As 2026 approaches, accessibility continues to shift from a compliance requirement to a core component of inclusive, user-centered design. Whether you're a business leader, marketer, web developer, HR professional, event planner, or accessibility advocate, now is the ideal time to set goals, systems, and processes that reduce barriers for people with disabilities.

Planning for accessibility does not have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent improvements lead to meaningful and lasting impact. Here’s how organizations can build a more accessible 2026.

1. Start With an Accessibility Audit

Before creating new initiatives, understand your baseline.

Conduct or update a digital accessibility audit

• Evaluate your website, mobile app, and documents against the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.
• Prioritize issues that block access entirely, such as unlabeled buttons or keyboard traps.
• Document remediation needs with timelines and responsible teams.

Review physical accessibility

• Assess entrances, restrooms, signage, lighting, furniture layout, and emergency procedures.
• Consider usability from the perspective of wheelchair users, people with low vision, Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors, and neurodivergent individuals.

Build an actionable roadmap

• Translate audit findings into quarterly goals so improvements are scheduled rather than handled as one-off tasks.

2. Integrate Accessibility Into Every Project Plan

Accessibility is most effective when it is embedded early—not retrofitted at the end.

Apply accessibility checkpoints to:

• Website redesigns
• Software development sprints
• Marketing campaigns
• HR onboarding and training
• Events and conferences
• Procurement and vendor selection

Create a simple internal checklist covering color contrast, alternative text, captions, keyboard access, plain language, and other WCAG-aligned requirements, for every department to use.

3. Budget for Accessibility From the Start

Accessibility requires resources, and planning proactively is far more cost-effective than addressing barriers after launch.

Budget for:

• Accessibility consultants and third-party audits
• Captioning, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and audio description
• Accessible event features
• Staff training and certification programs
• Assistive technology and accessible workplace tools
• Ongoing monitoring and remediation

Including accessibility in the annual budget makes efforts sustainable rather than reactive.

4. Improve Content Accessibility Across Channels

Accessible communication ensures your message reaches the widest possible audience.

Prioritize accessible content by:

• Writing in plain language
• Adding alternative text to images and graphics
• Providing captions and transcripts for videos
• Offering transcripts for podcasts
• Using sufficient color contrast in visuals
• Structuring articles with clear, descriptive headings
• Creating accessible PDFs—or preferably publishing in HTML

Content teams can also create internal style guides to standardize accessibility practices across the organization.

5. Train and Empower Your Teams

Accessibility is a shared responsibility and part of organizational culture.

Offer role-specific training for:

• Designers on inclusive design strategies
• Developers on semantic HTML and keyboard navigation
• HR teams on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations
• Event planners on accessible venue selection
• Customer service teams on disability etiquette
• Leadership on accessibility strategy and organizational impact

Upskilling teams integrates accessibility into everyday decision-making.

6. Strengthen Your Accessibility Policies and Statements

Clear, transparent policies help set expectations and improve accountability.

Review and update:

• Your public accessibility statement, including standards followed and contact information for assistance
• Internal policies affecting digital, physical, and communication accessibility
• Processes for employee and customer accommodation requests

Organizations with comprehensive policies respond more quickly to accessibility needs and maintain stronger long-term compliance.

7. Make Events and Meetings More Inclusive

Accessible events—virtual, hybrid, and in-person—expand participation and improve the attendee experience.

Plan for:

• Real-time captioning for live and virtual sessions
• ASL interpreters
• Readable and accessible name badges, seating, and signage
• Multiple participation modes (chat, Q&A, microphones, typing options)
• Quiet rooms or sensory-friendly spaces
• Accessible registration forms and confirmation emails

Inclusive event design signals that everyone is welcome.

8. Plan for Key Accessibility Dates in 2026

Recognizing accessibility-related observances helps organizations create meaningful content and awareness initiatives.

Key 2026 dates include:

• January: Braille Literacy Month
• March: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• April: Autism Acceptance Month
• May 21, 2026: Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
• July 26, 2026: 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Aligning your campaigns and internal programs with these dates reinforces your commitment to accessibility.

9. Include People With Disabilities in the Process

No accessibility strategy is complete without input from the people most affected by barriers.

Invite lived experience by:

• Including people with disabilities in usability testing
• Creating internal or external advisory groups
• Hiring disabled professionals, consultants, and creators
• Gathering feedback through surveys or focus groups
• Fairly compensating all contributors

Accessibility is strongest when shaped by real user experience.

10. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing journey—not a one-time initiative.

Maintain progress by:

• Monitoring updates to WCAG, ADA guidance, and emerging global standards
• Reviewing analytics for engagement or drop-off points
• Evaluating feedback received through your accessibility contact channels
• Testing new tools and assistive technologies
• Celebrating internal milestones and successes

Continuous improvement ensures your organization evolves alongside user needs and industry standards.

A More Accessible 2026 Starts Today

When organizations commit to accessibility, everyone benefits—customers, employees, communities, and the brand itself. By auditing your current state, planning proactively, budgeting intentionally, and involving people with disabilities from the outset, your organization can make 2026 its most inclusive year yet.

If you’d like help creating an accessibility calendar, quarterly roadmap, audit checklist, or content plan, I can help—just tell me what you need.