Included by default
- Contrast checked against WCAG 2.2 AA for text and UI
- Keyboard reachability for interactive elements
- Meaningful alt text on content images
- Focus states that are visible, not removed
- Motion that respects reduced-motion preferences
Needs an explicit audit
Full conformance statements, screen-reader testing across multiple assistive technologies, and legal accessibility certification. These are real work and get scoped separately.
Why the default exists
Retro-fitting accessibility is more expensive than building it in. Charging extra for the baseline encourages the wrong choice.
If you have a compliance obligation
Say so in the brief. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and sector and shape the design from the first sketch.