Non-technical considerations

Not all of the accessibility considerations are technical. Designers need to also consider factors of language and attitude. For example, referring to a person who uses a wheelchair as "wheelchair bound" can be a significant barrier to communication. Briefly stated, avoid language that labels people by their disability (i.e. the paraplegic), or makes people victims (i.e. suffers from polio). Put people first, such as "a person who uses a wheelchair."  This is a matter of sensitivity to using affirmative language, avoiding euphemisms, and emphasizing abilities instead of disabilities. VSA arts of Georgia has an excellent "Person First Language at a Glance" page with more details.

When you do need to have two separate versions for accommodation reasons, make both of the versions equally important. Instead of making the inaccessible version the default and the accessible version an additional click away, make them equal choices. For example, since most pages, except for the home page, are typically accessed via a hyperlink, place the links to the accessible and non-accessible versions adjacent to one another.

During all phase of the design process, and during all subsequent implementation and maintenance of the site, the designer must stay aware if the primary goal, that of providing information to the user. Web design offers so many interesting and exciting possibilities that it is very easy to slip into the "gee-whiz-that’s-neat" technology trap without giving due consideration to the reason WHY using the technology makes the best sense.