Global Accessibility Awareness: Building a More Inclusive Web
Digital accessibility means providing access for people with disabilities and/or impairments to interact and consume digital content. Accessible content includes websites, mobile applications, and social media. With rapid advancements in technology and over 1 billion people living with a disability or impairment, companies, and organizations in any industry need to make its accessibility a priority in their processes. In celebration of last week's Global Accessibility Awareness Day, let's explore how we can build digital experiences that are inclusive and user-friendly.
What Does Accessibility in Tech Mean?
Accessibility in tech refers to designing and developing user-friendly technology, such as websites, apps, and software, that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use independently and effectively.
User disabilities to be aware of include:
Visual impairments (e.g., blindness, low vision, color blindness)
Hearing impairments (e.g., deafness, hard of hearing)
Motor impairments (e.g., limited hand movement, paralysis)
Cognitive or neurological disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism)
Accessible tech features include:
Screen reader compatibility
Keyboard navigation (for users who can't use a mouse)
Captions and transcripts for videos
High contrast or customizable text size and colors
Simple, consistent interfaces
The goal is to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing digital products and services and from complying with the standards of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Why Accessibility Matters in Tech
Over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, making digital inclusion a critical part of ethical, user-centric design. Accessible tech doesn't just help users with permanent disabilities; it also benefits people with temporary impairments (like a broken arm), situational limitations (like bright sunlight), or even cognitive overload. When we work together to make the internet accessible, we ensure all users have access when needed.
WCAG Compliance & Inclusive Design
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the global gold standard for digital accessibility. With WCAG 2.2 now widely adopted and WCAG 3.0 on the horizon, companies are under increasing pressure to meet customer trust, loyalty, and legal protection compliance.
Inclusive design is gaining traction as more companies realize the importance of digital accessibility. Teams are embracing accessibility early and building inclusive products from the ground up.
Accessibility Testing Tools You Should Be Using
Now that we understand digital accessibility and why it matters, we ask ourselves how to ensure our products and services are accessible. Modern development pipelines are increasingly integrating accessibility testing tools like:
axe DevTools – A browser extension for detecting WCAG violations in real time.
Lighthouse – Google's open-source tool for auditing accessibility (along with performance and SEO).
Pa11y – A command-line tool for automated testing in CI/CD pipelines.
Screen readers like NVDA and VoiceOver – Essential for real-world testing.
Using accessibility testing tools like these ensures you create better user experiences and mitigate risk.
The Rise of AI for Accessibility
AI is unlocking new frontiers in assistive technology. From Microsoft's Seeing AI and Google's Lookout app to real-time transcription with Live Caption, artificial intelligence is breaking barriers for users with visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments. In 2025 and beyond, expect to see AI models embedded in accessibility-first apps, offering dynamic alt-text generation, gesture recognition, voice navigation, and emotion-aware UIs.
How Developers Can Lead the Change
Incorporate accessibility features into design and development from day one.
Use Semantic HTML: The simplest, most effective way to support screen readers.
Label everything: ARIA attributes, alt text, form field labels — don't skip them.
Test with real users: Automated tools are great, but lived experience matters more.
Conclusion
Global Accessibility Awareness Day reminds us that technology should empower everyone. Organizations like Black Orlando Tech are on a missionis to empower tech-centric individuals through upskilling initiatives and community outreach. As we ride the wave of innovation in AI, web3, and spatial computing, let's ensure accessibility doesn't become an afterthought. Founders and tech innovators should use our creativity to benefit all users and advance technology.
