Accessibility myths
Category
Length
4 mins
Date
Mar 4, 2025
Introduction
Accessibility is still seen as extra work, niche or expensive. None of that holds up. Let’s clear three common myths and show how inclusive design benefits everyone.
Myth 1: “It only helps a small group”
Globally, over a billion people live with some form of disability. Good contrast, keyboard flows and alt text also help users in bright sunlight, with slow connections or temporary injuries.
Myth 2: “It kills creativity”
Constraints spark innovation. Designing for screen readers pushes clearer information hierarchy; supporting high-contrast modes sharpens colour discipline. Creativity thrives within real-world boundaries.
Myth 3: “We’ll fix it later”
Retro-fitting costs far more than baking accessibility in from the first wireframe. Linting tools, semantic HTML and colour-contrast checkers take minutes, not days.
The business case
Accessible sites rank better in search, reach wider audiences and reduce legal risk. Case studies from GOV.UK and BBC show both usability gains and lower maintenance costs.
Getting started
Use semantic HTML; divs are last resort.
Run axe DevTools or Lighthouse on every commit.
Add keyboard-only navigation to your QA checklist.
Tools worth bookmarking
WAVE browser extension, Contrast Figma plugin and PayPal’s inclusive design guide will keep your team on track.
