Preface

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to access information, services, and opportunities online is not a luxury – it’s a human right. Yet, for millions of people with disabilities, everyday digital experiences still present barriers that prevent full participation. Whether it’s a mobile app that can’t be navigated with a screen reader, a website that hides key content behind inaccessible modals, or an AI tool that misinterprets a user’s voice or intent, digital exclusion remains a persistent and solvable problem. Inclusive Design for Accessibility is a practical guide for anyone who wants to close that gap – designers, developers, content creators, QA testers, and organizational leaders alike.

This book brings together voices from across the accessibility community to provide you with a comprehensive roadmap for building inclusive digital experiences. It begins by grounding you in the principles of inclusive design and the diverse needs of real users. From there, it explores the nuts and bolts of implementation: how to design accessible user interfaces, write inclusive content, build accessible websites and mobile apps, and test with both automated tools and human insight. As technology evolves, so must our approach. That’s why we also examine accessibility in emerging spaces such as VR, AR, and AI – and look at the organizational strategies needed to scale these efforts sustainably.

Throughout the book, you will encounter real-world tools and technologies – from screen readers such as VoiceOver and NVDA to development frameworks such as SwiftUI, Compose, and React Native. But more importantly, you’ll gain a human-centered lens on accessibility: one that views inclusion not as a checklist, but as a creative, ethical, and business-critical practice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your organization’s accessibility maturity, this book will help you design with empathy, build with intention, and create digital products that work for everyone.