Session recap · CSUN 2026
What this talk covered
Small businesses often assume accessibility is too technical, too expensive, or simply not for them. This session challenged all three assumptions with data, free tools, and a four-step roadmap any organization can start following immediately.
The session opened with the business case: over 1.3 billion people globally identify as having a disability, representing $13 trillion in spending power—and 71% of customers with disabilities leave websites they can't use. Accessibility isn't charity. It's a market access issue.
From there, the session walked through four practical steps any SMB can take:
- Assess what you have. Start with quick checks anyone can do: can you navigate the site with only a keyboard? Do images have descriptions? Is text readable without zooming? Free tools like axe DevTools and a color contrast analyzer cover the basics without requiring a specialist.
- Prioritize fixes that matter most. Not all barriers are equal. Missing alt text, poor color contrast, keyboard navigation failures, and unlabeled form fields affect the most users—fix those first. Complex patterns come later.
- Choose vendors and partners wisely. Know the right questions to ask. If a vendor promises instant compliance through an overlay, walk away. Ask about WCAG standards, real-user testing, and their remediation process.
- Build sustainable habits. Accessibility isn't a one-time fix. Before publishing, check alt text and color contrast. Run automated scans monthly. Review manually each quarter. Small habits compound.
The session closed with a challenge: don't wait for perfect. Progress beats perfection. Start today with one page and build from there.
What this session covers
Small and mid-sized businesses often want to do the right thing, but accessibility feels like a maze: unclear advice, unknown costs, and fear of getting it wrong. This session turns that maze into a sequence of practical moves.
A usable starting line
What to do first when you don’t have specialists, tooling, or time.
Simple, repeatable tests
A small set of checks you can run consistently—without becoming an expert overnight.
Prioritization that makes sense
Fix what helps customers most, first—then build momentum.
Trust as a product outcome
Why accessibility strengthens credibility, customer experience, and repeat business.
Learning objectives
- Identify high-impact practices SMBs can implement with limited resources.
- Use simple, repeatable tests to assess a small business website.
- Prioritize fixes that deliver the biggest customer impact first.
- Understand how accessibility strengthens trust and customer experience.