Incorporating Accessibility into the SDLC

As accommodating users with disabilities gains momentum and importance in workplace, both in public and private sectors, the need for software and web accessibility grows as well. In the continuing pursuit of complete accessibility, companies are beginning to focus heavily on the future and taking steps to incorporate accessibility in the beginning of projects rather than making it an after thought, as it sometimes is. Starting in the infancy phases of site and system development, programmers and designers are taking steps to insure that the end product is accessible by all who wish to view and utilize their creation.

One of the most effective ways to incorporate accessibility into future solutions is to include it in the appropriate stages of the solution development lifecycle (SDLC). As far back as 2001, developers began creating tools for development teams to use in all phases of systems, applications, and processes solution development lifecycle to help achieve accessibility of all new products.

One of the most significant targets of testing is to demonstrate the product is both accessible and functional. Accessibility testing is where the application is delivering to a select assembly of users and their functioning with the application is noticed. All types of user communication with the application, like easiness of applies and whenever users are getting troubles, are preserved and examined. This is also the point when developers are able to determine whether or not users with disabilities will able to navigate the site with ease. The backbone of the site is the most important in this aspect, because of the use of screen readers and other accessibility tools utilized by people with disabilities. Your site must be able to function with or without the flashy imagery and design work you have put into it.

Three basic stages where accessibility is considered in the development lifecycle are: planning, development (this phase includes testing as well), and production. The Accessibility Competence Center (ACC) has been focused on providing development teams with a high-level tool for planning for accessibility and checking that the accessibility plans are carried out. This tool is a handover checklist known as the Accessibility Plan/Report, which is usually used in the Solution Production handover meetings from planning to development and from development to production of the solution.

By building the accessibility into the lifecycle of the solution, the program can continue to grow with the advancements of technology for those users with disabilities. Anticipating the continued growth within the software is one way of addressing the ever growing landscape of technology, and the way we adapt to these changes effects not only those who utilize your online services, but your business as well.