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Workflow Long-term A11y Maintenance

Long-term Accessibility Maintenance

Accessibility doesn’t end with the first release - it’s a continuous process. New content, updates, or framework changes can lead to new barriers. A sustainable maintenance process ensures that digital offerings remain permanently accessible.

Goal: Permanently anchor accessibility in operations and maintenance processes.

Schedule Regular Reviews:

  • Re-testing for major changes, redesigns, or technical modifications

  • Planned reviews e.g. semi-annually or at release points

  • Regression tests with automated tools or targeted checks

Establish Monitoring:

  • Use of monitoring tools (e.g. Axe Monitor, Siteimprove, Pa11y Dashboard)

  • Creation of an accessibility dashboard with metrics, test history, and to-dos

  • Regular reports to product owners and stakeholders

Document Processes and Clarify Responsibilities:

  • Define roles for quality assurance, A11y monitoring, technical implementation

  • Include accessibility criteria in Definition of Done and maintenance processes

  • Maintain change documentation with reference to A11y relevance

Continuously Incorporate Feedback:

  • Provide reporting options for users (e.g. form, email, shortcut)

  • Regularly review and categorize feedback

  • Feed recurring issues back into design and development

Training and Awareness:

  • Training for new team members (e.g. onboarding with A11y focus)

  • Knowledge transfer through internal documentation or Communities of Practice

  • Monitor and incorporate current developments (e.g. WCAG 2.2, new tools)

Conclusion: Those who understand and systematically maintain accessibility as part of the product lifecycle reduce long-term effort, increase quality, and decrease the risk of legal violations. Accessibility is not a project - it’s an attitude in digital work.