Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
As the digital landscape expands, one topic that consistently rises to the forefront is web accessibility. Web accessibility is about creating an inclusive online experience, ensuring that websites, apps, and other digital content are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Accessibility isn’t just a regulatory checkbox; it’s a business imperative, a human right, and a key to ensuring equal access to the digital world.
In the latest episode of the “Mix and Matchbox” podcast, hosted by Brent Feldman, with guests Kyle Pellegrino-Hartman of Essential Accessibility and Cullen Whitmore, Accessibility Lead at Matchbox, the trio explored how web accessibility has evolved, its impact on businesses, and how organizations can future-proof their digital content by making accessibility a priority. This blog unpacks some key takeaways from their discussion and highlights what businesses and web developers need to know.
How Accessibility Has Evolved Over The Last Decade
A major shift in how companies approach accessibility has occurred over the past ten years, with an even more dramatic change during the last year. Historically, accessibility grew out of regulatory requirements like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These regulations primarily focused on the physical world, ensuring that places of public accommodation were accessible to people with disabilities. However, as the internet became integral to daily life, the need for digital accessibility took center stage.
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Kyle Pellegrino-Hartman pointed out that litigation has become a major driver of change in this space. He highlighted the increase in lawsuits, such as the famous Domino’s Pizza case, where a visually impaired user sued the company because their website was inaccessible, making it impossible for him to order food. This case, and others like it, brought web accessibility into the spotlight, showing businesses that digital inaccessibility can have significant legal and financial repercussions.
Beyond the legal aspects, however, the pandemic drastically accelerated the need for businesses to embrace digital accessibility. With so many services moving online, websites became critical for customers to interact with businesses, leading to an increased focus on ensuring these sites were accessible. As Kyle explained, “Websites aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore; they’re essential to doing business.”
The Shift In Thinking: Compliance Vs. Usability
One of the most common misconceptions about accessibility is that it’s solely about legal compliance. Many businesses view accessibility as a burden, worrying about lawsuits and regulatory fines. However, as Brent and Cullen emphasized, accessibility is about far more than avoiding litigation. It’s about providing an equitable user experience for all visitors, regardless of their abilities.
Cullen shared how at Matchbox, they often see clients who receive demand letters for inaccessible websites. While these situations are unfortunate, they provide an opportunity for education. Cullen explained, “It’s not about ticking a box. You want to make the web usable for everyone, and that’s a good business decision.”
As businesses increasingly realize, making their websites accessible isn’t just the right thing to do; it also offers measurable benefits. A 2018 report by Accenture and the American Association of People with Disabilities found that companies with strong commitments to accessibility had better financial performance, including four times higher shareholder returns.
Key Gaps And Common Issues In Web Accessibility
Despite the growing awareness, many websites still have significant accessibility gaps. One of the most pervasive issues is poor color contrast. Cullen pointed out how this problem often stems from brand guidelines that prioritize aesthetics over usability. “We frequently see buttons, links, and text with insufficient contrast, making them hard to read for users with visual impairments,” Cullen explained.
Another common issue is poor semantic hierarchy, particularly with headings (H1, H2, etc.). Many web developers use header tags for styling rather than to convey structure. This confuses screen readers and makes it difficult for users who rely on these assistive technologies to navigate content. As Cullen noted, “Proper semantic markup is crucial for both accessibility and SEO.”
Moreover, tabbing and keyboard navigation are often overlooked. Users with motor disabilities or those who rely on screen readers frequently use the keyboard to navigate. Websites that aren’t optimized for this can be extremely frustrating. Kyle added, “It’s about more than just checking off WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) boxes. You need to think about how users actually interact with your site.”
The Growing Role Of Assistive Technology
One of the most exciting trends in accessibility is the development of new tools and technologies that make it easier for developers to build accessible websites. Kyle highlighted how browser extensions, APIs, and automated testing tools are revolutionizing accessibility. He pointed to tools like Figma, which now includes accessibility features, allowing designers to check color contrast and other elements directly within the design process.
Essential Accessibility is also leading the way with its “accessibility as a service” model. Instead of treating accessibility as a one-time project, the company offers ongoing support, helping businesses maintain compliance over time. This approach ensures that as websites evolve, they remain accessible and inclusive for all users.
However, while automation plays a crucial role, it’s important to remember that not everything can be automated. Manual testing is essential, particularly for tasks like checking keyboard navigation and screen reader functionality. Cullen emphasized that real feedback from users with disabilities is invaluable, “There’s no substitute for having actual people test your site.”
Accessibility Overlays: A Quick Fix Or A Missed Opportunity?
One of the more controversial trends in accessibility is the rise of accessibility overlays. These tools promise to make websites accessible by adding a layer of assistive technology on top of the site. However, as Kyle pointed out, these solutions are often more marketing hype than substance. “They don’t actually fix the underlying accessibility issues,” he explained. “If a user relies on their own screen reader or assistive technology, an overlay isn’t going to help.”
In some cases, overlays can even introduce new accessibility problems. Lawsuits against companies that have used these tools are becoming more common, demonstrating that they aren’t a foolproof solution. Instead, Kyle and Cullen advocate for building accessibility into the design and development process from the start.
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Accessibility
As businesses continue to recognize the importance of digital accessibility, the industry is evolving rapidly. Kyle expressed optimism about the future, noting that the increased focus on accessibility is leading to better tools, more education, and a stronger commitment to inclusivity. “The accessibility community is growing, and that’s a good thing,” he said.
The pandemic has shown that digital accessibility is not just a trend but a necessity. As Cullen put it, “We’re seeing accessibility tools become more accessible. That’s the direction we need to go.”
At the end of the day, creating an accessible web benefits everyone. Whether it’s ensuring that users can order pizza online or helping students with disabilities succeed in school, accessible websites make the digital world a more equitable place.
The Importance of Web Accessibility – Mix And Matchbox Full Episode 7
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