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Accessibility in website development isn’t just a checklist, it’s a mindset. While many developers understand the importance of building inclusive digital experiences, turning that understanding into consistent, sustainable practice can be challenging.
From conflicting priorities to knowledge gaps and tight deadlines, developers often face real-world obstacles when trying to implement accessibility. But with the right strategies, tooling, and team culture, accessibility can become a natural part of the development process, rather than an afterthought.
In this article, we will explore the most common challenges teams face when trying to deliver accessible websites and apps, and highlight practical solutions to embed accessibility into everyday workflows.
What are the biggest challenges developers face with web accessibility?
Before we can improve accessibility, it’s important to understand the barriers that often prevent developers and teams from delivering inclusive digital experiences.
1. Lack of Accessibility Knowledge or Training
Many developers receive little to no formal training in accessibility. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) can be overwhelming, and developers are often left trying to interpret them without real-world context or examples.
The result?
Confusion, mistakes, or fear of doing it wrong, leading some to avoid accessibility altogether.
Solution:
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Provide role-specific accessibility training for developers and QA engineers.
Create internal guides with code-level examples tailored to your technology stack.
Offer access to accessibility specialists who can mentor teams.
Encourage learning through trusted resources like WebAIM, Deque University, and MDN Web Docs.
2. Pressure to Deliver Quickly
In fast-paced agile environments, accessibility may be seen as a “nice to have” that slows down delivery. Sprint deadlines often push accessibility into the backlog.
Solution:
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Integrate accessibility into the Definition of Done.
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Add accessibility tickets during backlog planning, not after launch.
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Use automated tools such as axe, Lighthouse, or Pa11y in CI pipelines.
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Incorporate accessibility checks into code reviews.
3. Unclear Ownership or Responsibility
When accessibility is not explicitly assigned, responsibility can get lost. Developers may assume designers will handle it, while designers may expect QA to cover it later.
Solution:
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Clarify accessibility roles and responsibilities across the team.
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Apply the “shift left” approach by involving everyone early, from developers to content writers.
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Use a RACI chart to ensure accountability.
4. Insufficient Tooling or Testing Processes
Automated tools catch only 20–40% of accessibility issues. More complex barriers, especially those affecting screen reader users, require manual testing.
Solution:
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Pair automated checks with manual testing using screen readers such as NVDA or VoiceOver.
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Schedule accessibility QA in each sprint.
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Use component libraries that follow web development accessibility standards, ensuring accessible modals, tooltips, and navigation from the start.
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Integrating accessibility testing into website development workflows ensures quality is maintained throughout the development cycle.
5. Misconceptions About Accessibility
There are still persistent myths that make accessibility seem harder than it is. Common misconceptions include:
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“Accessibility is just for blind people.”
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“It’s only needed for the public sector or regulated industries.”
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“Making things accessible means compromising on aesthetics.”
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“Disabled people don’t use our site anyway.”
Want to learn more? Read our full guide on accessibility myths.
Solution:
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Share stats with your team: There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, and most impairments are non-visual (e.g. cognitive, mobility, auditory).
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Highlight how accessibility improves usability for everyone; think of closed captions, dark mode, or larger tap targets.
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Showcase positive examples from companies that excel in accessibility (e.g. GOV.UK , Apple, BBC).
Strategies for Embedding Accessibility into Development Workflows
Once the challenges are clear, the next step is building practical strategies that make accessibility a consistent, natural part of the everyday website development process.
1. Adopt Accessibility as a Continuous Process
Accessibility is not a one-time fix. Like performance or security, it requires continuous attention.
Tactics:
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Maintain a living accessibility backlog.
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Add accessibility checks in retros and sprint planning.
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Run regular audits using both automated and manual methods.
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Track progress through accessibility dashboards.
Embedding accessibility into website development at every stage ensures improvements last beyond a single project.
2. Build Accessible Components from the Ground Up
Reusable UI components are a developer’s best friend, but only if they’re accessible.
Tactics:
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Start with semantic HTML before layering on ARIA roles.
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Make sure components work with keyboards, screen readers, and touch devices.
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Test components in isolation with assistive tech.
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Document accessibility behaviours in your design system (e.g. expected keyboard interactions).
An approach like this is especially important when building accessible websites, as well-designed components reduce technical debt and support long-term scalability.
3. Foster Collaboration Between Designers and Developers
Many accessibility issues originate in design, contrast issues, inaccessible layouts, or unlabelled icons. Developers shouldn’t be left to retrofit accessibility at the build stage.
Tactics:
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Involve developers in design reviews to spot issues early.
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Use tools like Figma plugins (e.g. Stark) to check colour contrast.
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Ensure design tokens (font size, colour, spacing) support accessible defaults.
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Encourage designers to provide labels, focus states, and error messages in mock-ups.
Stronger collaboration between designers and developers during website building helps prevent issues before they reach production. Our cultural change programmes help teams build the shared values and behaviours needed to make accessibility a natural part of collaboration.
4. Integrate Accessibility Testing Into QA
Don’t wait for users to report issues. Include accessibility in your testing strategy just like functionality and performance.
Tactics:
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Add accessibility test cases to your QA checklist.
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Use personas or real users with disabilities for usability testing.
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Test across platforms: desktop, mobile, tablet; different browsers and assistive technologies.
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Prioritise fixing blockers like missing focus, inaccessible forms, and unreadable text.
A broader perspective shows that accessibility in software development extends beyond websites, influencing applications and digital platforms as well.
5. Promote a Culture of Inclusion
No tool or guideline can replace a genuine, team-wide commitment to inclusion. Creating a culture where accessibility matters to everyone is the most powerful step you can take.
Tactics:
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Celebrate accessibility wins in team retros or Slack channels.
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Run empathy sessions where developers try navigating with a screen reader or keyboard only.
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Invite disabled users or accessibility experts to share their lived experiences.
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Make accessibility part of your company’s values, not just compliance goals.
Practical guides on web accessibility for developers can also help teams apply consistent standards and foster empathy. To see how organisations can embed inclusion as a core value, explore our Lead with Inclusion approach.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility in website development is about more than compliance. It is about building inclusive, sustainable digital products that improve user experience for everyone. By investing in training, clarifying roles, using better tools, and embedding accessibility into workflows, your team can consistently deliver accessible websites that meet modern expectations.
To take the next step, try our Accessibility Scanner Tool and see how your website performs. It’s a simple way to identify issues and start building more inclusive digital experiences.