Accessibility is an essential part of creating inclusive digital experiences. In a recent conversation on the Beyond Barriers podcast, Manny Ikomi, a senior UX designer at IBM and an educator, shared his journey and insights on why accessibility matters and how businesses can embrace it.
What Accessibility Means for Businesses
Manny describes accessibility as an evolving craft that goes beyond technical compliance. It is about designing digital tools and platforms that cater to diverse needs, ensuring everyone can engage with them effectively. His journey into accessibility began with learning front-end development, where he discovered best practices like using proper labels for form fields. Over time, his understanding deepened as he explored how accessibility integrates into user experience design.
Manny: "Accessibility is an art; it's ever-changing and ever-evolving. It needs to be integrated into the craft of what we do."
Why Accessibility Matters to Everyone
Accessibility benefits not only individuals with disabilities but everyone at different stages of life. Manny highlights that challenges can arise due to age, injury, or temporary circumstances, making inclusive design essential for all users.
Manny: "All of us will face accessibility challenges at some point. It’s not something we do just for others—it’s about all of us."
Challenges in Implementing Accessibility
Businesses often face hurdles when addressing accessibility, including securing buy-in from stakeholders. Decision-making power frequently lies with business leaders rather than design or technology teams. To overcome this, Manny emphasizes the need to frame accessibility as a business advantage rather than solely a moral obligation. He also points out that addressing accessibility issues in legacy systems is more costly and complex, reinforcing the importance of embedding accessibility from the start.
Manny: "The longer you wait to address accessibility, the more expensive it becomes to fix. Starting early makes all the difference."
The Role of Education in Accessibility
As an educator, Manny prioritizes teaching accessibility principles early. He has incorporated accessibility as a core part of his curriculum, ensuring students leave with the knowledge and skills to build inclusive systems. He recommends resources like the W3C’s accessibility certification courses, which provide a strong foundation in digital accessibility.
Emerging Trends in Accessibility
Manny is particularly excited about advancements like the Advanced Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA), which aims to improve color contrast compliance and address limitations in current guidelines. He also notes that artificial intelligence is driving innovation in accessibility, creating both opportunities and risks.
Conclusion: Accessibility as a Strategic Priority
Accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about creating inclusive, effective, and meaningful experiences for everyone. As Manny’s journey highlights, embracing accessibility early in design and development processes can save costs, improve user satisfaction, and broaden your audience.
Businesses that prioritize accessibility position themselves as leaders in innovation and inclusivity. By adopting a mindset that focuses on the needs of all users, companies can not only meet their legal obligations but also set a standard for excellence that benefits their brand and bottom line.
Accessibility isn’t a checkbox—it’s a commitment to building a better, more inclusive world. Start today, and make your business part of the change.
