Signal #005 – When accessibility data guides decisions, not explanations
Signal to notice
Review accessibility data regularly, not just when problems arise. Data should inform priorities, not sit in reports. Are leaders actively using accessibility metrics to guide decisions?
What this signal reveals
At this stage, accessibility data exists and is trusted. Audits are run. Dashboards are available. Metrics show coverage, compliance, and change over time. The critical difference is how that data is used. In less mature environments, accessibility data is pulled out to explain a failure or justify a fix. It looks backward. Invested organizations use data differently. Accessibility metrics are reviewed as part of regular leadership rhythm. Patterns are examined across platforms and over time. Leaders notice where progress holds and where the same issues keep resurfacing. Data stops being evidence after the fact and becomes an input into planning, prioritization, and risk management. The value here is not perfect measurement. It is direction. When leaders consistently reference accessibility data in decisions, teams understand what matters. Effort aligns. Trade-offs become clearer. Accessibility moves from something that is checked to something that is actively managed.
Accessibility is measured, monitored, and increasingly used to guide priorities and investment.
What this usually indicates
- Accessibility metrics are reviewed beyond incident response
- Leaders use data to spot patterns and set priorities
- Accessibility performance informs planning and resourcing
Related signals you may notice
- Regular accessibility dashboards discussed in leadership forums
- Clear links between findings and funded improvements
- Fewer surprises as risks are identified earlier
What to pay attention to next
Whether accessibility data is consistently shaping decisions, not just explaining problems after they occur.
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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.