In this episode, we take a deep dive into a claim that gets repeated surprisingly often: Accessible websites have better performance.

We look at what recent research says about accessibility and website performance, why the connection feels so intuitive, where accessibility improvements really can improve page speed, and why correlation between the two does not necessarily mean causation. We also flip the question around and discuss how poor website performance can itself create accessibility barriers, particularly for people on slower connections or using assistive technology.

Before that, we unpack the accessibility changes in WordPress 7.1, including 44 accessibility enhancements and bug fixes, Steve's contributions in this release, high contrast mode fixes, and one controversial accessibility regression: infinite scrolling becoming the default in the Media Library.

And because it wouldn't be Accessibility Craft without a drink, Amber and Chris try Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout from New Holland Brewing. Steve's bottle didn't survive shipping, so Diet Coke steps in as his designated beverage. Opinions on the stout are... divided.

For show notes and a full transcript, go to AccessibilityCraft.com/178.

• (00:00:00) - Welcome
• (00:01:07) - Today’s Beverage
• (00:05:29) - WordPress 7.1 Accessibility: Several Steps Forward, but Then One Step Back?
• (00:12:34) - Does Accessibility Make Your Website Faster, Actually?
• (00:13:42) - Brought to You by Accessibility Checker
• (00:14:56) - Why Does This Claim Sound So Plausible?
• (00:20:49) - Amber Goes on a Fact-Finding Mission and Learns What, Exactly?
• (00:25:43) - Accessibility and Performance: Squares and Rectangles, Chickens and Eggs
• (00:36:04) - Closing Thoughts: Where We Land