Working within constraints.
THE SITUATION
A platform, theme or system you cannot modify deeply.
WHAT YOU CAN STILL CONTROL
Content: alt text, heading levels, link text, plain language
Colours, in most themes Text size, in most themes Which plugins and widgets you add Whether you use text or images Whether you publish documents as PDFs
THAT IS A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION
Most content-level accessibility is within reach regardless of the platform.
WHAT YOU MAY NOT CONTROL
Markup structure Keyboard behaviour of built-in components Focus handling
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Report it to the platform or theme developer. Some respond.
Choose plugins and add-ons with accessibility in mind, since each adds its own markup.
WHEN TO CHANGE PLATFORM
If the platform makes essential tasks impossible by keyboard, and you have obligations, that is a reason to change.
For most small sites it is a reason to prioritise a future rebuild rather than an immediate one.
WHAT TO DO MEANWHILE
An accessibility statement noting known limitations, with a contact route.
Honest, and useful to anyone affected.
