UX designers vs. developers: Who really owns accessibility (A11y) in UX design?

Web accessibility is a crucial aspect of UX design that requires collaboration between designers and developers to ensure digital products are usable for people with diverse abilities. While there is a misconception that accessibility is solely the developer's responsibility, designers play a vital role in creating accessible experiences from the outset by considering user needs such as keyboard navigation and color contrast. Accessibility should be integrated throughout the product development cycle, starting with understanding standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and establishing clear communication between team members to avoid pitfalls like ambiguous design specs and misaligned priorities. Effective collaboration, supported by training and shared tools for testing, helps teams address accessibility issues early, ensuring that products are inclusive and functional. Although achieving a culture of accessibility within product teams can take time, it is essential to promote an "accessibility-first" mindset and foster an environment where all team members contribute to creating accessible, user-friendly products.