I once had a client request to "add accessibility" to their product two weeks before launch. They saw it as a simple checklist item to tick off before shipping. This fundamental misunderstanding is why so many products exclude users with disabilities.

Accessibility isn't something you add - it's something you build into your process from day one. It's a commitment to designing for the full spectrum of human abilities.

The business case is clear: approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. Excluding these users means losing customers, risking legal issues, and missing opportunities to create better experiences for everyone.

Start by embedding accessibility into design workflows. Use tools that check color contrast as you design. Include keyboard navigation in your prototypes. Test with screen readers regularly, not just before launch.

Involve people with disabilities in your research. Their expertise reveals blind spots that your team likely has. Professional audits are valuable, but they shouldn't be your only connection to the disability community.

Accessibility work is never truly "done." It requires ongoing education and vigilance. But the benefits extend beyond compliance - accessible design principles often lead to products that are more usable for everyone, especially in challenging contexts like bright sunlight, noisy environments, or when users are distracted.

The most inclusive products aren't created by following a checklist, but by fostering a culture where accessibility is understood as a core quality of good design.