Did you know that writing accessibility-focused user stories can help you build high-quality, Section 508-conformant products from the very start—without costly retrofits later?
User stories are a staple of agile development, but when they specifically address accessibility needs, they guide designers, developers, and testers toward creating ICT that works for everyone.
How to Write an Accessibility-Centered User Story
User stories define the “what” and “how” to address Section 508 conformance during design, development, and testing, and when writing backlog items.
Use this format:
I want [an goal, action or function],
so that [benefit or achievement].
Example 1: Keyboard User
User Story: As a keyboard user, I want to be able to access and activate all interactive content such as form fields, buttons, and links so that I can successfully complete forms.
Acceptance Criteria: All functionality of the content is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user’s movement and not just the endpoints [WCAG SC 2.1.1]; There are no keyboard traps on the page [WCAG SC 2.1.2].
Example 2 : Color Vision Deficiency
User Story: As a user who relies on high contrast, I want to view text with sufficient contrast against backgrounds so I can read content easily.
Acceptance Criteria: All text meets contrast ratios of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (text that is 14-point bold or larger, or 18 point or larger) [WCAG SC 1.4.3].
Why This Works
- Integrates with workflow – Keeps accessibility in scope during design, coding, and testing.
- Clear and testable – Specifies the “what,” “who,” and “why,” making accessibility measurable.
- Prevents rework – Reduces last-minute fixes by including accessibility early.
Quick Steps to Get Started
- Identify a user need – For example, “user who relies on a screen reader.”
- Define the goal – What must they be able to do?
- State the benefit – Why does it matter?
- Add acceptance criteria – Link to WCAG or Section 508 standards.
- Include it in your backlog – Make it part of your agile process.
For more information on creating user stories for accessible ICT—including sample user stories for each disability type—visit Sample User Stories for Accessible ICT.
