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Set Requirements that Include Accessibility

Role in the ENABLE Model​

Setting requirements is the first and most fundamental act of care. It defines accessibility as a core obligation -- not a discretionary add-on. The absence of early mandates is often the root cause of systemic inaccessibility.

Without this stage, all subsequent acts -- design, development, testing -- lack structure. Early neglect here multiplies downstream burdens.

Why it matters​

Requirements set the foundation. Without codified expectations around accessibility, every subsequent action (design, development, testing) operates in ambiguity or neglect. Mandating inclusion from the outset prevents exclusion from being baked into infrastructure.

Examples​

  • Use institutional policies such as Section 508 in U.S. federal procurement to require accessibility.
  • Apply ADA standards in state services
  • Adopt UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) globally
  • Incorporate WCAG 2.2 compliance in design contracts
  • Bake accessibility into definition of done for all features
  • Use procurement language that mandates WCAG compliance
  • Use compliance frameworks like VPATs in vendor review

Care sounds like​

"Our speech recognition AI must be usable by people who stutter."
"We must write procurement language that makes accessibility non-negotiable."
"Let's align this project's definition of done with accessibility standards."

Neglect Sounds Like​

"Accessibility is not a deliverable."
"It's not legally required for our sector."
"We'll add it later if we have time."
"It's not in the spec."

Real-world Scenario​

A municipal procurement office updates its RFP templates to require vendors to submit a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). This shifts accessibility from an optional concern to a required deliverable -- forcing every bidder to articulate their plan.

Manifestations​

  • Enable Ventures, a disability-focused venture fund that bakes accessibility and inclusive hiring into term sheets, ensures that accessibility goals and disability employment a core obligation for startups from day one. This shifts disability considerations upstream into product roadmaps and hiring plans.
  • Specialisterne Global partners with corporations to redesign hiring tests and onboard autistic talent before job offers go out. This demonstrates a pre-emptive commitment to inclusive processes.