The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 34 on Friday, July 26, and has significantly improved the lives of millions in that time. By providing access to public spaces, employment, transportation and other vital services, the ADA is a success. However, a glaring gap exists as society becomes increasingly digital, known as digital accessibility.
From online banking and telehealth to remote work and virtual classrooms, digital platforms have revolutionized how we live, work, and interact. Yet, for people with disabilities, these advancements often come with new barriers. Websites that are not screen reader-friendly, apps that lack alternative text for images, and digital forms that are inaccessible to keyboard-only users are just a few examples of the digital divide that persists.
After all, what good is a website, app, or other digital gadget if those with disabilities can’t use them?
According to WebAIM’s 2022 report, a staggering 97.4 percent of the top 1 million homepages had detectable WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) failures. This statistic highlights a critical failure to include people with disabilities in the digital age. Therefore, it’s no surprise that web accessibility litigation is on the rise, and even big names like Beyonce, Harvard University, and Domino’s Pizza have all been sued because their sites were not digitally accessible.
The need for digital accessibility is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of civil rights. The ADA’s principles of equality and inclusion must extend to the digital realm. Many organizations and institutions have been slow to recognize and address this need, which is not only wrong, but it’s also bad business seeing that the disabled consumer accounts for a $13 trillion market.
For individuals with visual impairments, screen reader-compatible websites are crucial for accessing information and services. For those with motor disabilities, navigable interfaces and keyboard accessibility ensure they can interact with digital content. For people with hearing impairments, captions and transcripts are essential for consuming audio and video content. The benefits of digital accessibility are broad and far-reaching, fostering greater independence, engagement, and participation in society.
Contrary to popular belief, implementing digital accessibility is not an insurmountable challenge. The technology and guidelines exist; what is needed is the will and commitment to apply them.
Organizations must prioritize accessibility across design and development, incorporating best practices and conducting regular audits with remediation to ensure compliance and more importantly, of delivering an optimal user experience. Government agencies must lead by example, ensuring their websites and digital services are accessible to all citizens. Moreover, there must be robust enforcement of existing laws and the introduction of new regulations that specifically address digital accessibility.
Rainmaker Photo/MediaPunch/IPX/AP Images
Public awareness and education are also crucial. Many developers and designers are simply unaware of accessibility standards and how to implement them. Integrating accessibility training into educational curriculums and professional development programs can create a new generation of tech professionals who prioritize inclusivity.
As we commemorate the ADA’s anniversary, let us honor its legacy by addressing the digital accessibility gap. We have the tools, knowledge, and ethical imperative to make the digital world accessible to everyone. It’s time to take decisive action, ensuring that the promise of the ADA extends into the digital age, creating a truly inclusive society where everyone can participate fully and equally.
The road to accessibility may appear long, but by committing to digital inclusivity, we can make significant strides toward achieving a more equitable future. Let us celebrate our progress, but more importantly, let us challenge ourselves to do better. For in the digital age, accessibility is not just a right; it is a necessity.
Mark Pound is the CEO of CurbCutOS, an organization founded by people with disabilities that’s focused on making real digital accessibility a reality.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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