Every digital interaction matters, especially when it is public-facing. By June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) brought legal clarity to a long-standing ethical expectation: digital products must be accessible to everyone. These are not abstract rules. They are specific standards that websites must meet to serve users reliably, legally, and respectfully.
At Phases, our approach to accessibility began in 2021, when we took on the NYC Votes project. That engagement introduced us to the full scope and responsibility of accessible design. Since then, accessibility has become a core part of how we engineer and deliver, from initial planning through final deployment. NYC Votes marked the beginning of this commitment and shaped the way we build every platform that followed.
NYC Votes: A Platform Designed for Equity
The NYC Votes website serves more than 5.5 million people in one of the most linguistically and physically diverse populations in the world. Many of these users rely on accessibility features for websites such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, or scalable layouts to access essential public information. For them, web accessibility is central to how they vote, understand their rights, and participate fully. Our challenge was to build a truly accessible website and a civic platform where every user could navigate and act independently.
Initial Gaps: What We Found
When we received the NYC Votes project, we were shown only the static design visuals. There was no access to code, documentation, or any indication of how accessibility had been approached. This was a visual reference, not a functional starting point. We had no foundation to work from, so we created one. Every decision, from navigation logic to interaction models, was planned with accessibility in focus.
From the static design screens, we could see that accessibility had not been factored in. The visuals lacked contrast, did not show any guidance for screen readers, and did not reflect label structures or interaction patterns. There was no visible planning for keyboard access either. It was clear that a new structure was needed. Accessibility had to be designed into every layer from the beginning.
Our Method: Accessibility Engineered from the Start
We restructured the site to align with WCAG 2.2 and the EAA. But our approach extended beyond meeting standards. It was about creating practical usability for all users, regardless of their access needs.
What We Delivered:
We rebuilt the NYC Votes platform from the ground up, embedding accessibility into every structural and interactive layer. Each feature was designed to go beyond technical compliance, focusing instead on actual usability. Our goal was to ensure that the platform served the day-to-day needs of all users, including those using assistive technologies. We focused on simplifying common interactions so that tasks could be completed independently and with confidence.
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Clear semantic structure: Every page was built using well-structured HTML5. Headings followed a clear hierarchy, making the content easier to scan for users and more navigable for screen readers.
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ARIA landmarks and roles: We applied ARIA attributes to clearly define each region of the page, such as navigation, main content, and supplementary sections, so that assistive technologies could accurately interpret and guide users through the site.
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Full keyboard operability: All interactive components, including modals, dropdowns, and forms, were built to be fully accessible using a keyboard. This ensured that users who do not use a mouse could still navigate, interact, and complete actions across the platform without restrictions.
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Screen reader-friendly ballots: For Ranked Choice Voting, we made sure screen readers could interpret and announce selection order clearly, without repeating or confusing the user.
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Fully labelled forms: Every form field was paired with visible and screen-readable labels, supported by error feedback and clear input instructions.
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Descriptive alt text: Images and icons were tagged with meaningful, context-aware alt text, improving comprehension without cluttering the experience for sighted users.
Verification and Testing
Due to project boundaries, we were not directly involved in end-user testing across live environments. Instead, final testing was led by Blue State, who managed stakeholder reviews and ensured the platform met NYC’s accessibility requirements in real-world usage. Our team focused on development-level testing using both automated and functional checks to confirm our delivery aligned with WCAG guidelines and EAA readiness.
Our internal process included:
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Screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA to assess structure, reading order, and interpretability
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axe DevTools to identify markup-level accessibility issues
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Keyboard-only navigation to ensure that every function could be accessed without a mouse
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Zoom testing up to 400% to check layout adaptability
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Cross-device checks for responsiveness and consistent accessibility across screen sizes.
Balancing Design with Accessibility Goals
Our visual design approach for NYC Votes was created to meet both the civic goals of the platform and the requirements of web accessibility. We introduced a colour system that complied with WCAG contrast standards while maintaining a clean and recognisable interface. Designers and developers collaborated from the beginning, making sure every design decision aligned with user needs and accessibility regulations. Accessibility was considered in every part of the design process, including typography, icons, button styles, and layout spacing.
A Collaborative Culture of Accessibility
Everyone involved in the project, including product owners, QA engineers, developers, and designers, shared the same focus. The goal was to embed accessibility into both planning and execution. We established shared standards, created usable patterns, and ensured that accessibility was part of every decision from start to finish.
Results Delivered
The NYC Votes platform represents a shift in what accessible civic technology can achieve. Starting with static visuals, we developed a live civic platform used by more than 5 million New Yorkers, each with different devices, languages, and accessibility needs.
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100% Accessibility Score: An independent audit confirmed full compliance with WCAG and EAA standards. This score reflects a thorough approach, ensuring every detail supports real user needs.
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Support for 14 Languages: By offering native-language access, the platform meets New York’s multilingual demands. This inclusion empowers communities often underserved by digital services.
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Screen Reader and Keyboard Navigation: Every element works with assistive technologies. Users with visual or motor impairments can complete tasks without relying on assistance.
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Official NYC Board of Elections Validation: The platform earned formal approval, reinforcing its credibility and usability as a civic platform.
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Delivered in Four Months: Despite complexity, the project stayed on schedule. This demonstrates that accessibility can be achieved without delay when planned early.
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Recognised by Umbraco: The project received the "Best Solution" award, highlighting its civic impact, technical quality, and public value.
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Independent Use Enabled: Voters using screen readers such as NVDA or JAWS can now register and navigate the site independently.
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AAA-Level Visual Contrast: Calls to action meet top-level visibility standards, ensuring clarity in low-light conditions and across devices.
These outcomes reflect a civic platform designed with care, tested for use, and delivered with a focus on inclusion.
For Leaders Managing Digital Risk and Reputation
Accessibility is no longer optional. It is a requirement embedded in policy and public expectation. It also protects brand reputation, reduces compliance risk, and ensures better digital experiences for all users. Retroactive fixes are costly. Designing with accessibility from the start leads to better outcomes, operationally and socially.
At Phases, Accessibility Is Built In
The NYC Votes project shaped how we build and validated how we deliver. That experience now informs our work across industries.
We support accessibility from planning through deployment, with structured practices that hold up across sectors. Our team brings practical, tested methods to:
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Conduct in-depth accessibility audits
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Align platforms with WCAG and EAA requirements
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Build inclusive design systems for future scaling
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Integrate QA processes that keep accessibility active in every release
We have implemented accessibility at scale, under regulation, and in collaboration with assistive technology users. Whether you manage a civic site, enterprise portal, or public-facing digital service, we can help assess where you are and support where you need to go.
If you are preparing for the EAA, planning a rebuild, or want to better serve your users, talk to us. We can help you:
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Test your website for accessibility
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Add accessibility to your platform
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Build a new accessible website from the ground up
The strongest platforms today are those that work for everyone. Accessibility is not a separate layer. It is part of responsible digital delivery.
We’ve done it where it mattered most. And we’re ready to help you get it right, from the beginning.