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  • EDF and IAAP Call Out Accessibility Overlays

    You’ve probably seen accessibility overlays advertised as a quick and easy way to make websites compliant with accessibility laws. Companies promoting these tools claim they can fix accessibility issues with just a few lines of code, no major effort required. Sounds great, right?

    Not so fast.

    Leading accessibility organizations, including the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), strongly disagree. In fact, they’ve openly criticized these tools, pointing out that overlays not only fail to meet accessibility standards but can actually make websites harder to use for people with disabilities.

    If you’re a website owner, this is something you need to know—because relying on an overlay could be doing more harm than good. Let’s break down why EDF and IAAP are speaking out, the biggest issues with overlays, and what you should be doing instead.

    What Are Accessibility Overlays?

    Accessibility overlays are automated software tools designed to modify a website’s appearance and functionality in an attempt to improve accessibility. They might add features like screen reader support, color contrast adjustments, or keyboard navigation enhancements—all without requiring direct changes to the website’s underlying code.

    Sounds convenient, but here’s the catch: overlays don’t actually fix accessibility issues. They just try to patch over them.

    Many companies claim their overlays help websites comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). But accessibility experts, as well as actual users with disabilities, say otherwise.

    Why Are EDF and IAAP Against Accessibility Overlays?

    EDF and IAAP have outlined several major concerns about accessibility overlays. Their stance isn’t just theoretical—it’s backed by research, real-world testing, and feedback from people who rely on assistive technologies. Here’s what they found:

    1. Overlays Don’t Actually Fix Accessibility Issues

    Accessibility isn’t just about how a site looks—it’s about how it functions. Many accessibility issues, such as missing form labels, poorly structured headings, and inaccessible interactive elements, cannot be fixed by an overlay. These require changes to the website’s actual code.

    An overlay might tweak things on the surface, but under the hood, the same barriers remain.

    2. Accessibility Overlays Can Interfere with Assistive Technologies

    People who rely on screen readers, voice control software, or switch devices often report that overlays make their experience worse. Instead of improving accessibility, overlays can clash with assistive technologies, leading to confusing and frustrating experiences.

    Imagine trying to navigate a site with a screen reader, only to have an overlay forcing adjustments you didn’t ask for or use their screen reader instead. That’s the reality for many users.

    3. Overlays Create a False Sense of Compliance

    One of the most dangerous aspects of overlays is the illusion of accessibility they create. A business might think they’ve “checked the box” just by installing an overlay, but in reality, they could still be violating accessibility laws.

    This false security can leave companies vulnerable to legal action—and even worse, it fails to make websites truly accessible.

    4. Businesses Using Overlays Still Get Sued

    Think an overlay will protect you from lawsuits? Think again.

    In 2024, over 1,000 businesses that utilized overlays faced accessibility lawsuits according to Useablnet’s 2024 End of the Year Report. Courts have consistently ruled that overlays don’t meet legal requirements under the ADA and other accessibility laws. In some cases, overlays have even been used as evidence that a company ignored real accessibility fixes.

    5. Users with Disabilities Strongly Oppose Accessibility Overlays

    The people who actually rely on accessible websites have spoken: they don’t like overlays.

    Advocates and individuals with disabilities have repeatedly criticized overlays for making web browsing harder, not easier. Instead of solving accessibility challenges, overlays often introduce new problems, disrupting the way users navigate and interact with content.

    A New York Times article, For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws, highlights just how frustrating overlays can be. As Mr. Perdue, a blind user, put it: “I’ve not yet found a single one that makes my life better. I spend more time working around these overlays than I actually do navigating the website.”

    When the very tools meant to help people with disabilities end up making their experience worse, it’s clear that overlays are not the solution.

    6. Overlays Can Introduce New Barriers

    Rather than eliminating accessibility issues, overlays often create more obstacles.

    Some force unwanted settings on users, preventing them from using their own assistive technology configurations. Others introduce navigation loops, trapping users on certain pages or making it impossible to interact with important website elements.

