Developing Accessible Software

Accessibility should be considered at every stage of the software development lifecycle—from initial planning through ongoing maintenance. Building accessibility in from the beginning helps ensure software is usable by all individuals and reduces the need for costly remediation later.

This page outlines the recommended process for incorporating accessibility into internally developed software in accordance with the Software, Systems, and Applications Standard. As a general rule, development teams are responsible for creating accessible software, with guidance and support from Digital Accessibility Services.

1

Plan for Accessibility

At the start of your project:

  • Identify and document accessibility requirements early.
  • Include applicable accessibility standards in functional and technical requirements.
  • Evaluate any third-party components or integrations for accessibility.
 
2

Design

Before development begins:

  • Incorporate accessibility principles into user interface and interaction design, including: keyboard access, color contrast, focus management, and clear structure.
  • Review accessibility as part of design approval.
 
3

Development

During development:

  • Accessibility standards are followed during coding and configuration.
  • Native platform accessibility features and semantic structures are used whenever available.
  • Treat accessibility as a core part of quality, alongside performance and security.
 
4

Testing and Quality Assurance

Throughout development:

  • Perform accessibility testing during development—not only at the end.
  • Use a combination of automated tools and manual testing (e.g., keyboard navigation, screen reader checks).
  • Address issues as they are identified.
 
5

Deployment and Release

Before launching:

  • Confirm accessibility has been reviewed before launch.
  • Ensure any known issues are documented and a fix is prioritized.
 
6

Maintenance and Updates

After launch:

  • Reassess accessibility when making updates or enhancements
  • Address reported accessibility issues in a timely manner
 
7

Governance and Accountability

Across the project:

  • Roles and responsibilities for accessibility are clearly defined within the development process.
  • Development teams receive ongoing guidance and training related to accessibility expectations.

Need Help?

Digital Accessibility Services can support accessibility at any stage of development, including design reviews, testing guidance, and remediation strategies.