DEVOPSdigest

More than 96% of the world's top one million web pages are not accessible. This staggering number shines a light on the fact that digital accessibility isn't just about compliance; it's about ensuring software and digital experiences are usable for all users, including the 1.3 billion people worldwide (16% of the world's population) with significant disabilities. Yet, accessibility remains an afterthought in many development workflows, leading to costly fixes and regulatory risks. Shifting accessibility testing earlier in development can help teams avoid these pitfalls.

When accessibility is integrated into DevOps pipelines from the start, companies reduce rework, streamline compliance, and improve user experience. With regulations tightening — such as the European Accessibility Act taking effect in June 2025 and upcoming ADA updates in the US — organizations that don't prioritize accessibility now risk falling behind.

Embedding Accessibility Testing into DevOps

Accessibility testing should be treated like security or performance testing — it should be continuous, automated (where possible), prioritized and owned by multiple teams, and built into every stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Defining accessibility standards early is key. Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) compliance should be a baseline, not an afterthought. Automated tools like Axe, Lighthouse, and WAVE can help catch common accessibility violations during code reviews and within CI/CD pipelines, allowing teams to address issues before they escalate into major problems. However, automated testing alone is not enough. Human users who rely on assistive technologies should be involved in the testing process to ensure real-world usability. Tracking accessibility metrics alongside performance benchmarks helps teams monitor progress and identify gaps.

The Cost of Ignoring Accessibility

Fixing an accessibility issue post-release is exponentially more expensive than addressing it during development. The cost to fix an error after release can be up to 100 times higher than catching it early. Beyond financial costs, the reputational damage of an inaccessible product can be severe, with 61% of users unlikely to return to a mobile site if they encounter usability barriers and 40% turning to a competitor's site instead.

Organizations prioritizing accessibility aren't just mitigating risk — they're expanding their market reach. The disability market is a powerful economic force. According to the Return on Disability Group research firm's 2024 Global Economics of Disability Report, the collective spending power of the total disability market is over $18 trillion. Designing inclusive experiences isn't just a regulatory checkbox; it's a business opportunity. When you consider the influence of friends and family, this market expands to include 3.3 billion potential consumers who are invested in the lives of people with disabilities. In fact, disability touches the lives of 63% of consumers worldwide.

Despite the availability of accessibility standards, many organizations struggle with implementation. Lack of awareness is a major issue, as some teams do not realize the legal and business implications. Accessibility is also often overlooked in traditional testing workflows, leading to gaps in usability. While automation can help, it cannot replace human judgment — manual testing with real users is essential to catch issues automated tools might miss.

Practical Steps to Improve Accessibility Testing

To build accessible software, teams should integrate accessibility testing into their existing DevOps processes. This involves making accessibility part of the agile workflow, ensuring continuous testing, and leveraging both automated and manual testing approaches.

Keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility should be validated early to ensure accessibility across different devices. Proper use of ARIA landmarks and semantic HTML helps assistive technologies interpret content correctly. Additionally, teams should assess color contrast and readability to improve usability for visually impaired users.

Future-Proofing Software with Proactive Accessibility

As accessibility standards evolve, companies must stay ahead by embedding accessibility into development workflows. Teams that treat accessibility testing as a core part of DevOps — not a last-minute fix — will be better equipped to meet regulatory changes, avoid costly rework, and deliver better experiences for all users.

Ultimately, accessibility is not just about compliance; it's about the user experience and creating a digital world that everyone can access and benefit from. Forward-thinking organizations that embed accessibility testing into their development pipelines will find themselves ahead of the curve — in compliance, in business, and in creating more inclusive, user-friendly products.