    If an accessibility “fix” creates more accessibility problems, is it really a fix at all?

    What Should Website Owners Do Instead?

    If accessibility overlays aren’t the answer, what is? The good news is that true accessibility is achievable—and it starts with the right approach.

    1. Conduct a Proper Accessibility Audit

    Before making changes, you need to know what’s broken.

    An accessibility audit helps identify barriers on your site by testing against WCAG standards. The best audits combine automated scans with manual testing, including feedback from users with disabilities.

    2. Fix Accessibility Issues at the Code Level

    The only way to ensure true accessibility is to build it into the foundation of your website. This means:

    • Using semantic HTML for a clear page structure
    • Ensuring all interactive elements are keyboard-accessible
    • Providing text alternatives for images, videos, and other non-text content
    • Implementing ARIA attributes where needed for better screen reader support

    3. Involve Users with Disabilities in Testing

    Want to make sure your site is actually accessible? Ask the people who need it most.

    Incorporating real-world feedback from users with disabilities during usability testing helps uncover issues that automated tools might miss.

    4. Train Your Team on Accessibility Best Practices

    Accessibility isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing commitment.

    Educating your developers, designers, and content creators about accessibility best practices ensures that your website remains accessible long-term.

    5. Monitor and Maintain Accessibility Over Time

    Websites change all the time—so does accessibility.

    Regular testing, monitoring, and updates are key to keeping your site accessible. Tools like a11y.Radar can help businesses track and maintain compliance as their website evolves.

    Conclusion

    EDF and IAAP have made one thing clear: accessibility overlays are not the answer.

    They don’t fix real accessibility issues, they interfere with assistive technologies, and they create a false sense of security that leaves businesses exposed to legal risk. Worse, they fail the very people they’re supposed to help.

    So, what’s the better approach? Real, lasting accessibility.

    That means conducting audits, making code-level fixes, listening to users with disabilities, and maintaining accessibility over time. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it’s also the best way to protect your business from legal trouble and create an inclusive digital experience.

    You don’t have to do it alone. 216digital can help you navigate accessibility the right way—with real solutions that work. Schedule an ADA Briefing today and take the first step toward a truly accessible website.

    Greg McNeil

    February 26, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, accessibility overlays, Legal compliance, Overlay widgets, Overlays, Web Accessibility
  • Web Accessibility Overlays: A False Sense of Security

    As a website owner, you likely recognize the growing need to make your site accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. With increased emphasis on ADA compliance, you may have encountered web accessibility overlays—automated tools that offer quick-fix solutions.

    While they might seem like a convenient solution, these overlays can create significant pitfalls that could leave you vulnerable to legal risks and fail to provide true accessibility.

    In this article, we’ll explore why relying on overlays could lead to a false sense of security and why a more comprehensive approach to addressing web accessibility is critical.

    What Are Web Accessibility Overlays?

    Overlays are software solutions that scan websites for barriers and apply superficial fixes with minimal user involvement. Their promise is simple: They claim to help your site meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ADA standards, making your content more accessible.

    At first glance, overlays seem appealing, with features like adjustable text sizes and color contrast options. However, they fail to deliver a truly inclusive online experience. While some surface level issues can be address, deeper accessibility barriers are frequently ignored or mishandled.

    The Illusion of ADA Compliance

    The biggest misconceptions surrounding web accessibility overlays is that they will guarantee ADA compliance. The harsh reality is that ADA compliance is multifaceted and cannot be achieved through automated fixes alone.

    True web accessibility goes far beyond superficial adjustments. It requires a detailed understanding of the diverse barriers people with disabilities face when interacting with digital content. Overlays, which only focus on cosmetic changes, leave significant gaps in compliance, neglecting critical components of accessibility. Unfortunately, this gives many website owners the false impression that their sites are fully compliant when, in fact, they still fall short in several critical areas.

