In today’s digital-first world, ensuring everyone can access online services and information isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive. Digital accessibility means designing websites, apps, and tools that work for people with disabilities, so everyone can engage fully in the digital landscape.
Ensuring screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and proper color contrast aren’t just about meeting requirements. They create inclusive experiences that benefit everyone. When you design with flexibility—like responsive layouts, adjustable text sizes, and clear navigation—you’re making digital tools easier to use for older adults, people with temporary impairments, and even someone checking their phone in a dimly lit room.
So, why is this so important right now? Deadlines for state and local governments to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are fast approaching. As more public services move online, this isn’t just a matter of compliance—it’s a chance to lead with innovation and inclusivity.
Creating fully accessible digital experiences doesn’t happen overnight, which is why Beam partnered with experts from the National Center for Accessible Media—who bring decades of experience in digital accessibility—to ensure that all people, regardless of ability, can fully use the Beam platform and access the benefits they need.
Co-authored by Bryan Gould, Director of the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation National Center for Accessible Media at GBH (NCAM), and Beam's VP of Design, Sophie Chow, this guide demystifies the process with practical, actionable steps and highlights key strategies for building more accessible digital services.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Digital Accessibility
Step 1: Build Awareness and Commitment to Accessibility
Accessibility starts with a shift in mindset. It’s not just a box to check—it’s a core part of creating effective and inclusive public services. Begin by educating your leadership and tech teams about WCAG standards and why inclusive design matters.
Step 2: Develop a Long-Term Accessibility Plan
A successful plan is both practical and actionable. Set clear, achievable goals and timelines to tackle accessibility improvements step by step. Integrate accessibility into development processes so it becomes a natural part of your workflow. Use metrics like WCAG compliance, user satisfaction, and reduced complaints to track progress. Regular audits and updates will keep your efforts on course, and celebrating your successes—big or small—will inspire your team and others to stay committed.
Step 3: Conduct an Accessibility Audit
Think of an audit as your roadmap. An audit will help you identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to focus your efforts where they’ll make the biggest impact.
Tools like WCAG checkers can provide helpful insights for improvements to accessibility but cannot provide a comprehensive evaluation of compliance with WCAG. For manual testing, interpreting results and priority setting, partner with accessibility experts or develop in-house expertise.
Step 4: Implement and Celebrate Quick Wins
Starting small can lead to big results. Focus on manageable improvements like adding alt text to images, fixing color contrast issues, and ensuring keyboard navigation. Prioritize updates to high-traffic areas of your websites and apps to create immediate benefits for your users. These quick wins demonstrate progress and build confidence for tackling larger challenges.
Revisit Accessibility as Standards and Products Change
Beam first engaged NCAM in 2021 to ensure our new product met WCAG compliance standards. During the initial audit, NCAM identified a few key gaps, particularly in the visual indicators of selected objects for users who navigate and submit applications exclusively via keyboard. In response, we not only addressed these issues within our platform but also implemented broader measures to strengthen our accessibility practices. This included introducing checklists, automated accessibility checkers, and a dedicated Slack channel to foster collaboration, share inspiration, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
As our team continued to upskill internally, WCAG standards evolved, and we needed to ensure our application remained compliant. To stay ahead, we re-engaged NCAM for a second audit in 2023. This time, NCAM highlighted the need to enhance the accessibility of error messaging for screen readers and improve the document upload experience—both critical aspects of the applicant journey that ensure all users, regardless of ability, can successfully submit an application.
What do these enhancements look like from the perspective of using Beam to apply for cash assistance? Now our error messages are immediate, clear, and screen-reader friendly, helping applicants easily correct any mistakes. Important buttons like "upload" are now in the proper focus order, which allows for seamless navigation for those using screen readers or keyboard navigation.
Our continued engagement with NCAM has demonstrated how even small changes can make a big impact for someone using assistive technologies.
The best time to start is now
Taking the first step toward digital accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with an audit or implement a quick win. Leverage resources like NCAM and accessibility tools to guide your efforts. Celebrate your progress—it’s not just about compliance; it’s about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. By prioritizing accessibility, your organization can lead the way in creating inclusive and innovative public services. The best time to start is now.
