Building accessibility into Agile: Practical strategies

Vibe check – why accessibility must be built into agile from the start

Agile development has transformed software creation with its focus on flexibility, collaboration, and continuous delivery. But in fast-paced agile environments, accessibility is often overlooked, treated as an afterthought instead of a core priority.

Ensuring that digital products are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, isn’t just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity and user-centered design. By embedding accessibility into the agile process from the start, teams can create products that are usable by all people, avoid costly retrofitting, and foster a culture of inclusivity.

Let’s explore how to integrate accessibility into agile development and ensure every iteration moves toward a more inclusive experience.

Elevate the vibe – why accessibility should be an agile priority

Agile thrives on incremental progress, frequent iterations, and responsiveness to change. Without a built-in accessibility focus, teams risk pushing accessibility fixes to later stages, increasing costs and legal risks.

Improving overall usability

Accessibility best practices, like clear navigation and keyboard functionality, benefit all people, not just those with disabilities. Reducing friction improves user satisfaction across diverse audiences.

Preventing costly retrofits

Fixing accessibility issues post-development is far more expensive than addressing them upfront. Embedding accessibility early minimizes rework and ensures compliance from the start.

Enhancing product quality

Inclusive design leads to better structured, well-thought-out products. Encouraging teams to consider diverse user needs improves the overall experience.

Building brand trust and compliance

Companies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate commitment to inclusivity. Ensuring compliance with legal requirements like WCAG and section 508 reduces legal risks.

Vibe up – how to assess accessibility in agile development

Want to see how well your agile process supports accessibility? Try these:

Review past sprints—how often was accessibility explicitly considered?

Assess your team’s definition of "done"—does it include accessibility criteria?

Conduct a quick audit of your backlog—are there unresolved accessibility-related tasks?

Vibe boost – how to embed accessibility into agile development

Shift left: address accessibility early

Include accessibility in early project discussions and planning. Ensure accessibility is a core requirement in user stories and design wireframes. Consider diverse needs, including those who rely on assistive technologies.

Make accessibility a shared responsibility

Accessibility isn’t just for specialists—it’s a team-wide responsibility. Train designers, developers, and testers on accessibility best practices. Foster collaboration by embedding accessibility advocates within agile teams.

Incorporate accessibility into user stories and acceptance criteria

Write user stories that account for accessibility needs (e.g., “as a screen reader user, I need clear heading structures to navigate efficiently”). Define acceptance criteria that include accessibility checkpoints (e.g., “this feature must be navigable using only a keyboard”).

Integrate accessibility testing into every sprint

Perform automated and manual accessibility testing within each sprint. Test with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and color contrast tools. Include accessibility testing as part of the definition of done for each feature.

Use design sprints to explore accessibility solutions

Dedicate time to designing accessible interfaces. Prototype and test with people with disabilities for real-world feedback. Iterate designs based on usability findings to enhance accessibility.

Self-reflection – evaluating accessibility in your agile process

Think about accessibility in your agile process:

Is accessibility integrated into your team’s workflow, or is it an afterthought?

What barriers prevent your team from making accessibility a priority?

How can you advocate for accessibility in your agile environment?

Write down your thoughts or discuss them with your team to foster a more inclusive agile process.

Vibe up – action plan for strengthening accessibility in agile

Applying what you’ve learned

Add accessibility checks to your definition of done. Audit an active project to identify accessibility gaps.

Sharing the knowledge

Lead an accessibility workshop or discussion in your agile team. Advocate for accessibility considerations in daily stand-ups or planning meetings.

Keeping learning

Follow accessibility professionals and resources to stay updated. Enroll in an accessibility training course to deepen your expertise.

By embedding accessibility into agile from the start, teams can create digital experiences that work for everyone—without waiting until it’s too late.