Unlocking Accessibility: My Journey of Crafting Custom Tools

In my journey as a subject matter expert in Digital Accessibility, I've encountered a plethora of tools aimed at improving accessibility. From defect identification to testing and training, these tools play a crucial role in my work. However, with each new tool, I've experienced both excitement and disappointment in terms of how tools can and cannot enhance my workflow. As someone who prioritizes process over tools, I've learned to leverage a11y tools to enhance my overall approach.

Over the past year, I've taken matters into my own hands and developed two major accessibility tools (web applications) for myself that allow me to better serve my clients. These tools have instantiated significant improvements in the manner?in which I approach accessibility audits, assessments, strategy, and development.?

1. Accessibility Defect Management Tool: This tool streamlines the reporting process for accessibility audits. It automates tasks like report customization, data collection, and analysis, reducing the manual workload significantly.

2. Maturity Evaluation Tool: This tool assesses a business's level of accessibility maturity and delivers actionable insights and recommendations. It simplifies the assessment process, ensuring consistent and high-quality results.

So, what have these tools brought to the table?

1. Efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks and report generation, I've saved a substantial amount of time and effort. These tools allow me to focus on the more critical aspects of my work - serving the client through human language and human interaction and simplifying the process to identify, diagnose, mitigate, and remediate accessibility defects.

2. Consistency: The tools align seamlessly with my established process, and best practices across accessibility, ensuring that I can consistently deliver what the client needs to identify issues, make decisions, and take action.

3. Reliability: Instead of relying solely on technology, these tools harness it to enhance my processes. This reliability ensures that I can depend on process to solve problems and leverage tooling to speed up process.?

The exciting part is that you can build your own tools too! Here's a simplified guide to get you started:

1. Create a Problem-Solving Process: Identify the specific issues your clients face and develop a structured process to address them effectively.

2. Automate Manual Tasks: Analyze your workflow and identify tasks that can be automated. Look for existing tools or consider building your own to streamline these processes.

3. Start with Rapid Prototyping: Utilize accessible tools like spreadsheets and databases along with scripting (e.g., Google Apps Script) for rapid prototyping. It's a quick way to test your ideas and make adjustments.

4. Continuous Refinement: As you gain more insights and feedback, refine your tools and processes to make them even more effective.

5. Don't Forget Snacks!: Building tools can be a rewarding but intensive process. Treat yourself to some snacks to keep the creative energy flowing!

I think the most important thing for me with which to close is this:? Don't just go shopping for tools. Build your own to drive mastery over the processes that matter for real impact. These tools work for me because they are build upon the manual processes and best practices that I’ve honed over my 20-year career in digital accessibility.? In that, I’ve found that the act of codifying your knowledge will hone your expertise and problem-solving ability better than anything? pre-made.?

?It’s my belief that? crafting your own solutions and integrating them into your workflow, you can elevate your efficiency, consistency, and reliability, ultimately delivering exceptional results for your clients. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and start building tools that empower your accessibility endeavors. Your clients will thank you for it!