I’m often asked for quick and easy accessibility tips or guidelines — as if there’s a magic wand that can instantly make a business accessible with the push of a button. While I understand the desire for a fast solution, accessibility isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about strategy, foresight, and a commitment to truly understanding the needs of disabled customers.
This reminds me of a legend from Segovia, Spain, about the city’s iconic Roman aqueduct (in the photo above). During my recent visit, I came across a devil’s sculpture linked to the tale. According to the story, a young woman, frustrated with carrying water, made a deal with the devil to build the aqueduct overnight in exchange for her soul. The devil eagerly accepted, confident that a quick fix would win him the woman’s soul. But the woman outwitted him — as the sun rose, a dog crossed over the aqueduct, breaking the deal and saving her soul.
While the legend centers on the idea of a “quick fix,” the actual aqueduct, built by the Romans over a thousand years ago, still stands strong today. Its success came not from a rushed solution, but from thoughtful, strategic planning and quality materials — designed to last for generations.
This legend is a reminder for businesses: quick fixes might seem tempting, but they don’t create lasting solutions. Accessibility, like the aqueduct, needs a well-planned, sustainable approach. You can’t sell your soul for a shortcut — instead, focus on building a lasting, inclusive experience for all customers, including those with disabilities.
Here’s why asking for accessibility “tips” is a short-sighted approach — and what to focus on instead:
🧩 Tips are band-aids, not solutions
Tips might help you address a minor problem here and there, but they don’t touch the systemic issues that create barriers in the first place. Real accessibility is about building an inclusive infrastructure that doesn’t rely on last-minute fixes.
📊 Strategy is proactive, not reactive
With a strategy, accessibility becomes part of the DNA of your company — your product, service, and customer experience design. Instead of scrambling to add captions, alt text, or accessible navigation as an afterthought, a strategic approach ensures that every part of the customer journey is accessible by design.
🤝 Work with experts, not assumptions
Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. While tips may seem like an easy answer, they don’t account for the unique needs of your customers. Working with an accessibility expert gives you tailored guidance, avoiding the pitfalls of assumptions and ineffective fixes.
🔍 Strategy puts customers at the center
When you build a strategy, you’re prioritizing disabled customers and treating them with the same respect and dedication as any other customer segment. Accessibility should be part of every discussion about customer service, product design, and marketing.
A Smarter approach to accessibility
Let’s focus on the bigger picture. Accessibility needs a strategy, not just a handful of tips.
Just as the Segovia aqueduct’s lasting strength came from careful planning and quality materials, your accessibility strategy needs to be built with the same foresight and expertise. Quick fixes and shortcuts may seem tempting, but they only provide temporary relief. Real success comes from a long-term, sustainable approach.
As we approach 2025, it’s time to prioritize accessibility in a meaningful way. It’s not just about meeting compliance standards – it’s about creating a better experience for all customers, especially those with disabilities.
Let’s make 2025 the year your business leads with inclusion, builds trust, and sets a new standard for accessibility.
Contact me today for consulting and training to start your journey toward a sustainable, proactive accessibility strategy. Together, we can ensure your business is ready to serve and delight every customer.