Webperf
Not because I think everyone who uses it is wrong, but because the word risks sending a signal that accessibility is something added after the fact. An adjustment. Something that gets fixed once everything else is done.
Accessibility should not be an adaptation. It should be a fundamental requirement. In European legislation, such as the European Accessibility Act, and in standards like EN 301 549, the principle is clear. Accessibility should be built in from the start, not tacked on at the end of a process. That is the principle I want our language to reflect.
The words we choose matter
At the same time, I want to add some nuance. There is an anxiety in the accessibility field when it comes to language, and it sometimes risks doing more harm than good. We see the same pattern in discussions about disability, impairment and neurodivergence. The terms shift, opinions diverge and many people become unsure about what they are even allowed to say. That uncertainty can lead to people avoiding the topic of accessibility altogether, and that is a worse outcome than someone using an imperfect word.
We need to be able to meet each other without imposing enormous demands on linguistic precision. A person who says accessibility adaptation but who actively works to build accessibility in from the start is doing the right thing in practice. If that person is then met with corrections about word choice, we risk losing an ally.
What actually makes the difference
If the term accessibility adaptation is what determines whether an organisation prioritises accessibility from the beginning, then the problem runs deeper than word choice. Organisations that take accessibility seriously do so because they have processes, routines and expertise that ensure it. Not because they use the right terminology.
Discussions about terminology serve a purpose. They force us to reflect and they help us become more aware. But they must not become an obstacle to the actual work, and they must not create a culture where the fear of saying the wrong thing overshadows the willingness to do the right thing.
Growing awareness
The positive thing is that awareness of accessibility is growing. More organisations are realising that it is about a way of working, not an afterthought. With the right knowledge, the right tools and a willingness to follow established standards and guidelines, accessibility can become a natural part of every project.
I will continue to avoid the term accessibility adaptation. But I will also try to meet those who use it with curiosity rather than irritation. It is what we do that matters, not only what we say.