216digital.
Web Accessibility

Phase 1
Web Remediation for Lawsuit Settlement & Prevention


Phase 2
Real-World Accessibility


a11y.Radar
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance


Consultation & Training

Is Your Website Vulnerable to Frivolous Lawsuits?
Get a Free Web Accessibility Audit to Learn Where You Stand
Find Out Today!

Web Design & Development

Marketing

PPC Management
Google & Social Media Ads


Professional SEO
Increase Organic Search Strength

Interested in Marketing?
Speak to an Expert about marketing opportunities for your brand to cultivate support and growth online.
Contact Us

About

Blog

Contact Us
  • Accessibility Overlays: Band-Aid Solutions?

    Web accessibility is about making sure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your website with ease. Many businesses, however, reach for a quick fix known as a “web accessibility overlay.” These overlays claim to instantly solve a website’s accessibility problems by adding a single line of code. At first glance, this may sound like a dream come true: no major redesigns, no deep coding changes, and no extended timelines. Yet overlays often fail to address the real barriers that people with disabilities face. In fact, they can create new challenges and offer website owners a false sense of security.

    In this article, we will explore why web accessibility overlays are often called a “Band-Aid solution” and why relying on them can do more harm than good. We will look at some of the technical limitations, discuss how they can conflict with assistive technologies, and share better ways to make your website truly accessible. We will also include links to helpful resources you can explore independently.

    What Are Web Accessibility Overlays?

    Web accessibility overlays are add-on tools, often in the form of a plugin or script, that claim to repair accessibility issues on a website automatically. Once installed, they usually give users a menu of features such as:

    • Text resizing
    • Color contrast adjustments
    • Keyboard navigation controls
    • Screen reader-friendly labels

    These options may seem helpful, and some are. However, these overlays do not usually fix deeper issues in the website’s code. Overlays focus on surface-level changes that might look or feel good initially. For example, making text larger or changing color contrast might help some people. But someone who uses a screen reader or another assistive device might still find the site impossible to navigate if the page structure is confusing or missing proper markup.

    Why Accessibility Overlays Fall Short

    While overlays may claim to bring your site into compliance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), they cannot fix serious problems that come from poor coding, improper headings, or missing labels. Let’s explore some core reasons why these tools can fail.

    1. They Don’t Fix Structural Code Issues

    A website that is built with accessibility in mind has clean, well-labeled HTML code and logical headings (like <h1>, <h2>, and so on). It also uses the right ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes where needed. These parts of the code help assistive technologies—like screen readers—understand how the page is organized. If your code is poorly structured, an overlay might add color adjustments or keyboard focus outlines, but it won’t rewrite the site’s underlying structure. Missing or incorrect code stays broken, which causes ongoing problems for anyone who relies on a screen reader or keyboard navigation.

    2. Conflicts with Assistive Technologies

    One goal of web accessibility is to ensure that people using screen readers, braille displays, or voice recognition software can move through a site and understand its content. Overlays can accidentally disrupt these tools by adding unwanted code or labeling. For example, a screen reader might end up reading duplicate or confusing text because the overlay tries to label items automatically. This could result in a frustrating experience, causing users to abandon your site altogether.

    3. False Sense of Compliance

    Some businesses install an overlay hoping to protect themselves from legal action under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, simply having an overlay does not mean your website is truly accessible or “ADA compliant.” In fact, in 2024 alone, 1,023 companies with an accessibility widget on their website received lawsuits, underscoring that overlays alone cannot shield businesses from legal action. In recent years, many sites using these tools have still faced lawsuits because of the underlying accessibility problems. Accessibility overlays often promise quick compliance, but the law cares about actual accessibility, not just appearances. Relying on an overlay can leave you vulnerable and unprepared if complaints or legal notices arise.

    4. Ethical Concerns and User Frustration

    Overlays may look like an easy fix for you, but they can feel like a barrier for those who need real accessibility improvements. Many people with disabilities have shared stories of frustration when they encounter overlay menus that don’t work correctly or override their screen reader settings. This can be discouraging for users who regularly deal with inaccessible websites. They may see the overlay as another obstacle rather than a tool that truly helps them. From an ethical standpoint, offering a patch that doesn’t solve deeper issues can be viewed as ignoring the experiences of people with disabilities.

