My Journey in WordPress, Accessibility, and Beyond

November 12, 2024

Hi, I’m Steve Jones, an entrepreneur, accessibility practitioner, and WordPress product creator. I also regularly speak at WordPress events and co-host the Accessibility Craft podcast. In this first blog post, I want to share a bit about my journey, why accessibility is so important to me, and what you can expect from this blog.

How It All Started

While I’ve been designing and coding since the early days of the web, my journey with WordPress began in 2007 when I first started tinkering with version 2.1 of WordPress Core and the GlossyBlue theme from n.design studio. What began as a casual exploration soon grew into a full-fledged career. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in the world of web development. I ran a web development agency, created and sold website components and WordPress plugins, and developed iPhone and iPad apps during the early days of mobile development. This wide-ranging experience taught me the ins and outs of building digital products and businesses, ultimately leading me to become a shareholder and co-owner of Equalize Digital.

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of web development that ensures everyone can use and benefit from the web regardless of ability. My commitment to accessibility deepened while working with clients in the Government and Higher Education sectors, where meeting stringent accessibility standards is required. However, what truly transformed my perspective was conducting accessibility user testing and receiving feedback from users who rely on assistive technology. Seeing firsthand how they navigate the apps and websites I’ve created highlighted the gaps between theory and practice. It became clear that accessibility goes beyond compliance—it’s about understanding and addressing the real-world needs of all users. This experience reinforced my commitment to building and advocating for an accessible web that benefits everyone.

What I’m Working on Now

Currently, I’m focused on leading the team at Equalize Digital in the ongoing development and growth of the Accessibility Checker plugin, as well as other products and services. I also share insights on accessibility and innovative uses of WordPress through speaking engagements, podcasts, and other platforms.

What to Expect from This Blog

This blog will be a space where I share my experiences and insights on WordPress development, accessibility, and entrepreneurship. I’ll dive into the challenges and successes of creating accessible web solutions, offer practical tips and best practices, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at my projects and the lessons learned along the way.

Join the Conversation

I’m excited to start this journey and share more with you. I encourage you to subscribe to my newsletter to get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox. Feel free to ask questions and connect with me on social media.