Accessibility isn't a one-time checkbox - it's an ongoing practice. Just like any other aspect of code quality, accessibility can regress over time. Features get added, components get modified, and without attention, barriers creep back in. AI-powered tools like Devonair can catch these regressions automatically.
This guide covers accessibility maintenance - the practices and AI-driven automation that keep your software accessible as it evolves. Maintaining accessibility ensures all users can continue to use your product, not just those who were considered at launch.
Why Accessibility Regresses
Understanding how accessibility erodes.
The Regression Pattern
How accessibility gets lost:
Accessibility regression:
- New feature added without a11y testing
- Component modified, aria labels lost
- Design changed, contrast broken
- Refactor alters semantic structure
Each change is an opportunity for regression.
Why It Happens
Causes of regression:
Regression causes:
- Accessibility not in definition of done
- No automated testing
- Knowledge gaps on team
- Pressure to ship fast
- "We'll fix it later"
Without explicit attention, accessibility suffers.
The Impact
Consequences of regression:
Regression impact:
- Users can't complete tasks
- Legal liability increases
- SEO may suffer
- Market segment excluded
- Reputation damage
Regression has real consequences.
Building Accessible from the Start
Prevention is easier than remediation.
Accessible Component Library
Build on accessible foundations:
@devonair accessible components:
- Components built accessibly
- Tested for a11y
- Easy to use correctly
- Hard to use incorrectly
Good foundations prevent issues.
Semantic HTML
Use HTML correctly:
@devonair semantic HTML:
- Correct element choices
- Proper heading hierarchy
- Form labels connected
- ARIA when needed
Semantics provide accessibility free.
Design System Support
Design supports accessibility:
@devonair design accessibility:
- Color contrast requirements
- Focus state standards
- Touch target sizes
- Typography standards
Accessible design enables accessible code.
Keyboard Navigation
Everything keyboard accessible:
@devonair keyboard support:
- All interactions keyboard accessible
- Focus management correct
- Skip links present
- Keyboard traps prevented
Keyboard access is fundamental.
Automated Accessibility Testing
Catch issues automatically.
Static Analysis
Find issues in code:
@devonair static a11y analysis:
- Missing alt text detection
- Form label association
- ARIA role validation
- Semantic structure checking
Static analysis finds common issues.
Automated Testing
Test accessibility in tests:
@devonair automated a11y testing:
- Accessibility testing in CI
- Component-level testing
- Page-level testing
- Regression detection
AI-powered automated testing catches regression.
CI Integration
Block accessibility regression:
@devonair CI integration:
- A11y tests in pipeline
- Fail on a11y issues
- Clear feedback
- Required for merge
CI enforcement prevents regression.
Limitations
Know what automation catches:
Automation limitations:
- Can't catch everything
- ~30% of issues detectable
- Manual testing still needed
- False positives possible
Automation is necessary but not sufficient.
Manual Accessibility Testing
Human testing catches what automation misses.
Keyboard Testing
Test with keyboard only:
Manual keyboard testing:
- Tab through interface
- Verify focus visible
- Verify all actions possible
- Check focus order logical
Keyboard testing is essential.
Screen Reader Testing
Test with screen readers:
Manual screen reader testing:
- Test with common screen readers
- Verify content announced correctly
- Verify navigation works
- Verify forms usable
Screen readers reveal hidden issues.
Regular Audit Cadence
Schedule manual testing:
@devonair audit cadence:
- Major features: Before launch
- Quarterly: Full audit
- Monthly: Spot checks
- Continuous: User feedback
Regular audits catch what's missed.
User Testing
Real users find real issues:
User testing:
- Include users with disabilities
- Real usage scenarios
- Diverse assistive technologies
- Feedback incorporated
User testing is the gold standard.
Accessibility in Development Workflow
Making accessibility part of normal work.
Definition of Done
Accessibility in completion:
@devonair definition of done:
- A11y requirements defined
- Automated tests pass
- Keyboard testing complete
- Basic screen reader check
Done means accessible.
PR Review for Accessibility
Review includes accessibility:
@devonair PR review:
- A11y checklist in review
- Semantic structure reviewed
- ARIA usage validated
- Focus management checked
Review catches accessibility issues.
