Digital accessibility
and the role of technology

Web accessibility promises a world in which everyone can easily access information and utilize online solutions. For organizations, it’s not only a moral responsibility but also a smart business decision.

Toegankelijkheid
October 14th
Marc Gutlich

In the Netherlands, there are currently around 4 million people with disabilities, and this number continues to grow. While support for accessibility is increasing, partly due to legislation, its value is not always fully understood by those responsible for digital accessibility. People without disabilities often struggle to understand the obstacles that inaccessible websites and apps can present.

The business care for digital accessibility

In today’s digital world, a well-designed, accessible website, app, or portal is essential to remain competitive. Accessibility goes beyond a social responsibility.

It contributes to:

  • Reaching a broader audience: by being accessible, you reach people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, expanding your target audience.
  • Brand reputation: companies that take accessibility seriously show that they care about all their users, which fosters positive brand associations.
  • SEO: many aspects of accessibility, such as correct HTML structure and descriptive alt texts, help search engines better understand and value your website.

How technology supports digital accessibility

Keeping digital platforms accessible can be challenging, but technological innovations help. Two important trends include: 

1. AI and Machine Learning: Efficient accessibility testing

AI and Machine Learning (ML) make accessibility testing faster and more efficient by automatically analyzing large amounts of code. 

Examples include:

  • Incorrect alternative texts for screen readers users. 
  • Insufficient contrast between text and background, which makes reading difficult for the visually impaired. 
  • Faulty HTML structure that complicates navigation for those using a keyboard or screen reader.

Benefits of AI and ML:

  • Speed and efficiency: Traditional tests can take days, whereas AI can complete the same analysis in minutes.
  • Error reduction: AI helps reduce common human errors by providing consistent and accurate checks.

While AI offers powerful tools, human oversight remains essential. AI cannot always determine if an alternative text for an image is adequately descriptive or if an interaction is understandable for a user with cognitive impairments. Therefore, human expertise is indispensable to ensure the results are useful and accurate. 

2. Voice User Interfaces (VUIs): Access through voice for everyone

The rise of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa offers a new way for users to interact with technology. For people with disabilities, voice interfaces can be a crucial tool. For example, visually impaired users can navigate websites without a screen, and people with motor disabilities can perform tasks without a mouse or keyboard.

Challenges of voice interfaces:

  • Limited context: voice assistants sometimes struggle with complex commands or understanding the correct context.
  • Cognitive challenges: for some users with cognitive impairments, the quick responses of a voice assistant can be confusing.

Conclusion: technology as a tool, not a replacement

AI, ML, and voice interfaces can greatly enhance the accessibility of digital products. However, they cannot fully replace human expertise. A combination of automation and human input is essential for creating truly inclusive digital experiences.

One tool we have experience with is Accessibe. This AI tool scans websites, applies dynamic adjustments, and ensures WCAG compliance. This approach maintains the functionality and look and feel of the website while ensuring accessibility.
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