    The Risks of Taking the Easy Way Out

    Accessibility overlays give website owners the idea that fixing accessibility is simple and quick. Sadly, that is almost never the case. By relying on an overlay, you risk:

    • Legal Action: Courts can—and do—rule that a website with an overlay still has accessibility problems. An overlay will not protect you if people with disabilities cannot use your site.
    • Damaged Reputation: When users have a poor experience on your site, word can spread quickly. This can harm your brand and turn potential customers away.
    • Ongoing Maintenance Issues: Overlays must be updated along with your website’s updates. If the overlay breaks or conflicts with new code, your site could become even harder to use.

    Instead of merely putting a bandage on the problems, developing or improving your website in ways that truly benefit all users would be better.

    Steps to Achieve Real Accessibility

    To create a site that everyone can use, consider a more thorough strategy. This involves reviewing the code, testing it with real users, and making changes that last. Below are some steps you can take.

    1. Start with Clean, Semantic Code

    Semantic HTML is a fancy way of saying you use the right tags to describe the right content. For example, headings (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) should be in order, and important landmarks (such as navigation and main content) should be labeled. Make sure that images include informative alt text, forms have clear instructions, and interactive elements have correct ARIA attributes if needed. When the base of your site is strong, many common accessibility problems disappear.

    2. Test with Real Users and Automated Tools

    Automated checkers can point out some problems, like missing alt text or heading errors. However, these tools cannot catch everything. The best approach is to test your website with actual users who have disabilities. Ask for their feedback and watch how they move through your site. You will quickly find issues that an overlay would never fix. This user-first approach ensures your improvements are based on real-world experiences.

    3. Collaborate with Accessibility Experts

    If you are not sure where to begin, seek help from professionals who specialize in digital accessibility. They can run a thorough audit, identify areas that need work, and guide you in making the proper fixes. This often involves reviewing your design, testing your site’s code, and recommending best practices so that all new content you create will also be accessible.

    4. Provide Ongoing Training

    Accessibility should be a team effort. Everyone who works on your website—developers, designers, content creators—should know the basics of accessible design. This means understanding how to create keyboard-friendly navigation, how to write alt text, and how to structure pages with clear headings and labels. If your team knows these skills, you are less likely to introduce new barriers when adding or editing content.

    5. Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

    Websites are never finished; they change over time. That means accessibility is an ongoing project. As you update pages, launch new features, or switch platforms, keep accessibility in mind. Continue testing, train your team, and regularly check for new issues. This helps you stay proactive rather than relying on any one tool to fix barriers as they come up.

    Additional Resources

    If you would like to learn more about doing accessibility the right way, here are some helpful links:

    1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): The official guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
    2. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative: Offers guidelines, techniques, and tutorials on how to create an accessible website
    3. WebAIM: A well-known resource that offers articles, tools, and services related to web accessibility.
    4. The A11Y Project: A community-driven site with resources for building and maintaining accessible websites.

    These resources can guide you in understanding the deeper aspects of accessibility and how to address them.

    Moving Forward with True Accessibility

    Web accessibility overlays may seem like a quick and convenient solution, but they are ultimately a Band-Aid on a much larger problem. While they can address surface-level issues, they often fail to tackle the deeper, structural barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully engaging with your website. Worse, relying on overlays can give businesses a false sense of compliance, leaving them vulnerable to legal action and alienating users who need genuine accessibility improvements.

    Real accessibility requires a proactive, thoughtful approach—one that prioritizes clean code, user testing, and ongoing education. By investing in these strategies, you can create a website that is not just compliant with legal standards but genuinely inclusive for everyone.

    If you’re ready to move past quick fixes and build a site that welcomes all users, 216digital is here to help. We offer expert accessibility audits, training, and monitoring services to ensure your website meets WCAG standards and delivers a seamless experience for every visitor. Reach out to us today to schedule an ADA compliance briefing and take the first step toward meaningful, lasting accessibility.

    Let’s build a more inclusive digital world—together.

    Greg McNeil

    December 30, 2024
    Web Accessibility Remediation
    Overlay, Overlay widgets, screen overlays, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • Website Accessibility: Are Overlays Just Hiding the Problem?