Design Review
Catch issues in design:
@devonair design review:
- Contrast checking
- Focus state design
- Touch targets
- Content structure
Early design review prevents code issues.
Developer Tooling
Tools that help developers:
@devonair developer tools:
- Browser extensions
- Editor plugins
- Local testing tools
- Quick feedback
Tooling enables developers.
Managing Accessibility Debt
When accessibility issues accumulate.
Accessibility Backlog
Track accessibility issues:
@devonair a11y backlog:
- Issues documented
- Severity assessed
- Impact understood
- Prioritized for fixing
Visibility enables progress.
Prioritization
Fix most impactful first:
@devonair a11y prioritization:
- User impact severity
- Usage frequency
- Legal risk
- Fix effort
Prioritize by impact.
Remediation Approach
Fixing existing issues:
@devonair remediation:
- Address during related work
- Dedicated a11y sprints
- Gradual improvement
- Track progress
Remediate strategically.
Prevention Focus
Stop new issues:
@devonair prevention:
- Better testing
- Training
- Process improvements
- Foundation fixes
Prevention beats remediation.
Team Knowledge
Building accessibility capability.
Accessibility Training
Team knows accessibility:
Accessibility training:
- Basic a11y understanding
- WCAG guidelines
- Testing techniques
- Common patterns
Training enables action.
Champions
Accessibility expertise:
Accessibility champions:
- Team a11y experts
- Point of contact
- Review support
- Knowledge sharing
Champions spread knowledge.
Documentation
Accessibility guidance:
@devonair a11y documentation:
- Team a11y standards
- Pattern library
- Testing procedures
- Resources
Documentation enables consistency.
Continuous Learning
Accessibility evolves:
Continuous learning:
- Stay current with standards
- Learn from user feedback
- Share learnings
- Improve practices
Keep learning.
Monitoring and Metrics
Track accessibility over time.
Accessibility Metrics
What to measure:
@devonair a11y metrics:
- Issues detected in CI
- Audit findings over time
- Issue resolution rate
- Coverage of testing
Metrics show progress.
Trend Tracking
Direction matters:
@devonair trend tracking:
- Improving or regressing?
- New issues introduced?
- Old issues resolved?
- Coverage increasing?
Trends show trajectory.
User Feedback
Users report issues:
@devonair user feedback:
- Feedback mechanism exists
- Users can report issues
- Feedback tracked
- Issues addressed
User feedback is valuable signal.
Getting Started
Begin accessibility maintenance.
Establish baseline:
@devonair establish baseline:
- Current a11y state
- Known issues documented
- Testing gaps identified
- Goals set
Start with understanding.
Enable automation:
@devonair enable automation:
- Add a11y testing to CI
- Configure linting
- Establish thresholds
- Block regressions
AI automation catches issues.
Build into workflow:
@devonair workflow integration:
- A11y in definition of done
- A11y in code review
- Regular audits scheduled
- User testing planned
Integration ensures attention.
Invest in team:
@devonair team investment:
- Training provided
- Champions identified
- Resources available
- Culture supportive
Team capability enables quality.
Accessibility maintenance ensures your software remains usable by everyone. By building on accessible foundations, testing continuously, and making accessibility part of your development workflow, you prevent regression and maintain an inclusive product.
FAQ
How much can automated testing catch?
AI-powered tools catch roughly 30% of accessibility issues. They're essential for catching regressions but insufficient alone. Manual testing - especially keyboard and screen reader testing - catches what automation misses.
What's the minimum accessibility testing we should do?
At minimum: automated testing in CI, keyboard testing of new features, and quarterly manual audits. More is better, but this baseline catches major issues and prevents obvious regressions.
How do we handle legacy code with accessibility issues?
Document the issues. Prioritize by impact. Fix during related work. Consider dedicated remediation for critical issues. Focus on preventing new issues while gradually addressing old ones.
How do we get buy-in for accessibility work?
Connect to business value - legal compliance, market reach, SEO benefits, user satisfaction. Accessibility benefits many users, not just those using assistive technology. Frame as quality, not charity.