Accessthat

Accessthat is a neologism used in technology and design discourse to emphasize the principle that content and functionality should be accessible to all users, regardless of disability, cognitive differences, or situational constraints. In practice, it serves as a reminder that accessibility is not an afterthought but a core requirement of product development, from early design through deployment.

Etymology and origin: accesthat appears to be a portmanteau of access and that, combining two ideas to highlight a specific accountability in design decisions. The term is not widely standardized and tends to surface in informal discussions, design memos, and community forums focused on accessibility. Its usage varies, and some writers treat it as a mnemonic rather than a formal taxonomy.

Usage and applications: in design briefs and development workflows, accesthat is invoked to ground decisions in real user access needs. It relates to a range of accessibility practices, including keyboard navigability, screen-reader compatibility, sufficient color contrast, logical content structure, alternative text for media, and responsive layouts that work across devices and contexts. Proponents argue that it helps teams prioritize inclusive requirements from the outset rather than as a retrofit.

Variations and reception: because accesthat is informal, some practitioners prefer precise terminology such as accessibility, inclusive design, or universal design. Critics argue that the term can be vague or ambiguous outside specific communities. When used, it is typically accompanied by explicit accessibility criteria or checklists to ensure measurable outcomes.

See also: accessibility, inclusive design, universal design, web accessibility initiative.