    Automated Fixes Miss Critical Issues

    While overlays can identify some common accessibility problems, they rely too heavily on automation, often leading to overlooking essential elements.  

    Here are some areas where they typically fall short:

    • Semantic HTML: Using HTML elements correctly ensures that people using screen readers and other assistive technologies can understand your website’s content. Overlays cannot address issues like improper heading structures or missing ARIA labels.
    • Alt Text for Images: Descriptive alt text provides essential context for visually impaired users. Automated tools can only see that they are missing. They cannot interpret the meaning or purpose of the image to generate meaningful descriptions.
    • Keyboard Navigation: Many users are unable to use a mouse, requiring them to navigate a website through the use of a keyboard. To make a website accessible through keyboard navigations corrections must be made on a code level. As discussed above, overlays can only make superficial changes, and cannot make changes directly to the code.

    By relying on these automated solutions, you may inadvertently overlook crucial aspects of web accessibility, leaving your site vulnerable to an ADA lawsuit.

    The False Sense of Security

    The use of web accessibility overlays can foster complacency, leading to a false sense of security. The mere presence of an overlay might make you believe your site is fully accessible, yet significant barriers may still be lurking beneath the surface.

    This illusion is particularly dangerous. If your overlay doesn’t meet full accessibility standards, your website remains non-compliant with the ADA and other state regulations. As a result, businesses that thought they were protecting themselves with an overlay can find themselves in court, dealing with expensive settlements and lasting damage to their reputation.

    In fact, 20% of all accessibility-related lawsuits this year targeted websites using these so-called “accessibility solutions,” and that number continues to grow. Relying solely on overlays not only fails to address critical accessibility issues but also opens the door to legal risks.

    True web accessibility is not a one-time fix; it requires ongoing attention, regular audits, and user feedback. Overlays might provide a band-aid solution, but they can prevent you from developing a genuine commitment to accessibility, which is vital for both compliance and user experience.

    A Human-Centered Approach to Web Accessibility

    To meet the needs of all users and ensure ADA compliance, businesses must adopt a comprehensive, human-centered approach to web accessibility. Here are a few critical steps to achieving this:

    • Understand Web Accessibility Guidelines: WCAG is a set of standards designed to make web content more accessible. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to understand what needs to be done. They cover aspects like text readability, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation.
    • Conduct a Website Audit: Regularly audit your website for accessibility issues. There are tools available online that can help you identify problems, such as missing alt text for images or issues with color contrast. Consulting with a specialist firm like 216digital to conduct a thorough audit can also be a wise investment.
    • Engage with Users: Real feedback from individuals with disabilities is invaluable. Understanding their experiences navigating your site will provide critical insights for meaningful improvements.
    • Train Your Team: Train your staff, especially those involved in website management and content creation, about web accessibility principles and best practices. This knowledge is essential to maintaining an accessible online experience over time.
    • Ongoing Monitoring: Compliance is not a one-time task. This proactive approach helps prevent potential violations before they lead to costly lawsuits.

    By prioritizing a human-centered approach, you can create an online environment that truly serves all users rather than settling for a quick-fix solution that only gives the illusion of compliance.

    216digital’s Approach to Web Accessibility

    At 216digital, we understand that genuine web accessibility requires more than just automated tools. Our comprehensive, human-centered approach goes beyond quick fixes to provide long-lasting solutions that focus on risk mitigation and compliance with WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA standards. 

    Through  a11y.Radar, we offer ongoing monitoring, ensuring your website remains compliant and accessible to all users. By emphasizing thorough auditing and remediation services, we help businesses not only meet legal requirements but also tap into the underserved market of individuals with disabilities.

    Our approach is built around long-term accessibility, protecting your business from potential lawsuits and positioning you to serve a broader, more inclusive audience better.

    Conclusion

    Web accessibility overlays may seem like an easy answer, but they often fall short of delivering the accessibility experience your users need and the compliance your business requires. Relying solely on these tools could leave your website open to legal risks and frustrate users with disabilities who still encounter barriers on your site.

