Discover how people with disabilities use the internet, the challenges they face, and how accessibility experts and web developers are making websites more inclusive and user-friendly for everyone.
The internet should be accessible to everyone regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Yet, millions of people with disabilities face challenges every day when trying to access online content.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how people with disabilities use the internet, the assistive technologies they rely on, the barriers they face, and what accessibility experts and developers are doing to create inclusive websites that work for all.
People with disabilities use a range of assistive technologies and strategies to navigate the web. Here’s how different groups interact with digital content:
Use screen readers (like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver) to hear content read aloud.
Use braille displays or screen magnifiers.
Depend on proper use of alt text, semantic HTML, and keyboard navigation.
Rely on video captions, transcripts, and visual indicators instead of audio cues.
Need clearly presented text alternatives for any auditory information.
Navigate websites using keyboard-only access, voice commands, or switch devices.
Can’t use traditional mouse or touch gestures, so interactive elements must be fully keyboard-accessible.
Benefit from simple layouts, clear language, and predictable site structures.
Often use text-to-speech software or tools to customize fonts and colors.
Many websites are still not built with accessibility in mind. Common issues include:
Missing alt text on images.
Poor keyboard navigation.
Low color contrast.
Inaccessible forms or buttons.
Lack of captions or transcripts.
These design flaws create barriers that can exclude users from accessing critical information, shopping online, or applying for jobs.
Digital accessibility experts are working to remove these barriers and build websites that are usable by everyone. Here’s how they do it:
WCAG offers a global standard for building accessible web content.
Focuses on four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
Most developers aim to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA for solid accessibility.
Experts use semantic HTML (<header>, <nav>, <button>) to give structure.
Use ARIA roles and labels to describe non-standard elements for screen readers.
Use tools like WAVE, axe DevTools, and Lighthouse.
Conduct real-world testing with people who use assistive technologies.
Ensure websites work with screen readers and are fully keyboard accessible.
Add captions to videos and transcripts for audio content.
Use descriptive alt text for images and infographics.
Avoid retrofitting. Experts now practice inclusive design from the planning phase.
Focus on responsive design, readable fonts, and clear navigation.
Making your website accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it also makes business sense:
Improves SEO (search engines love accessible websites).
Reaches a larger audience, including the over 1 billion people globally with disabilities.
Complies with legal standards (like ADA, Section 508, and EN 301 549).
When websites are inclusive, everyone wins.
Accessibility is not a feature it’s a necessity. By understanding how people with disabilities use the internet and adopting best practices, designers and developers can help create a web that’s inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all.
Start designing with accessibility in mind today and make the internet a better place for everyone.
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