Accessibility is no longer a mere checklist item; it's now an essential part of building inclusive digital experiences. In this insightful discussion, we talk to Nirmala, an experienced front-end developer and accessibility advocate who has dedicated her career to making web experiences inclusive for all users. Throughout her journey, she has navigated the challenges of implementing accessibility practices, from raising awareness within her teams to ensuring websites are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. In this article, we explore her journey, the hurdles she has encountered, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
The Journey into Accessibility
How did you get into the accessibility space?
Nirmala: "I was working as a front-end developer, focused on creating functional and visually appealing websites. But I realized that just making a site look good and work well technically doesn’t mean it’s accessible to everyone. In 2016, while I was at HSBC, we encountered an issue where a user couldn’t complete a transaction due to a scrolling problem, and it hit me—there were real barriers for people with different abilities trying to navigate our sites."
Was it really that one user that drove you and your team to start looking deeper into accessibility?
Nirmala: "Yes, it was. That one incident made us realize the gap. This user was using Internet Explorer, which handled our site’s elements differently than we anticipated. The technical parts seemed fine to us, but for him, it wasn’t. We had only tested on a few main browsers, but there are countless ways users access the web, and many have accessibility needs we hadn’t addressed."
Brian: "It’s amazing how end-user feedback can reveal so much that regular testing might miss."
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Accessibility
Was accessibility testing treated as a separate function from other quality checks?
Nirmala: "Yes, in many organizations, accessibility testing was often managed by a specialized team, separate from normal QA. I felt it should be embedded in the development process so that accessibility becomes part of everyone’s responsibility. So, I started sharing knowledge with our development, QA, and design teams, and we integrated accessibility checks into our process."
Did this knowledge-sharing impact how accessibility is approached now within your teams?
Nirmala: "Absolutely. We’ve made it a priority that our developers, designers, and QAs all understand accessibility from the start. Now, it’s a standard part of our development cycle—just like end-to-end testing. We’ve even added stories in Jira specifically for accessibility, so everyone is accountable."
Brian: "That’s a fantastic approach, making sure everyone has the tools and understanding to create accessible experiences."
Can you share the tools and strategies that have been game-changers for you?
Nirmala: "Sure. We use tools like Axe, Pali, Wave, and Lighthouse to check for accessibility issues early in development. These help us spot issues that may not affect functionality but could hinder usability for people with disabilities. Additionally, screen readers like JAWS and VoiceOver have been essential for verifying that our sites are navigable without sight or with limited mobility."
Overcoming Content and Design Challenges
What are some of the unique challenges you face in creating accessible content and design?
Nirmala: "Content can be a real challenge. For example, the text associated with radio buttons and dropdowns has to be clear for everyone, including users who rely on screen readers. Another issue is color choices. Not all colors work for everyone—especially those with color blindness. It takes thorough analysis to choose colors that everyone can interpret correctly, which sometimes means adjusting brand guidelines."
Brian: "I can imagine those conversations with brand and marketing teams. It’s tough when established design elements have to be reconsidered for accessibility."
How has data influenced your approach?
Nirmala: "Analytics show us which parts of the site users engage with most, helping us prioritize accessibility efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact. For instance, if a certain feature is heavily used, we make sure it’s thoroughly accessible."
Brian: "That’s such a smart way to use data—not just for business insights but for user inclusivity too."
Challenges and Opportunities in Accessibility
What are some of the biggest hurdles and advancements you see in accessibility today?
Nirmala: "AI and natural language processing (NLP) are changing the game. We’re now seeing automated tools that test accessibility more efficiently, generating detailed reports and audits. These innovations allow us to focus more on creating user-centered experiences."
Final Thoughts
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your accessibility journey?
Nirmala: "I think accessibility needs to be woven into the foundations of web development education. Many developers, like me, don’t encounter it until later in their careers. There should be a greater emphasis on it from the beginning so that inclusivity is at the heart of every digital experience."
Brian: "Thank you, Nirmala. Your passion and insights are inspiring, and it’s clear we need more advocates like you in the field. Thank you for joining us today and sharing your journey."
Through this conversation with Nirmala, we’ve gained valuable insights into the essential role of accessibility in web development. Her dedication to making web experiences inclusive for everyone reminds us that true digital transformation includes everyone, regardless of their abilities. As technology advances, so too should our commitment to removing barriers and creating a more accessible digital world.
