In our increasingly digital world, websites serve as gateways to information, services, and opportunities. Yet, a startling reality persists: the vast majority of websites remain inaccessible to millions of users with disabilities.
This digital divide not only excludes a significant portion of the population but also represents missed opportunities for businesses and organisations.
The scale of the problem
Studies consistently reveal a troubling picture of web accessibility. Depending on the methodology and criteria used, estimates suggest that between 70% and 98% of websites have at least some accessibility issues. This means that for every 10 websites you visit, 7 to 9 of them may present barriers to users with disabilities.
A 2019 study by WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) analysed one million home pages and found that 98.1% of them had detectable accessibility issues. This staggering figure highlights the pervasive nature of the problem.
The most frequent accessibility problems included:
- Low contrast text (82.3% of home pages)
- Missing alternative text for images (53.8%)
- Empty links (58.1%)
- Missing form input labels (53.8%)
- Empty buttons (25%)
These issues can make websites difficult or impossible to use for people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
The impact on users
For the estimated 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, inaccessible websites create significant barriers. These barriers can prevent access to essential services, limit employment opportunities, hinder educational pursuits, and exclude individuals from full participation in the digital economy.
Consider a visually impaired user trying to shop online, a deaf individual attempting to watch video content without captions, or someone with motor impairments struggling to navigate a website that doesn’t support keyboard-only use. These scenarios play out millions of times each day, resulting in frustration, exclusion, and lost opportunities.
The business case for accessibility
Beyond the moral imperative, there’s a strong business case for making websites accessible:
- Expanded market reach: The global disability market represents a spending power of over £5.3 trillion.
- Improved SEO: Many accessibility practices align with SEO and UX/UI best practices.
- Enhanced usability for all users: Features like clear navigation and well-structured content benefit everyone.
- Legal compliance: There’s been an increase in web accessibility lawsuits in recent years, which is likely to increase when the European Accessibility Act comes into effect in 2025.
Moving towards accessible web design
Addressing this widespread issue requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Education: Web developers, designers, and content creators need training in accessibility principles.
- Tools and Testing: Utilise automated accessibility testing tools but remember they can’t catch all issues.
- Inclusive Design: Adopt an “accessibility-first” mindset in the design process.
- User Testing: Involve people with disabilities in the testing and feedback process.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Treat accessibility as an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.
Get on board
The prevalence of inaccessible websites represents a significant challenge in our digital age. However, it’s also an opportunity for positive change. By prioritising web accessibility, we can create a more inclusive digital world that benefits all users, regardless of their abilities.
As we move forward, let’s commit to making the web a place where everyone can participate fully. After all, an accessible web is a better web for all of us.
If you would like to learn more about the European Accessibility Act and how you can start working towards an accessible website, you might find our webinar useful: Understanding the European Accessibility Act.