When we talk about software development, terms like “performance,” “scalability,” or “security” often take center stage. However, there is a fundamental aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed: accessibility. And no, this isn’t something optional or a “nice to have.” In 2025, creating accessible software is not just an ethical responsibility but also a strategic necessity for any project aiming to stand out.
Imagine this: you create an incredible application with modern design and innovative features, but upon launching it, you realize that a significant portion of users cannot interact with it because it doesn’t meet accessibility standards. This doesn’t just mean losing users but also limiting the reach and impact of your software.
Accessibility, in simple terms, ensures that applications, websites, and digital tools can be used by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. This spans from navigation for individuals with visual, auditory, or motor impairments to broader considerations like usability for older adults or people with limited internet connectivity.
For example, someone with color blindness should be able to distinguish the elements of your interface, and a person unable to use a mouse should be able to navigate your site using only a keyboard or voice commands.
Why Is Accessibility Important?
- Because it’s the right thing to do. As developers, we have the ability to create tools that truly improve people’s lives. Excluding a group of users by not considering their needs is, at the very least, an oversight we can and should avoid.
- Because accessibility is good for business. Opening your products to a wider audience increases your user base and, with it, your opportunities for revenue or impact. Additionally, more and more countries are implementing laws requiring websites and applications to meet accessibility standards, making neglecting them a legal risk.
- Because accessibility benefits everyone. For example, subtitles in a video help not only individuals with hearing impairments but also those watching content without sound on public transport. A clean, well-structured design aids not only individuals with cognitive disabilities but anyone seeking to quickly find information.
Incorporating accessibility doesn’t mean sacrificing design or functionality. On the contrary, it often enhances the experience for everyone. However, it does require a shift in how we plan and execute our projects.
A great starting point is to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines offer clear principles, such as:
- Ensuring all content is perceivable (e.g., alternative text for images).
- Making functionality operable (e.g., full keyboard support).
- Guaranteeing content is understandable (e.g., avoiding unnecessary jargon and using clear language).
- Designing systems that are robust (e.g., compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers).
But beyond adhering to standards, involving real people in the process is key. Testing your software with users with disabilities can help identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Many tools simplify accessibility evaluations, from browser extensions like Lighthouse to specialized solutions like Axe. However, tools are just that: tools. Accessibility must be an integral part of the entire development cycle.
Best Practices for Accessibility:
- Design with accessibility from the start. It’s much easier and cheaper to incorporate accessibility from the first wireframe than to retrofit it later.
- Train your team. Everyone involved in a project should understand the basic principles of accessibility, from designers to developers and testers.
- Include accessibility in your testing. Don’t leave it for the end. Just as you check for functionality, ensure you evaluate accessibility in every iteration of the product.
In an increasingly digital world, accessibility isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Every click, every line of code, and every design decision we make has the potential to create a more inclusive internet or leave someone out.
As developers, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference. It’s not just about meeting standards or avoiding legal issues; it’s about building a digital world where everyone has the same opportunities to participate. Because, in the end, the best software isn’t the fastest or the most visually appealing—it’s the one that truly connects with people.
At NextDart, we believe in the power of inclusive and accessible development. If you have a project in mind or want to improve your software’s accessibility, let’s work together to make it happen.
