TL;DR: WordPress Accessibility Debate – Core Features or Canonical Plugin?
Should WordPress accessibility be integrated into Core or offered as a canonical plugin? Contributors Joe Dolson and Jonathan Desrosiers discuss the impact of universal accessibility on inclusivity and compliance.
• Accessibility in Core: Ensures all WordPress websites meet essential accessibility standards from the start.
• Canonical Plugins: Allow faster updates and experimentation but require proactive installation, potentially making accessibility feel optional.
• Key Insight: Founders must prioritize accessibility to avoid risks like lawsuits, bad PR, and alienating customers with disabilities.
Take Action: Vet your themes and plugins for accessibility compliance and engage with WordPress community efforts to support universal accessibility!
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Joe Dolson and Jonathan Desrosiers on WordPress Accessibility: Core Commitment or Canonical Plugin
As someone deeply involved in educating entrepreneurs and fostering inclusivity in technology through the game Fe/male Switch, this episode of the WP Tavern podcast immediately caught my attention. Hosted by Nathan Wrigley, the discussion brought together two experienced WordPress contributors, Joe Dolson and Jonathan Desrosiers, to dissect a question that resonates across industries: should accessibility features be deeply embedded in WordPress Core or managed as a separate canonical plugin? Let me take you through why this conversation is monumental for WordPress and how accessibility challenges impact founders worldwide.
Why Discussing Accessibility in WordPress Matters
Accessibility is not just a technical requirement, it’s the gateway to inclusivity in technology. For budding entrepreneurs, accessible websites mean reaching more customers, including those with disabilities. With increasing legal mandates like WCAG compliance and a moral obligation to support equal access, WordPress finds itself at a crossroads. Should universal accessibility features ship with every WordPress installation, or is it better to keep them optional through plugins?
On one side, bundling accessible features into WordPress Core ensures every website meets a foundational standard. On the other, opting for a plugin approach allows for flexibility and quicker updates without Core release cycle constraints. As Dolson and Desrosiers debate, the decision carries philosophical, technical, and even ethical implications.
What Are Canonical Plugins, and Why Do They Matter?
Canonical plugins represent official plugins developed and maintained by the WordPress Core team. Unlike standard plugins, they meet the same stringent security and quality standards as WordPress itself and can act as a testing ground for potential future Core features. Examples like the Performance Lab Plugin showcase how this model can accelerate experimentation without burdening Core.
- Advantages include faster iteration cycles and specialized functionality.
- Challenges involve discoverability and ensuring adoption by less tech-savvy users.
During the podcast, Joe Dolson emphasized the risks of separating accessibility-related updates from Core: “Any feature only available as a plugin sends a clear message that accessibility might be optional, which it absolutely is not.”
Core vs. Plugins: What Founders Need to Know
From a startup founder’s perspective, accessibility baked into WordPress Core means there’s no chance you’ll overlook it. With plugins, there’s a risk of missing out on essential compliance and alienating a key audience. This raises a significant question for every entrepreneur: do you trust your tools to remind you of your legal and moral obligations?
Let me illustrate this with a scenario. Imagine launching an e-commerce site. If accessibility isn’t embedded directly into Core, you might forget to install the necessary plugin, creating an experience that excludes customers with disabilities. What does this mean for your business? Potential lawsuits, bad PR, and losing a critical customer base.
On the flip side, Canonical Plugins can help niche functionalities flourish. Startups with specific needs (e.g., compliance with regional regulations) might benefit from faster-paced updates rather than waiting for Core’s slower release cycles. For example, an accessibility plugin could introduce features like advanced alt text optimization powered by AI, adaptations for specific screen readers, or unique features not relevant to all users.
Key Takeaways from Joe Dolson and Jonathan Desrosiers
- Joe Dolson’s point: Accessibility in Core ensures universal access is not sidelined, aligning with WordPress’s mission of democratizing publishing.
- Jonathan Desrosiers’ point: Canonical plugins allow for innovation and experimentation outside the constraints of Core, providing a way to balance compliance with flexibility.
- Both agree that the foundational level of accessibility cannot be optional.
How You Can Benefit from This Debate
For entrepreneurs, this discussion is a reminder of the importance of accessibility in building sustainable and inclusive businesses. Here’s how you can take action right now:
- Ensure your website adheres to WCAG standards.
- Always vet your themes and plugins to ensure they meet accessibility compliance.
- Explore Canonical Plugins like Performance Lab to ensure your website is ahead of the curve.
- Engage with the WordPress community and vote for features that prioritize universal accessibility.
Final thoughts: Accessibility is not optional, it’s essential for business growth and inclusivity. Whether WordPress chooses to embed universal accessibility in Core or explore it as a Canonical Plugin, founders must stay proactive in delivering accessible digital experiences.
FAQ on WordPress Accessibility: Core Commitment or Canonical Plugin
What are the key benefits of embedding accessibility features into WordPress Core?
