Accessibility shouldn’t be something that you only remember to consider towards the end of a project. Accessibility should be shaping your entire design process – from the initial draft, up to the final output.
Imagine planning out a 20 level apartment block; each level with fantastic features, rooms and amenities; but nobody made room for the stairs or lifts until the end. Do we tack some stairs on the outside and hope for the best? Do we just leave the higher levels to those who can make their own way up there?
It is sadly all too common in school projects to only consider accessibility when something goes wrong or someone specifically needs it – and we should put an end to this norm.
At Brio Group, we believe that inclusive design is good design. When accessibility is considered from the very beginning, it saves time, money, and betters the overall design. When we prioritise accessibilty, we ensure that every member of the school community is able to access the same information, and grab opportunities and experiences no matter their disability.
Designing for everyone means thinking beyond just colour contrast or choosing correct font sizes. It’s about understanding and acknowledging how people use information in different ways, and making sure your content is accessible to them whether they’re using assistive tech like a screen reader or reading with low vision.
If you’re in education, accessibility is not just a “nice to have.” It is our responsibility as educators to be able to accommodate everyone as much as we can.