Throughout my experience in UI and UX design, I’ve noticed that accessibility is often treated as an ‘extra’ rather than a fundamental necessity.
Having worked with clients of all sizes—from large corporations like Bancolombia to startups and mid-sized companies—I’ve seen significant differences in how accessibility is approached. While larger companies, often due to regulations, have started integrating accessibility standards, many smaller businesses tend to overlook it entirely.
The challenge isn’t just the lack of implementation but also the mindset. When accessibility comes up, the common response is, “It’s not a priority right now; we’ll get to it later.” But what does ‘later’ really mean? Does it mean after losing potential users, facing search engine penalties, or watching competitors gain an edge by prioritizing inclusivity?
Addressing accessibility early isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating better experiences for everyone. The sooner businesses recognize this, the stronger their digital presence will be
Accessibility Is Not Optional—Yet Many Still Treat It That Way
Take the case of Bancolombia, one of the largest financial institutions in Latin America. In recent years, accessibility has become a key part of their digital platforms. While not perfect, they have made continuous improvements, such as screen reader compatibility, appropriate contrast ratios, and keyboard navigation options. Why? Because they are required to comply with international regulations and standards. Failing to do so could not only harm their reputation but also lead to legal consequences.
Now, if we shift our focus to small and medium-sized companies, the story is quite different. Many don’t even consider accessibility from the start of a project. I’ve seen businesses with outstanding digital products struggle with the most basic issues—low-contrast text, forms that are impossible to complete without a mouse, and designs that don’t function properly on small screens or with assistive technologies.
But accessibility isn’t just about users with disabilities—it affects everyone. Think about those moments when you’re trying to use an app under direct sunlight, only to realize the text is unreadable due to poor contrast. That, too, is an accessibility issue.
Accessibility Isn’t Just for Users—It’s Also for Search Engines
Beyond the impact on user experience, accessibility plays a crucial role in SEO. Google has made it clear that user experience is a key ranking factor, and an inaccessible site is likely to struggle in search results.
Elements such as properly labeled images, a well-structured semantic HTML, optimized loading speeds, and responsive design don’t just enhance accessibility—they also improve search engine indexing. Ignoring accessibility often means sabotaging a website’s own visibility and performance.
A Mindset Shift Is Urgent
Many companies see accessibility as an added cost or a delay in project timelines. But in reality, that only happens when it’s treated as an afterthought. When accessibility is integrated from the design phase, it’s not an extra expense—it’s an optimization that benefits everyone.
It’s time for small and mid-sized companies to stop viewing accessibility as a luxury reserved for large corporations and recognize it for what it truly is: a fundamental standard of quality. If Bancolombia and other major companies have embraced it, it’s not just because regulations demand it—it’s because they understand its direct impact on user retention and digital presence.
If accessibility is still on your “we’ll get to it later” list, be aware that the competition taking it seriously will likely move ahead—leaving you behind.