Integrating accessibility directly into WordPress Core ensures that all websites created with the platform meet a baseline level of accessibility compliance. This approach levels the playing field, enabling all WordPress users, including small businesses and non-technical individuals, to create websites that automatically adhere to global standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It also promotes inclusivity by eliminating the additional step of finding, installing, and configuring plugins. This setup reduces the risk of oversight, especially for developers and entrepreneurs unfamiliar with accessibility requirements. Joe Dolson emphasized during the discussion that Core-level implementation aligns with WordPress's mission of democratizing publishing. Discover more about WCAG standards and accessibility in web development.
How do Canonical Plugins improve accessibility in WordPress?
Canonical Plugins allow for faster innovation and more rapid deployment of accessibility features compared to WordPress Core. Since they operate independently of the Core release cycle, these plugins can adapt to user needs and release updates quickly. Jonathan Desrosiers mentioned that such plugins could introduce experimental or region-specific features like AI-driven alt text generation, screen reader enhancements, and advanced compliance tools. Canonical Plugins also serve as a sandbox for testing features before their potential integration into Core, fostering a more agile development environment. However, their success depends on effective discoverability and user adoption, key challenges for the WordPress community. Explore more through the WordPress Performance Lab Plugin example.
Why is accessibility considered a moral and legal requirement for WordPress websites?
Accessibility in web design is not just about compliance; it ensures equal access to information and digital services for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Legal mandates like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and European accessibility laws make it essential for businesses to meet specified guidelines like WCAG standards. Failing to do so can result in lawsuits, fines, bad press, and the alienation of key customer bases. Joe Dolson noted that relegating accessibility to an optional plugin implies it is non-essential, contradicting WordPress’s philosophy of inclusivity. Ultimately, making accessibility foundational helps entrepreneurs and developers avoid legal risks while fostering a more equitable internet.
What are the limitations of using plugins for accessibility instead of Core integration?
While plugins offer flexibility and faster updates, they carry the risk of being overlooked, particularly by non-technical WordPress users. If accessibility features are only available via plugins, many website owners may unintentionally create inaccessible platforms, resulting in compliance issues. Additionally, Joe Dolson highlighted that separating accessibility into plugins could send the message that accessibility is optional, undermining its critical role in digital inclusivity. Entrepreneurs and small businesses who rely on WordPress should consider that Core integration promotes universal accessibility, leaving fewer opportunities for accidental exclusions.
What is the potential role of AI in WordPress accessibility plugins?
AI technologies present exciting possibilities for enhancing accessibility in WordPress. For instance, plugins could leverage AI to generate alt text for images, improve readability scores, or adapt user interfaces for different screen readers. Jonathan Desrosiers suggested that Canonical Plugins could also experiment with advanced features like AI-powered voice navigation or tools for real-time WCAG compliance checks. While these functionalities may not be universally needed, they cater to niche markets and accessibility standards, offering businesses a level of customization that Core alone cannot provide. Learn more about AI's role in website accessibility.
How can Canonical Plugins serve as a technical testing ground for WordPress?
Canonical Plugins, maintained by the WordPress Core team, offer a structured way to test features on a large scale without impacting the stability of WordPress Core. They meet the same security and code standards as WordPress itself and can be iterated rapidly based on user feedback. Popular examples like the Performance Lab Plugin illustrate how Canonical Plugins can experiment with innovative tools such as AI optimization before integrating them into Core. This agile approach allows WordPress contributors to address specific needs more efficiently while ensuring future updates meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility.
How does accessibility impact entrepreneurs and startup founders?
For entrepreneurs, an accessible website expands their reach to include customers with disabilities, widening their audience while building goodwill. Failing to prioritize accessibility can lead to lawsuits, alienate users, and harm brand reputation. By embedding accessibility in WordPress Core, startups are less likely to overlook these critical aspects. Additionally, the flexibility of Canonical Plugins offers region-specific compliance tools and advanced features, which can help businesses meet local regulations. Accessibility not only fulfills a moral obligation but also supports sustainable business growth.
What features could a dedicated accessibility plugin provide?
Dedicated plugins for accessibility could include tools for efficient alt text optimization using AI, screen reader assistance, real-time WCAG compliance checks, and region-specific legal compliance mechanisms. They might also offer custom adaptations for unique user needs, such as voice navigation controls or optimized layouts for cognitive impairments. These advanced features would cater to both general users and niche markets, aligning with accessibility standards while expanding WordPress's capabilities in this vital area.
Can accessibility and flexibility coexist in the WordPress ecosystem?
Absolutely. By embedding baseline accessibility features into Core while offering advanced, experimental tools through Canonical Plugins, WordPress can maintain inclusivity while enabling customization. This dual approach ensures that all users benefit from accessibility out of the box, with plugins providing additional enhancements for specialized needs. As noted by both Joe Dolson and Jonathan Desrosiers, this strategy balances compliance, innovation, and flexibility, aligning with WordPress’s mission of democratizing publishing.
How can WordPress users ensure their sites meet accessibility standards?
Users can start by adhering to WCAG standards when designing their websites and choosing themes and plugins that prioritize accessibility. Regularly updating their WordPress installations and plugins ensures compatibility with the latest accessibility features. Entrepreneurs should also consider using Canonical Plugins like the Performance Lab Plugin for advanced compliance. Active engagement with the WordPress community to advocate for more accessible tools and features is another vital step in promoting inclusivity.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
