There’s a big problem we see all the time in public sector apps:
They’re live, they’re approved… and they’re inaccessible.
Buttons too small to tap. No screen reader support. Colors that fail contrast checks. Confusing layouts. You know the drill.
Here’s the reality: accessibility isn’t a bonus… it’s REQUIRED. And out of kindness sure, but the users that transform hobby apps to staples of industry are in their golden years. Sure, younger generations use them but they don’t become industry standards unless older Millennials and Boomers decide.
But let me step back…
For government apps, failing to be accessible isn’t just bad UX. It’s noncompliance. And more importantly, it means excluding the exact people your app is supposed to serve.
That’s where a mobile app accessibility audit comes in, and why every public-facing app needs one yesterday.
What Accessibility Means in Mobile Contexts
Accessibility isn’t just ramps and elevators… it’s digital too.
In mobile apps, accessibility means:
- Text that can be resized without breaking layout
- VoiceOver and TalkBack compatibility
- Clear, readable color contrast
- Logical focus order for screen readers
- Tap targets that work for people with limited dexterity
- No “dead zones” or motion traps
And that’s just the basics.
It’s not just about serving people with disabilities. It’s about making your app usable for everyone. Older adults, citizens with temporary injuries, even someone using their phone in the sun with one hand.
Why Government Apps Must Be Compliant (WCAG, 508, ADA)
If you’re in public service, accessibility is non-negotiable.
You’re legally required to comply with:
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (federal standard)
- WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), now interpreted to include digital tools
Ignore this stuff, and you’re not just risking poor engagement, you’re risking lawsuits, press fallout, and internal headaches.
A solid accessibility audit is about protection and prevention. It keeps you on the right side of the law and the right side of the user.
Common Accessibility Issues We Find
Here’s what we spot over and over (even in “certified” apps):
- Tiny tap zones: Buttons too small for thumbs, styluses, or adaptive devices
- Low contrast UI: Gray text on white backgrounds = unreadable
- Unlabeled buttons: Screen readers say “button… button… button…”
- Missing alt text: For icons, maps, and custom images
- Keyboard traps: Users get stuck and can’t navigate away
- No skip navigation: Huge pain for screen reader users
The sad part? These are fixable. Most of them don’t require a full rebuild but just awareness and action.
How We Audit for Mobile Accessibility
Our accessibility audits are built specifically for mobile government apps, not just websites or desktop software.
Here’s what we do:
- Test both iOS and Android versions with real assistive tools (VoiceOver, TalkBack, Switch Control)
- Check for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance
- Validate 508 criteria against mobile-specific issues
- Use citizen-centered testing. Meaning real-world edge cases, not just dev tools
- Annotate screens, flows, and problem areas with clear visual feedback
We don’t just flag the issues, we show you where they are and why they matter.
What You Get: Recommendations, Reports, and Fixes
We package everything into a simple, actionable playbook:
- ✅ Full annotated PDF report of accessibility issues
- ✅ Screenshots and explanations for each fail point
- ✅ WCAG/508 reference codes (for internal compliance teams)
- ✅ Prioritized fixes (what to do now vs. later)
- ✅ Optional implementation support or design review
It’s not just a report. It’s a roadmap.
Compliance Is Just the Start: Accessibility Builds Trust
Yes, you need to be compliant. But here’s the kicker: accessibility is a trust builder.
Citizens notice when your app just works. Regardless of age, ability, or context. It signals that your team cares. That you’re thinking beyond the code. That you’re including everyone and not just the default user.
That’s how you build credibility. That’s how you turn a mobile app into a trusted civic tool.
Let’s Audit Your Mobile App for Accessibility (Free)
If your app’s already live… great!
But if it’s not accessible? It’s not doing its job.
We’ll review your app, run a quick mobile app accessibility audit, and tell you exactly what to fix. No pressure, no jargon.
👉 [Book your free accessibility audit]
Let’s make your app easier for everyone to use and not just those who happen to have perfect vision and two hands free.
Not sure how your tech stack impacts accessibility?
We break down the differences between native, hybrid, and cross-platform apps in this follow-up post, and how to audit each the right way.