Progress Over Perfection in PDF Accessibility

Many organizations aspire to make their digital content accessible, but they often feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope and complexity of the project. The pursuit of perfection can be daunting, leading some to abandon accessibility efforts altogether. However, there’s a more pragmatic approach: “progress over perfection.” This philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement, even when achieving absolute perfection seems out of reach.

In the context of accessibility, adopting this mindset encourages us to take incremental steps toward better digital inclusivity. Each small improvement contributes to a more accessible experience for all users. By prioritizing progress, we not only enhance inclusivity but also reduce the risk of digital accessibility lawsuits and expand our audience.

Remember, it’s okay if perfection remains elusive—what truly matters is the journey toward greater accessibility. 

The Importance of Strategic Planning

Achieving accessibility, especially on a large scale such as making all documents accessible, necessitates strategic planning. Designate an individual or a team to spearhead the effort. Establish and enforce an accessibility policy across the organization to set the groundwork for success. Develop a comprehensive plan, even if the timeline is fluid, ensuring a structured approach toward achieving full accessibility.

“Progress over perfection” emphasizes not just achieving accessibility but also the journey toward it. Your website and content may change over time, requiring ongoing remediation for accessibility. Implementing a strategic PDF accessibility plan enables organizations to consistently advance toward full accessibility compliance, accommodating changes and ensuring inclusion as content evolves.

Steps Toward Achieving Accessibility Excellence

Progress over perfection means working towards perfection, and that happens one step at a time. Here’s a practical workflow to start:

1. Craft an Accessibility Plan: Begin by devising a comprehensive accessibility plan for your website and documents. Demonstrating proactive efforts in accessibility can serve as a preemptive defense against potential digital accessibility lawsuits.
2. Appoint an accessibility team: Assign dedicated individuals or a team to oversee the execution of the accessibility plan. Their responsibility is to ensure the plan’s implementation and monitor its progress.
3. Train employees and provide tools: Empower your staff with training sessions and accessible tools to facilitate the creation of accessible content. Educating employees on accessibility best practices fosters a culture of inclusivity within the organization.
4. Prioritize remediating high-impact PDFs: Start by addressing the most frequently used and highly visible PDF documents. By prioritizing these materials, you ensure that a significant portion of your audience gains access to accessible content promptly.
5. Tackle low-hanging fruit: Progress efficiently by addressing simpler PDF documents first. This approach allows for the rapid implementation of accessibility improvements, maximizing accessibility gains in minimal time.
6. Consistent backlog management: Commit to steadily working through your backlog of PDF documents until you achieve full accessibility compliance. Consistency is key to maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term accessibility success.

Embracing Progress and Embracing Accessibility

Embracing progress over perfection in PDF accessibility is not merely a pragmatic approach but it’s the right thing to do. By continuously advancing accessibility efforts, organizations foster an environment of inclusivity and demonstrate a commitment to serving all individuals, regardless of ability. Striving for progress, one step at a time is the way forward to a more equitable digital landscape for everyone.