    At 216digital, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of ADA compliance with a human-centered approach. Schedule an ADA briefing with our team today to ensure your website is fully accessible, compliant, and welcoming to every visitor. Don’t settle for quick fixes—invest in meaningful accessibility that makes a real difference.

    Greg McNeil

    October 8, 2024
    Legal Compliance, WCAG Compliance
    ADA Compliance, ADA Lawsuit, Overlay widgets, Overlays, Web Accessibility
  • Are Web Accessibility Overlays Hurting Users?

    When it comes to making websites accessible, many businesses turn to web accessibility overlays, believing they’re a simple and quick fix. These tools promise to enhance usability for people with disabilities by adding features like text size adjustments or color contrast options. However, beneath this shiny exterior lies a troubling reality. Far too often, overlays create more problems than they solve, leaving users frustrated and excluded.

    Instead of providing real solutions, these overlays can break essential functions on a website, making it even harder for people to navigate. Imagine a visually impaired user trying to read a page only to find that the overlay has garbled the text or made buttons unclickable. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a barrier that undermines the very purpose of accessibility. With countless users reporting negative experiences, the reliance on overlays is more than just misguided—it can be harmful.

    In this article, we’ll explore why web accessibility overlays often fall short of their promises and what businesses can do to truly support all users. Let’s take a closer look at the pitfalls of these quick fixes and uncover the importance of genuine web accessibility.

    What Are Web Accessibility Overlays?

    Web accessibility overlays are tools or widgets that website owners can add to their sites to enhance accessibility. They typically involve inserting a small JavaScript code snippet into your site, which then adds a floating button or widget. When users interact with this button, they can adjust various aspects of the site’s appearance and functionality—like changing text size, altering color contrasts, or enabling screen reader compatibility.

    The appeal of these overlays is their promise of quick, low-cost accessibility improvements. They offer an attractive option for businesses looking to make their sites more inclusive without undergoing a major redesign. However, while the intention behind these tools is good, the reality often falls far short.

    Overlay’s Intended Purpose

    The goal of web accessibility overlays is to make websites more accessible to people with disabilities. For instance:

    • Visual Impairments: Users who have difficulty seeing might benefit from high-contrast modes or text enlargement.
    • Motor Impairments: Customizable interface elements can help users navigate the site using alternative input methods.
    • Cognitive Impairments: Simplified navigation and text-to-speech features can make content more understandable.

    In theory, these overlays should help users interact with a website more effectively by allowing them to tailor the site to their needs.

    The Reality: Why Overlays Often Fall Short

    Despite their good intentions, web accessibility overlays often fail to deliver on their promises. Here’s a closer look at why:

    Broken Functionality

    Many users with disabilities find that these overlays break essential website functions. For example, after activating an overlay’s high-contrast mode, a screen reader might start reading out garbled or irrelevant text. Interactive elements like forms or buttons may become unusable or misaligned. This can make the website even less accessible than it was before the overlay was applied.

    Limited Customization

    While overlays offer some level of customization, they usually fall short of addressing all accessibility needs. For instance, they allow users to change text size but do nothing to improve keyboard navigation or fix structural issues. This limited scope can be frustrating for users who need more comprehensive adjustments to navigate the site effectively.

    Disruptive Presence

    The floating button or widget that overlays add can sometimes interfere with the user experience. For example, it might obscure important content or navigation options. Users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation may find the overlay itself to be a barrier rather than a help.

    Overlay’s Provide a False Sense of Security

    Relying on overlays can give website owners a misleading sense of security. Just because an overlay provides some accessibility features doesn’t mean your site is fully accessible. True accessibility involves more than just adding a few features—it requires thoughtful design and regular testing to ensure that all users can interact with your site effectively.

