Signal #002 – When accessibility appears only after disruption
Signal to notice
Notice how digital accessibility often comes up only after a complaint or risk appears. This reflects a reactive approach rather than intentional practice. Are issues addressed early, or only once they cause disruption?
What this signal reveals
Accessibility becomes visible when it interrupts progress. A complaint is raised. A legal concern is flagged. Delivery slows down. In those moments, attention shifts quickly and action follows. Accessibility enters the conversation not because it was part of the plan, but because it created urgency. This pattern shapes how accessibility is understood across the organization. It is treated as something to respond to, not something to anticipate. Whether an issue is addressed depends on who notices it, how much pressure is attached, and how exposed the risk feels. Effort exists, but it is uneven and situational. Over time, accessibility becomes associated with disruption rather than quality. Teams want to do the right thing, but without shared expectations, work happens in bursts. Issues are handled, attention moves on, and the same pattern quietly repeats under the next deadline.
Accessibility is addressed inconsistently and reactively, driven by individual awareness or risk, rather than shared organizational intent.
What this usually indicates
- Accessibility is addressed only when issues escalate or create risk
- Responsibility varies depending on who notices the problem
- There are no shared expectations for addressing accessibility early
Related signals you may notice
- Accessibility work clusters around complaints or audits
- Fixes are made quickly, but learning does not spread
- Teams wait for direction rather than anticipating needs
What to pay attention to next
Whether accessibility enters conversations only after it causes friction or delay.
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About Denis Boudreau
Denis Boudreau is a consultant, trainer, and speaker specializing in digital accessibility and disability inclusion. He works with organizational leaders who want to equip their teams with the skills to create accessible websites and digital products – so no one is left behind. A Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA), Denis has trained thousands of web professionals over the past 20+ years and delivered hundreds of workshops in both English and French. He has helped leading brands like Netflix, Salesforce, and Victoria’s Secret embed accessibility into their digital strategies, empowering them to meet legal obligations, improve user experience, and connect with more people, more effectively.