How can you ensure your content meets accessibility standards after migration?

From an economic standpoint, investing in accessibility can be seen as a strategic business move. By making content accessible to a broader audience, you're tapping into a larger market share and potential customer base. This inclusivity can contribute to increased revenue and growth for businesses, making accessibility not just a legal and ethical obligation but also a wise business decision.

Accessibility is the practice of designing online content to be usable by people with diverse abilities. It transcends legal requirements, embodying a moral obligation for equitable access. Optimizing accessibility not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enhances overall user experience, usability, brand reputation, search engine optimization (SEO), and user loyalty. It promotes inclusive online environments, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in the digital realm. In essence, it's about ensuring that the vast digital landscape is navigable and enjoyable for all, regardless of their unique capabilities and needs.

First, know what iteration of WCAG guidelines your organization is bound by. Next, work closely with your in-house accessibility expert. If you don't have one, appoint someone to become that expert. Not only are companies bound by law to make their digital products accessible, but it's the right thing to do. Make sure to set up systems and processes for regular accessibility review. Also keep in mind that accessibility includes writing for everyone. This means not only for screen reader users, but also for low literacy readers, and for gender and ethnicity inclusion.

Looking at it from a project management perspective, conducting a thorough accessibility audit before migration serves as a proactive risk management strategy. Identifying and addressing accessibility issues in advance can prevent potential setbacks, delays, or customer dissatisfaction during or after the migration process. It ensures a smoother transition and minimizes the need for post-migration fixes, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the content migration project.

When getting ready to move your content, think of auditing for accessibility like giving your online space a checkup. It's about making sure everyone, no matter how they use the internet, can easily understand and enjoy what you're sharing. You can use special tools, try things out yourself, and ask people for their thoughts to see if everything is user-friendly. Pay attention to how clear and concise your words are, describe pictures for those who can't see them, and make sure videos have words written down. It's like making your online home cozy and welcoming for all your guests. Just avoid using confusing language, flashy stuff, or relying only on colors. It's a bit like preparing a space where everyone feels included and comfortable.

After planning your content move, making it accessible is the next step. Think of it like orchestrating a smooth move for your online stuff. Use tools to track and organize your content, like making a checklist for everything you have. There are tools to automate the process and make it simpler. You can use spreadsheets or special software to keep a list of what's going where. Think of it like packing your things in an organized way. Then, when you've moved everything, check to make sure it's all in the right place. You can do this by testing manually or using special tools to ensure everything is up to quality standards. It's like making sure your new online home is tidy and everything is where it should be.

Documenting your process may help those team members who work in your space adhere to the new process and systems. This not only ensures future iterations and content is kept to a higher standard, but also a way for the team to take up some of the responsibility to ensuring they produce, edit, or improve content in a similar manner.

Post-migration material accessibility requires ongoing oversight and maintenance. A governance structure with distinct roles and directives must be established to ensure standards are upheld. Frequent audits that combine automated technologies with actual user input assist in pinpointing areas in need of development. It's also critical to keep up with changing accessibility standards and incorporate them into your content strategy. This strategy complies with legal obligations and shows that you value inclusion, improving user experience, and reaching a wider audience.