Many website owners believe that the accessibility process ends the moment a site is audited, adjustments are made, and an accessibility statement is posted.
\r\nBut a website is not a fixed product. It's constantly changing. You add pages, swap images, launch banners, install plugins, build new forms, and sometimes redesign the whole interface. Each of these changes can impact accessibility.
\r\nYour Site Keeps Evolving After the Initial Accessibility Audit
\r\nEven if your site went through a full accessibility review months ago, it may now contain brand-new components that were never tested. For example, a contact form, a promotional pop-up, a new video, a downloadable PDF, or a fresh section in your online shop.
\r\nThe problem is that not every new component arrives fully accessible. It might look great and work perfectly for most visitors, but create barriers for someone using a keyboard, screen reader, or other assistive technology.
\r\nEven Small Changes Can Create New Accessibility Issues
\r\nYou don't need to rebuild your entire site to break accessibility. A banner swap, a new button, a text color change, or embedding an external tool can introduce new obstacles.
\r\nFor instance, a marketing banner with text needs to communicate the same message to visitors who can't see it. A new form must allow proper keyboard navigation between fields. A pop-up window needs to be easy to use with the keyboard.
\r\nWhich Site Changes Require Re-Testing?
\r\nAdding Forms, Pop-ups, or Buttons
\r\nAny component that asks users to take action needs to be clear, accessible, and easy to use. It's important to check that it's reachable by keyboard, its purpose is obvious, and error messages are helpful when needed.
\r\nUploading Images, Banners, and Videos
\r\nA new image, promotional banner, or marketing video can contain important information. Make sure that information isn't locked to the screen—it should also be available to visitors with vision or hearing impairments.
\r\nRedesigns or Platform Migrations
\r\nA major design overhaul, template swap, or move between systems like Wix, WordPress, or Shopify calls for re-testing. Even if the site looks similar, the code underneath and how components function can change entirely.
\r\nTrue Website Accessibility Includes Ongoing Maintenance
\r\nWebsite accessibility isn't just a one-time audit—it's continuous upkeep. Just as you update content, secure your site, and test that forms work, you need to ensure changes don't create new browsing barriers.
\r\nProfessional support throughout the year helps site owners know who to contact before major changes, get answers when issues arise, and keep their site accessible as it grows, updates, and evolves.
\r\nWant to keep your site accessible even after updates? We at User Accessibility are here for you. Reach out with any questions.