Over a decade ago, discussing web accessibility was considered eccentric in the development world. It was seen as an unnecessary addition, an “extra” that could delay projects and increase costs. However, ten years later, the situation hasn’t improved as much as we would hope.

It’s surprising that, in the 21st century, millions of people with disabilities still face significant barriers when trying to access information and services online. From screen reader users to individuals with reduced mobility, many are forced to adapt to interfaces designed for the majority, rather than having these interfaces adapt to them.

It’s akin to constructing a building while ignoring the need for wheelchair ramps or braille signage. Web accessibility is not a luxury; it’s a right. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in the digital society.

Why Does Accessibility Remain a Challenge?

The main reason lies in the constant pressure to deliver products quickly. Tight deadlines and fierce competition often lead development teams to prioritize features over accessibility. Additionally, the lack of knowledge about accessibility standards and available tools complicates the implementation of accessible solutions.

Another factor is the perception that accessibility is costly and complex. However, studies show that investing in accessibility from the start of a project can save time and money in the long run. Moreover, numerous tools and resources are available to simplify this process.

The Consequences of Inaccessibility

The lack of accessibility has significant consequences for both people with disabilities and businesses. On one hand, it excludes a substantial segment of the population from accessing services and products, representing a loss of market opportunities. On the other, it can result in legal claims and damage a brand’s reputation.

The Solution: A Proactive Approach

Fortunately, solutions exist to make the web more accessible. The key lies in adopting a proactive approach and integrating accessibility into every stage of development.

1. Incorporate accessibility from the start: Accessibility must be a consideration from the design phase. Tools like Figma allow for the review of compliance with certain accessibility parameters. Additionally, platforms like Storybook help create accessible components from the outset, ensuring they meet W3C standards.
2. Collaborate with experts: Involving accessibility specialists throughout the development process is crucial. Their guidance ensures that accessibility requirements are met from the MVP to the final product.
3. Conduct manual reviews: While automated accessibility tools are helpful, they don’t replace manual analysis. Many errors and guidelines must be assessed semantically, as automated tools may overlook critical issues.
4. Thoroughly test: Accessibility testing is essential once solutions are implemented. Ideally, these tests should involve real users, but if that’s not possible, scenarios can be emulated using screen readers or keyboard-only navigation.
5. Leverage available tools: Numerous resources assist developers in creating accessible websites, such as code linters, disability simulators, and tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse.
6. Educate the team: Accessibility is a shared responsibility among all team members. Providing training and fostering a culture of inclusion are essential steps to achieve this.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 1 in 6 people worldwide, approximately 1.3 billion individuals, live with a significant disability.

Here in Spain, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), there are over 4.3 million people with some form of disability. Of this total, approximately 2.57 million are women and 1.81 million are men.
In addition, there are around 9.38 million elderly people who could benefit from accessible digital environments.

These figures highlight the importance of ensuring that websites are accessible to everyone, enabling full participation in the digital society.

Additionally, WHO and UNICEF report that more than 2.5 billion people require one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids, and nearly 1 billion of them lack access to these products, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This lack of access to assistive technologies can further limit the ability of people with disabilities to interact with digital content that is not inclusively designed.

Conclusion

Web accessibility is not just a technical requirement; it’s a matter of social justice. By making our products accessible, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the digital society.

We can no longer hide behind the excuse of efficiency, speed, or competition to exclude a population that has the same rights as everyone else.