    Creating an accessible website isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about ensuring that every user, no matter their abilities, can navigate and benefit from your digital presence. Yet, for many business owners, the idea of tackling website accessibility can feel overwhelming. Enter accessibility overlays—those “quick fix” solutions promising to make your site compliant in a snap. Sounds perfect, right?

    Unfortunately, it’s too good to be true. Overlays don’t just fall short—they create more problems, leaving users frustrated and your business exposed to legal risks. Let’s cut through the noise and uncover the truth about why overlays are not the solution they claim to be.

    What Are Website Accessibility Overlays?

    Web accessibility overlays are tools or widgets that website owners can add to their sites to enhance website accessibility—or at least, that’s the promise They typically involve inserting a small JavaScript code snippet into your site, which then adds a floating button or widget. This button allows users to make adjustments, such as changing text size, altering color contrasts, or enabling screen reader compatibility.

    On the surface, overlays sound like a dream come true: a quick, low-cost way to improve website accessibility without needing a major redesign. But here’s the kicker: overlays only mask the problem. They don’t address the more profound, structural issues that make a website inaccessible in the first place. Worse, they can actually introduce new barriers, frustrating users with disabilities and leaving your business exposed to legal and reputational risks.

    Why Accessibility Overlays Are a Risky Shortcut

    Overlays Don’t Address Website Accessibility Barries

    Overlays operate on the surface, leaving your website’s underlying code untouched. If your site has poorly labeled buttons, inaccessible forms, or missing alt text, overlays won’t fix any of it. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling wall—it looks fine for a moment, but the structural issues are still there. 

    So, what issues are ignored by AI and overlay widget tools?

    • Missing headings 
    • Missing alt text on images
    • Marked link text 
    • No labels on form fields
    • Required form fields not indicated
    • No submit button on forms or no clear button label

    While most of these issues may not be visible to all users, these issues are significant barriers to web users with disabilities. 

    Poor User Experience for People with Disabilities

    Ironically, overlays often create more barriers for people with disabilities instead of removing them. They frequently disrupt the functionality of assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation, making it harder—not easier—for users to navigate a site. Rather than complementing these tools, overlays can interfere with their operation, forcing users to abandon their preferred methods and engage with the overlay’s limited features. This undermines the independence and usability that assistive technologies are designed to provide.

    Website Accessibility is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

    Disabilities are as diverse as the people who have them, and a one-size-fits-all overlay cannot possibly meet every user’s needs. Built on generalized assumptions, overlays often cater to a narrow set of requirements while neglecting others, leaving many users frustrated or excluded. For instance, individuals with cognitive disabilities may find overlays too complex or distracting, while those with motor impairments may struggle with poorly designed interactions.

    This cookie-cutter approach ignores the nuanced and personalized support that true accessibility demands, emphasizing the need for solutions that genuinely prioritize diverse user experiences.

    For more information on how overlays affect users’ experience, check out our article, “Are Web Accessibility Overlays Hurting Users?”

    They Increase Legal Liability

    Don’t fall for the myth that overlays will shield you from lawsuits. Courts and advocacy groups have repeatedly ruled that overlays don’t meet accessibility standards. In fact, relying on them might make your business a bigger target. By mid-2024, over 20% of web accessibility lawsuits were filed against companies using these widgets. 

    To make things even more challenging, businesses using overlays are now facing a new wave of copycat lawsuits. These lawsuits come from a new wave of ambulance chasers targeting companies that rely on third-party overlays. They know these tools often fall short of providing true accessibility. Tools like BuiltWith make it easy for anyone to see what a website is built with. With just a click, you can access a list of websites using a specific tool—like AccessiBe or another accessibility overlay.

    Why Genuine Website Accessibility Efforts Matter

    If overlays aren’t the answer, what is? Real website accessibility means going beyond surface-level fixes to create a seamless, inclusive experience for all users. It’s a commitment to quality, usability, and long-term success. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

    Tailored Fixes Address Specific Barriers

    No two websites—or audiences—are the same. A manual accessibility audit identifies the unique issues impacting your users and ensures they’re resolved effectively.

    User Testing Guarantees Real-World Usability

    Involving people with disabilities in your testing process provides insights that automated tools and overlays simply can’t replicate. It’s the difference between assuming accessibility and truly delivering it.