    Common Issues with Overlays

    To better understand the real-world impact, let’s explore some common issues faced by users with disabilities when dealing with web accessibility overlays:

    1. Navigation Problems: Overlays often disrupt keyboard navigation. For users who rely on keyboards instead of mice, this can make it challenging to move through the site or interact with elements. Buttons and links might become unreachable or behave unpredictably.
    2. Inconsistent Text Appearance: Overlays might change text size or color, but they often don’t adjust all text elements uniformly. This inconsistency can make reading difficult, especially for users with low vision who rely on specific text settings.
    3. Broken Links and Forms: Features like forms and links can become broken or non-functional when an overlay is applied. This issue can prevent users from completing actions like submitting information or navigating through pages, leading to frustration and abandonment of the site.
    4. Visual Overlaps: High-contrast modes or other visual changes introduced by overlays can sometimes cause elements to overlap or become misaligned. This can make content harder to read and interact with, defeating the purpose of the accessibility improvements.

    Firsthand User Experiences

    As highlighted in the New York Times article, For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws,  and echoed by accessibility advocates, overlays often complicate rather than simplify website navigation.

    Patrick Perdue, a 38-year-old blind user from Queens, sums it up well: “I’ve not yet found a single one that makes my life better.” Many like him find themselves spending more time navigating around these overlays than actually using websites effectively.

    Last year, over 862 advocates and developers urged organizations to reconsider their use of overlays, citing practical ineffectiveness and potential accessibility flaws in an open letter. Even the National Federation of the Blind has condemned these tools, describing them as inadequate solutions.

    Brian Moore, a 55-year-old blind user  from Toronto, raises a critical question: “If you can’t fix the basic issues, what value are you adding?”

    Why Overlays Are Seen as a “Quick Fix”

    Web accessibility overlays are often chosen as a quick fix because they appear to offer a fast, cost-effective solution. For businesses, especially those with limited budgets or technical resources, these tools seem like an easy way to address accessibility concerns without a full site overhaul.

    However, this approach is problematic for several reasons:

    Superficial Solutions

    Overlays generally provide superficial solutions rather than addressing underlying accessibility issues. Real accessibility involves more than just adding features—it requires a deep understanding of diverse user needs and thoughtful site design.

    Potential for Increased Barriers

    As highlighted by user experiences, overlays can sometimes introduce new barriers or exacerbate existing ones. This can lead to increased frustration and exclusion for users who rely on accessibility features.

    Legal and Ethical Concerns

    Relying on overlays alone may not meet legal standards for accessibility under regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A genuine commitment to accessibility involves more than just using tools—it requires ensuring that your site is fully accessible to all users.

    The Path to Genuine Accessibility

    So, what should you do instead of relying on overlays? Here are some steps to take:

    1. Invest in Design: Start by designing your website with accessibility in mind. This includes using proper HTML semantics, ensuring good color contrast, and creating keyboard-friendly navigation.
    2. Conduct Regular Testing: Test your site with real users who have disabilities to identify and address issues. This helps ensure that your site performs well in real-world scenarios.
    3. Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with accessibility experts like 216digital, who can guide you through the process of making your site truly accessible. They can provide valuable insights and help you implement best practices.
    4. Commit to Continuous Improvement: Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your site to address new challenges and improve the user experience.

    Take the Next Step Towards Accessibility

    If you’re serious about making your website accessible to everyone, don’t settle for quick fixes like overlays. Instead, invest in long-term solutions that truly improve the user experience for people with disabilities. At 216digital, we specialize in helping businesses achieve genuine web accessibility and stay compliant with ADA requirements.

    To learn more about how you can make your site more inclusive and avoid the pitfalls of web overlays, schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital today. Our experts will guide you through the steps needed to ensure your website not only meets legal standards but also serves all users effectively. Let’s work together to create a web that’s accessible to everyone!

    Kayla Laganiere

    September 17, 2024
    Legal Compliance
    ADA Compliance, Overlay widgets, Overlays, screen overlays, Users experience, Widgets
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