By Sarah Frazier, Asher Agency
Welcome to the Digital Age—But Who’s Getting Left Out?
Imagine you’re excited about checking out a new restaurant. You get there, but—uh-oh—there’s no ramp, no accessible entrance, and the menu is written in a font so tiny it looks like a secret code. Frustrating, right? Well, that’s exactly what the internet feels like for millions of people with disabilities every single day.
In 2024, a shocking 95.9% of the top one million websites have at least one major accessibility failure (WebAIM). That means millions of people who are blind, deaf, have mobility impairments, or cognitive disabilities—are left struggling to use sites that weren’t designed with them in mind. But accessibility isn’t just nice-to-have–it’s essential, legally required by the ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act), and honestly, just good business.
So, let’s dig into some common questions (and answers!) about web accessibility and why we should all care.
1. Isn’t Web Accessibility Just for People with Disabilities?
Nope! Think of curb cuts on sidewalks, they were designed for wheelchair users, but people pushing strollers, bikers, and even travelers with rolling luggage benefit, too.
Web accessibility works the same way. Features like closed captions, high-contrast text, and keyboard-friendly navigation make the web easier for everyone—from someone reading on their phone in bright sunlight, to an older adult who isn’t as tech-savvy, to someone who relies on a screen-reader to read a webpage.
Plus, search engines love accessible websites. Sites that follow accessibility guidelines often rank higher on Google (Search Engine Journal). So, making your site accessible isn’t just good for people, it’s great for business.
2. Wait… Aren’t There Laws About This?
You bet there are! In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced new rules requiring government websites to follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards (ADA.gov).
Private businesses? They’re not off the hook either. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) already applies to many websites, and lawsuits over inaccessible sites have been on the rise. In 2023 alone, there were over 4,500 accessibility-related lawsuits in the U.S. (UsableNet).
Bottom line? Ignoring accessibility could cost you—both in lost customers and legal trouble.
3. What Are the Most Common Accessibility Fails?
Great question! The most common web accessibility problems are pretty simple to fix.
- Low Contrast Text – Over 81% of websites use color combos that are hard to read. Not great if you have low vision or color blindness, or if you’re just trying to read your screen outside on a sunny day.
- Missing Alt Text – Images without descriptions leave screen reader users (and search engines!) guessing what’s there. Alt text describes the image so all users can have full context of what is on the webpage.
- Unlabeled Form Fields – Ever tried filling out a form with no labels? Frustrating, right? Now imagine using a screen reader and hearing “edit text” with no context. Yikes.
- Keyboard Navigation Issues – Not everyone uses a mouse! People with mobility impairments or screen readers rely on their keyboards, and many sites just… don’t work that way.
And here’s the kicker—all of these are fixable with a little effort!
4. How Do We Make the Web More Inclusive?
You don’t need to be a coding wizard to improve web accessibility. Here are three simple steps anyone can take:
- Use an Accessibility Checker – Free tools like WAVE or AXE can scan your site for common issues.
- Add Alternative Text to Images – A short, clear description of an image makes all the difference for people using screen readers.
- Test Your Website with a Keyboard – Can you navigate without a mouse? If not, there’s work to do! Some accessibility fixes are simple, but others—like reworking a navigation menu to support keyboard users—may require a developer. Not all accessibility errors are equal in severity or ease of fixing. In some cases, partnering with a web developer is necessary.
For developers, following WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines is the gold standard internationally. However, in the U.S., WCAG 2.1 AA is currently required. That said, adopting 2.2 AA now will keep you ahead of the curve as regulations continue to evolve.
The Bottom Line: The Web is for Everyone
Let’s face it, nobody intends to make their website frustrating or inaccessible. But with almost 90% of websites still failing basic accessibility checks (Accessibility Checker), we clearly have work to do.
The good news? Making the web accessible benefits everyone—not just people with disabilities. It’s better for users, better for business, and (legally) the right thing to do.
So, let’s ditch the digital bouncers and open the internet to everyone—because access to information, services, and opportunities should never depend on ability.
# # #
Sarah Frazier is an account executive in Asher Agency’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, office. She can be reached at [email protected]
Further Reading & Resources
Google’s Guide to How Accessibility Helps SEO
WebAIM’s 2024 Report on the Accessibility of the Top 1 Million Websites
DOJ’s 2024 Web Accessibility Rule for State and Local Governments