    Sustainable Practices Build Long-Term Compliance

    Web accessibility is a continuous journey—not a one-time task. Genuine efforts focus on:

    • Training Your Team: Equip your content creators, designers, and developers with the skills and knowledge to maintain accessibility throughout the site’s lifecycle.
    • Ongoing Monitoring: Use accessibility tools to identify new issues as they arise. Websites evolve, and so do the standards and technologies that shape them.
    • Proactive Planning: Incorporate accessibility into every stage of your workflow, from initial design concepts to regular updates or redesigns. This proactive approach prevents future problems and keeps your site ahead of accessibility requirements.

    Practical Steps for Website Accessibility

    Ready to ditch the quick fixes? Here’s how to achieve genuine website accessibility:

    1. Start with an Audit: Identify your site’s barriers with a professional accessibility audit. This creates a roadmap for improvement.
    2. Remediate Issues: Work with developers to fix identified issues, such as:
      • Add alt text to images.
      • Improve keyboard navigation.
      • Fix form labels and color contrast.
    3. Test with Real Users: Ensure your changes work in the real world by testing with people who use assistive technologies.
    4. Monitor and Maintain: Accessibility is ongoing. Use tools like Accessibility Radar (a11y.Radar) to stay proactive and address new issues as they arise.
    5. Partner with Experts: Accessibility is complex—don’t go it alone. Experts can guide you through compliance and ensure your efforts truly make a difference.

    Don’t Settle for a Shortcut That Fails 

    Accessibility overlays might sound tempting, but they’re no substitute for meaningful action. By addressing website accessibility at its core, you create an inclusive, compliant, and user-friendly website.

    Don’t settle for shortcuts that leave your users frustrated and your business at risk. Instead, invest in meaningful changes that prioritize user experience, long-term success, and a digital space where everyone feels welcome.

    Ready to take the first step? Partner with the experts at 216digital, who understand accessibility inside and out. Together, we can create a web that works for everyone—and protect your business in the process. Schedule your complimentary ADA briefing today to start your journey toward an accessible and compliant future.

    Greg McNeil

    December 5, 2024
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, Overlay, screen overlays, Website Accessibility, Widgets
  • 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
  • Why Screen Overlays Can Harm Your Website and Business

    Why Screen Overlays Can Harm Your Website and Business

    In today’s digital world, having a website that’s accessible to everyone is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. As a business owner, you want to ensure your website is user-friendly for all potential customers. However, when it comes to web accessibility, there’s a common misconception that screen overlays are a quick fix. Unfortunately, these overlays can create more problems than they solve. In this article, we’ll explore why screen overlays can actually hinder users with visual impairments and how they can put your business at risk for an ADA lawsuit.

    What Are Screen Overlays?

    Screen overlays are tools that can be added to a website to provide accessibility features. These overlays are designed to make a website more usable for people with disabilities by adding features like text-to-speech, color contrast adjustments, and font size changes. While the intention behind these tools is good, their effectiveness and actual impact are often questionable.

    Why Screen Overlays Can Be Problematic

    1. They Can Create More Barriers

    Screen overlays might seem like a helpful solution, but they often end up complicating things. For individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, overlays can interfere with how these tools work. Screen readers, for instance, may not interact well with overlays, making it harder for users to navigate the site. Instead of enhancing accessibility, overlays might add another layer of complexity that can make it more difficult for disabled users to access the information they need.

    2. They Can Conflict with Existing Accessibility Features

    Many websites already incorporate accessibility features that follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These features are carefully designed to work together to provide a seamless experience for all users. When you add a screen overlay, it can conflict with these existing features, creating inconsistencies that can confuse users. This is especially problematic for people who rely on keyboard navigation or voice commands.

    3. They May Not Address the Root Issues

    Screen overlays often tackle symptoms rather than the root causes of accessibility issues. For example, if your website has poor color contrast or inaccessible navigation, an overlay might offer temporary solutions like color adjustments. However, these adjustments might not fully resolve the underlying problems, leaving users with disabilities facing ongoing challenges. The real solution lies in making the website itself more accessible through proper design and development practices.

