives, whether it’s training, tools, or hiring experts.
2. Provide training and support
- Offer regular training: Keep everyone up-to-date with workshops and learning sessions.
- Create support systems: Encourage a culture where team members can ask questions and share knowledge.
3. Communicate openly about accessibility
- Internal updates: Share progress, challenges, and successes with the whole team.
- Public commitment: Let your customers and stakeholders know about your dedication to accessibility by including an accessibility statement on your website.