Published: 9 May 2026
The Same Issues Block Procurement Again and Again
Are accessibility issues in your product preventing procurement teams from even considering your solution? You’re not alone. Chances are your product has the same common accessibility failures that appear across hundreds of SaaS products. The good news? Most of these issues are easy to fix once you know where to look.
The Top Accessibility Failures in SaaS Products
1. Missing or incorrect labels
Screen readers rely on accessible names. Common failures include:
- unlabeled buttons
- icons with no text alternative
- form fields without labels Fast fix: Use semantic HTML and ensure every interactive element has an accessible name.
2. Poor focus management
Keyboard users get lost when focus jumps unpredictably. Common failures:
- modals that don’t trap focus
- focus returning to the wrong place
- invisible focus indicators
Fast fix: Use native elements where possible and manage focus explicitly in custom components.
3. Low colour contrast
A design issue that becomes a compliance issue. Common failures:
- light grey text
- thin fonts
- disabled states with insufficient contrast
Fast fix: Update your design tokens and regenerate components.
4. Non-semantic components
Divs pretending to be buttons, links, tabs, or menus. This breaks keyboard and screen reader expectations.
Fast fix: Use real HTML elements or apply correct roles, states, and keyboard behaviour.
5. Keyboard traps
Users cannot escape modals, menus, or custom widgets. Fast fix: Test every component with a keyboard and fix focus loops.
6. Inaccessible error messages
Errors that are:
- not announced
- not linked to fields
- unclear or ambiguous
Fast fix: Use aria-describedby and ensure errors are programmatically associated.
Why These Failures Happen
- custom components built under pressure
- inconsistent design system usage
- lack of semantic understanding
- no accessibility acceptance criteria
- insufficient testing
These are process issues, not just code issues.
Fast Fixes That Deliver Immediate Impact
1. Fix components, not pages
A single accessible component can eliminate dozens of failures.
2. Add automated linting
Catch missing labels, contrast issues, and ARIA misuse early.
3. Run a focused 2–3 day remediation sprint
Target the top 10 issues — they unlock most procurement barriers.
4. Update your design system
Prevent issues from reappearing.
Long-Term Prevention
1. Maintain a design system with accessibility baked in
Document keyboard behaviour, ARIA patterns, and focus management.
2. Train designers and developers
Semantic HTML is the foundation.
3. Conduct regular audits
Quarterly or biannual audits prevent regression.
Conclusion
Most accessibility failures in SaaS products are predictable — and preventable. Fixing them quickly unlocks procurement opportunities and reduces long-term risk.
Services
ICT Supply: Learn how AccessUX helps ICT suppliers and vendors win more tenders by improving their product accessibility, and evidencing it to government and enterprise buyers.