    Impact on Your Business: ADA Lawsuits and Legal Risks

    Increased Risk of ADA Lawsuits

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. If a website is not accessible, it can be subject to legal action. There has been a significant increase in ADA lawsuits targeting websites. Many of these lawsuits are filed because businesses use screen overlays that fail to genuinely improve accessibility.

    Websites relying on screen overlays are often scrutinized in legal cases. Courts and advocacy groups are increasingly aware that these overlays do not always meet ADA requirements. As a result, businesses using screen overlays could find themselves in legal trouble, facing expensive lawsuits and the potential need for significant site redesigns.

    Reputational Damage

    Beyond legal risks, using screen overlays can damage your brand’s reputation. Customers who encounter accessibility issues on your website may feel excluded or undervalued, which can hurt your business’s image. In the digital age, word spreads quickly, and negative experiences can lead to unfavorable reviews and a tarnished reputation. Investing in true accessibility improvements not only helps you avoid legal trouble but also shows that you care about all of your customers.

    Lessons from Recent News

    A recent New York Times article, For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws, highlights the growing concern around the effectiveness of AI-based accessibility tools, including screen overlays. The article reveals that while these tools are marketed as solutions, they often fall short of providing real accessibility improvements. The focus has shifted towards creating genuinely accessible websites from the ground up rather than relying on add-ons that may not address the fundamental issues.

    The article underscores a key point: businesses should focus on building websites that are inherently accessible, rather than relying on tools that might offer only partial solutions. This approach aligns better with ADA compliance and ensures that your website meets the needs of all users.

    Best Practices for True Web Accessibility

    1. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

    The best way to ensure your website is accessible is to follow WCAG. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. They cover areas such as text alternatives for images, keyboard accessibility, and clear navigation. By adhering to these guidelines, you create a website that is genuinely accessible to all users.

    2. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits

    Regular accessibility audits can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. These audits involve evaluating your website’s design and functionality to ensure it meets accessibility standards. Professional audits can provide valuable insights and recommendations for improvements, and working with accessibility specialists like 216digital can give insight on the ADA requirements to avoid potential legal issues.

    3. Invest in Inclusive Design from the Start

    Incorporating accessibility into your website’s design from the beginning is the most effective approach. This involves considering the needs of users with disabilities during the design and development phases. By prioritizing accessibility from the start, you create a more inclusive experience for all users and reduce the risk of legal challenges.

    Stay Web Accessible with 216digital

    Screen overlays might seem like a convenient solution for improving web accessibility, but they often fall short of providing meaningful benefits. Instead, they can create additional barriers for users with disabilities and increase your risk of facing an ADA lawsuit. To ensure your website is genuinely accessible, focus on following established guidelines, conducting regular audits, and investing in inclusive design from the start.

    By taking these steps, you will demonstrate your commitment to providing an inclusive and user-friendly experience for all visitors. In the long run, this approach will help you avoid legal troubles, protect your reputation, and create a better online environment for everyone.

    Ready to get started? At 216digital, our expert team can assist you in developing a strategy to make this journey of WCAG 2.1 compliance as smooth as possible. Contact us today to schedule a complementary ADA Strategy Briefing so that you can confidently take this next step into digital accessibility.

    Greg McNeil

    August 5, 2024
    Legal Compliance
    ADA non-compliance, Overlay, Overlay widgets, screen overlays, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
216digital Scanning Tool

Audit Your Website for Free

Find Out if Your Website is WCAG & ADA Compliant













    216digital Logo

    Our team is full of expert professionals in Web Accessibility Remediation, eCommerce Design & Development, and Marketing – ready to help you reach your goals and thrive in a competitive marketplace. 

    216 Digital, Inc. BBB Business Review

    Get in Touch

    2208 E Enterprise Pkwy
    Twinsburg, OH 44087
    216.505.4400
    info@216digital.com

    Support

    Support Desk
    Acceptable Use Policy
    Accessibility Policy
    Privacy Policy

    Web Accessibility

    Settlement & Risk Mitigation
    WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA Compliance
    Monitoring Service by a11y.Radar

    Development & Marketing

    eCommerce Development
    PPC Marketing
    Professional SEO

    About

    About Us
    Contact

    Copyright 2024 216digital. All Rights Reserved.