Loading...
Loading content...
Loading content...
Last Updated: January 2025
Separate fact from fiction. Learn the truth about common accessibility misconceptions and why they're wrong.
Misconceptions about accessibility can prevent organizations from implementing proper accessibility practices. Understanding the truth helps make informed decisions and build truly accessible websites that benefit everyone.
While there are costs, accessibility is often more affordable when integrated from the start. Many accessibility improvements are simple and quick to implement. Retrofitting can be expensive, but building accessible from the beginning adds minimal cost.
Over 1 billion people worldwide have disabilities. Additionally, accessible design benefits everyone, mobile users, older adults, people with temporary injuries, and users in challenging environments. Good accessibility improves UX for all users.
Accessible websites can be beautiful and modern. Accessibility is about proper structure, semantic HTML, and inclusive design, not about limiting creativity. Many award-winning, beautiful websites are fully accessible.
Automated tools catch only about 30-40% of accessibility issues. Manual testing with keyboard navigation, screen readers, and user testing with people with disabilities is essential for true compliance.
Accessibility overlays are controversial and often don't provide true compliance. Many experts recommend fixing issues at the code level. Overlays may not work with all assistive technologies and can create additional barriers.
While WCAG itself isn't law, many countries have incorporated WCAG into legal requirements (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, AODA). Non-compliance can result in lawsuits, fines, and exclusion from government contracts.
Accessibility benefits users with various disabilities: visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and speech impairments. WCAG addresses needs across all disability types, not just blindness.
Most organizations aim for Level AA compliance, which is the standard referenced in most laws. Level AAA is the highest level and may not be achievable for all content types. Level AA is typically sufficient for legal compliance.
Accessibility requires ongoing maintenance. New content, features, and updates must be checked for accessibility. Regular audits and testing should be part of your development workflow.
Screen readers can only read properly structured, semantic content. Images need alt text, forms need labels, and interactive elements need proper ARIA attributes. Poor structure makes content inaccessible.
WCAG has specific contrast ratio requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, Level AA). Low contrast affects users with low vision, color blindness, and those using devices in bright sunlight. It's a legal requirement, not optional.
Accessibility requirements apply to many organizations: businesses open to the public (ADA), federal contractors (Section 508), public sector (EN 301 549), and more. Many private businesses must comply.