Measuring app accessibility maturity

To meet the legal requirements of digital accessibility, apps need to be accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. What this means, and how to achieve this as an organization, is often less clear.

How do you ensure that employees have the necessary knowledge? And how do you share information and knowledge within your organization? Accessibility should be a given, making sure that accessibility is considered at every phase.

Maturity Model

A 'Maturity Model' is a way to determine how well your organization scores in a specific area. It looks at how 'mature' the organization is based on current knowledge and skills. Based on this maturity, you can make plans to grow to the next level.

App Accessibility Maturity Model

Abra has created an App Accessibility Maturity Model (AAMM). Using this model, you can determine how your organization deals with the accessibility of apps and what is needed to move to the next level.

The higher the level, the more accessible the apps your organization creates. Organizations need to take steps in areas such as strategy, knowledge, and development to make their apps accessible.

Visual overview of the App Accessibility Maturity Model. Level 1 Reactive, Level 2 Engaged, Level 3 Embedded.Visual Representation of the App Accessibility Maturity Model

Level 1: Reactive

Organizations at level 1 are reactive in addressing the accessibility of their apps.

  • Accessibility is not defined in the organization's strategy;

  • Limited knowledge among designers, developers, and testers;

  • Accessibility issues are only addressed after complaints;

  • Limited understanding of the requirements for an accessible app;

  • Accessibility of apps is not measured;

  • App is not tested by users with disabilities to see how they experience it;

  • No budget allocated for making apps accessible.

Level 2: Engaged

Organizations at level 2 have taken the first steps to improve the accessibility of their apps.

  • Awareness of legal requirements for digital accessibility;

  • Accessibility is included in the organization's strategy and goals;

  • Initial processes for designing and developing accessible apps are outlined and documented;

  • Design systems, component libraries, and checklists are available and sometimes used;

  • Employees are familiar with the basics of digital accessibility and apply them;

  • A baseline audit has been conducted, and periodic assessments are scheduled;

  • The organization has occasional contact with users with disabilities;

  • Budgets for accessibility are available on a project basis.

Level 3: Embedded

Organizations at level 3 have documented all processes to create accessible apps.

  • Accessibility is an integral part of the strategy.

  • Management is well-informed about legal requirements and user needs.

  • Accessibility is embedded in all processes.

  • Knowledge about accessibility is widespread among all employees and actively implemented.

  • Accessibility of apps is systematically assessed.

  • The organization has ongoing contact with target groups, conducting user tests.

  • Structural budget allocation is in place to make and maintain apps accessible.

Getting started with accessibility

Many organizations have just begun making their apps accessible. Some organizations are not addressing accessibility at all. And other organizations have already succeeded in developing an accessible app.

What level has your organization reached?

Abra would like to help you reach the next level. We offer programs to take your organization from level 1 to level 2, and we can guide you from level 2 to level 3.

Abra wants to help you move to the next level. Look at our products and services to see how we can assist you.

Are you already at level 3? Fantastic! Then, we're here to help you maintain this level.

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