Cheaper than retrofitting.
WHAT TO DO AT THE START
Choose a theme or template with reasonable accessibility Set text size and contrast properly from the beginning Use real headings, buttons and form labels Test with the keyboard as you build
WHY IT IS CHEAPER
Fixing contrast in a design is a colour change. Fixing it after launch means reviewing every page.
Building a form with labels costs nothing. Retrofitting them means revisiting every form.
CHOOSING A THEME
Some themes state accessibility as a feature. Those claims vary in accuracy.
Test one before committing: keyboard navigation, contrast, heading structure.
WHAT TO TELL A DEVELOPER
That accessibility matters, specifically: keyboard access, contrast, labels, headings and alt text.
Stating it at the start costs nothing. Raising it after delivery is a change request.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A BRIEF
A requirement that the site meets WCAG 2.1 level AA, if that is what you want.
And a means of verifying it.
FOR CONTENT EDITORS
Alt text on images, proper heading levels, descriptive link text.
Three habits, taught once.
