Accessibility fails at one weak link

An organization is like a chain: each department and each employee is a link. If one link breaks, the whole fails. Even if the webmaster or IT department is fully committed to digital accessibility, a lack of commitment from other departments can cause inaccessible software to be purchased, policies not implemented, or communications not drafted clearly and understandably.

Consider, for example:

• Purchasing departments that have no accessibility requirements when purchasing software and systems.
• Policymakers who do not structurally include accessibility, leaving it a non-committal choice.
• Communication teams that use overly complicated language, leaving many people out.
• Developers and designers who do not consider accessibility guidelines, making digital platforms difficult for people with disabilities to use.

When all the links work together, digital accessibility becomes a natural part of the organization and not just a separate effort.

Why accessibility doesn't come naturally

Many offices have a gym. The facilities are there, but only a small proportion of employees actively use them. These are the pioneers, the ambassadors of a healthy lifestyle. They inspire others, but most colleagues continue to watch without taking action themselves.

This same principle applies to digital accessibility. In every organization, there are a few enthusiastic frontrunners who embrace and propagate accessibility. But without broader awareness and structural embedding, accessibility remains dependent on these few ambassadors. Real impact occurs only when accessibility is as natural as other work processes. This requires repetition, guidance and a culture in which digital accessibility is the norm for everyone.

From loose effort to structural improvement

Digital accessibility is not a project with an end date. It is not a one-time action that you complete and then can forget about. Think of it as a muscle: without training, it slackens, and starting over every time is inefficient.

By constantly taking small steps, you build a rhythm in which accessibility becomes more and more natural. Small adjustments lead to big progress. Eventually, accessibility becomes part of your organization's DNA. Without structural embedding, it remains a loose effort - and that's a shame.

How Shift2 helps with a sustainable approach

Just as a sports coach helps you reach your goals, improve your technique and stay motivated, Shift2 supports organizations with digital accessibility. With a structured approach, Shift2 ensures that accessibility becomes not a one-time, but an ongoing priority.

Shift2 helps organizations with:

• Understanding the WCAG guidelines and how to apply them to your digital environment.
• Technical support such as accessibility audits and user testing.
• Guidance on implementing accessibility within your work processes.
• Tools and dashboards to make accessibility measurable and insightful.
• Practical support, such as making PDFs accessible, creating an accessible procurement request, and mapping your organization's online landscape.

Each organization has different needs. Some organizations start with an accessibility scan as a starting point, while others work directly on a structural approach with policies and training. Shift2 helps organizations not only with a first step, but more importantly with sustainable integration of digital accessibility.

Take the first step today

Want to improve accessibility structurally, without starting from scratch every time? Schedule a free introduction and find out what Shift2 can do for your organization.