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Why Accessibility Remediation Matters and How to Get It Right

Accessibility remediation
Accessibility remediation might sound like a complex, technical process, but it’s really about making simple changes that have a big impact. The goal is to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access and use digital content without barriers.
In this guide, we’ll go over what accessibility remediation means, how to fix accessibility issues, and why it benefits both your audience and your business. Without waiting further, let’s get started.

What is Accessibility Remediation?

Accessibility remediation is the process of fixing barriers that make it hard for people with disabilities to access and use digital content, products, or physical spaces. It’s about making sure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate and interact with websites, apps, documents, and buildings without difficulty.
In digital spaces, this often means improving websites, software, or online materials to follow accessibility guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). For example, if a website has images without alt text, someone with a visual impairment using a screen reader won’t know what those images represent. Fixing this would involve adding clear descriptions so that screen readers can read them aloud. Other common fixes include adjusting font sizes, improving color contrast, and ensuring that websites can be navigated using only a keyboard.
The goal is simple: to create an inclusive environment where everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities. By addressing accessibility barriers, businesses and other organizations can make sure that no one is left out.

Why Accessibility Remediation is Important in the Digital World

When websites, apps, and digital documents are designed with accessibility in mind, they become usable for a wider audience, improving the experience for everyone.
For many users, accessibility barriers can make even basic online tasks frustrating or impossible. Someone with a visual impairment may struggle to read content if there is poor color contrast or missing alt text for images. A person with mobility challenges might find it hard to navigate a website that doesn’t support keyboard-only use. Addressing these issues ensures that digital spaces are inclusive, allowing all users to engage fully.
Businesses and organizations also benefit from accessibility remediation. A more inclusive website or app reaches a broader audience, improves user experience, and even boosts search rankings. It also helps avoid legal risks, as many countries have laws requiring digital accessibility.
Ensuring accessibility is an ongoing process. Regular checks, user feedback, and updates help maintain an inclusive digital environment where no one is excluded. By prioritizing accessibility remediation, organizations create a more user-friendly and welcoming online space for everyone.

What Does Accessibility Remediation Include?

Making digital content accessible means ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and understand it. Accessibility remediation covers different types of content, from websites and documents to videos and audio files. Here’s what it involves:

  1. Making Websites Accessible

    A website should be easy for everyone to navigate, including people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities. Website accessibility services focus on fixing issues like missing alt text for images, poor color contrast, and keyboard navigation problems. The goal is to ensure that users can interact with the website without barriers, whether they’re using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive technologies.

  2. Fixing Accessibility Issues in Online Documents

    Documents like PDFs, Word files, and presentations need to be structured properly so that screen readers can read them correctly. PDF and document remediation services help ensure that headings, tables, lists, and images are tagged properly for accessibility. Without these fixes, people with disabilities may struggle to understand the content or navigate through the document smoothly.

  3. Improving Video Accessibility

    Videos should be accessible to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. Video accessibility includes adding captions for those who cannot hear, audio descriptions for those who cannot see, and transcripts for better accessibility. These features make it possible for everyone to follow along with the content, regardless of their abilities.

  4. Enhancing Podcasts and Audio Files

    Audio content, such as podcasts, should also be accessible to all listeners. Audio description services provide transcripts and descriptions that help people who are deaf or hard of hearing engage with the content. Adding clear transcripts ensures that no one misses out on important information.

What is the Process of Accessibility Remediation?

  1. Finding Accessibility Issues

    The first step is to check the website for any barriers that might make it hard for people with disabilities to use. This is done through an accessibility audit, which looks at whether the site meets web accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

    Website owners can do this manually by following checklists, but it’s often helpful to get experts involved. Professionals who understand both the technical side of websites and WCAG guidelines can spot issues that might be overlooked.

    There are also automated tools that scan websites quickly and point out accessibility problems. While these tools can help, they work best when combined with a manual review.

  2. Fixing the Issues

    Once the audit is done, the next step is to address the issues that were found. Some common fixes include:

    • Adding alt text to images so screen readers can describe them.
    • Making sure text has good contrast against its background.
    • Ensuring the site works properly with keyboard navigation.
    • Adding captions and transcripts for videos and audio content.

  3. Keeping the Website Accessible

    Fixing accessibility issues once isn’t enough. Websites change over time, and new content can create new problems. That’s why it’s important to:

    • Regularly check for new accessibility issues, especially after updates or redesigns.
    • Stay up to date with accessibility laws, as they may change over time.
    • Keep track of the website’s accessibility status for compliance with legal requirements.

Making Content Accessible with Continual Engine

Creating inclusive content shouldn’t be complicated or time-consuming. Continual Engine helps organizations make their digital materials accessible by using advanced AI technology to simplify the process.
With automation tools that generate image descriptions, add captions to videos, and improve overall accessibility, Continual Engine ensures high-quality results while saving time and effort. Whether you’re an educator, publisher, or business, these solutions help you meet accessibility standards without slowing down your work.

By making digital content accessible to everyone, Continual Engine supports inclusion and ensures that people with diverse needs can engage with information without barriers.

Want to make your content accessible?
Learn More

Editors:

Debangku Sarma

Digital Marketing Associate
Continual Engine

Vijayshree Vethantham

Senior Vice-President, Growth & Strategy
Continual Engine US LLC

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