Why Digital Accessibility is a Fundamental Right
In our hyper-connected world, digital accessibility is much more than an option: it is a human right. Access to the Internet and technology is recognized as essential by the United Nations. Every day, we use phones, computers, and online services to work, learn, and communicate. Imagine if some people were excluded from this digital world. This would create unfair barriers to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services.
What is Digital Accessibility?
Digital accessibility refers to the design and delivery of technologies and digital services so that they can be easily used by everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities.
In practice, this means:
- Websites that are accessible for people using screen readers.
- Videos with subtitles for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
- Interfaces that function without a mouse for people with reduced mobility.
The obstacles faced by people with disabilities are often the result of design choices that fail to account for human diversity. For example:
- A poorly positioned button on a virtual kiosk creates a barrier for someone in a wheelchair.
- The lack of subtitles in a video prevents access for deaf users.
- A website incompatible with a screen reader blocks navigation for a blind person.
With thoughtful design decisions, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate these barriers. This is why digital accessibility concerns us all:
- Someone may be temporarily impaired (a broken arm, forgotten glasses).
- Or find themselves in situations where accessible design makes usage easier (bright sunlight, slow internet connection).
Thinking about accessibility means creating universal experiences.
Who is Digital Accessibility For? The 7 User Profiles
When designing accessible digital products, it’s important to consider the needs of seven broad user groups, each with specific accessibility requirements.
People with no vision
This group includes blind individuals or those unable to rely on sight to use a device. They use screen readers or Braille devices for navigation and interaction. Common barriers include poorly labeled content, lack of text alternatives for images, and insufficient keyboard navigation.
People with reduced vision
This includes users with blurred vision, light sensitivity, or a restricted field of view. They may enlarge content, enable high-contrast mode, or use a screen reader. Frequent issues include poor contrast, small fonts, and interfaces that don’t adapt to customized settings.
People with altered color vision
Commonly referred to as color blindness, this condition affects how certain colors are perceived. Designs relying solely on color to convey information pose major obstacles.
People with reduced mobility
This includes individuals with limited strength or dexterity, tremors, reduced range of motion, or those using alternative devices like virtual keyboards or voice commands. Complex gestures, small buttons, and short time limits for completing tasks are frequent challenges.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing
This group may require subtitles, transcripts, or sign language interpretation for audio or video content. The absence of text alternatives represents a significant barrier.
People with cognitive or learning disabilities
This group includes individuals with attention disorders, autism spectrum conditions, dyslexia, or brain injuries. Complex content, overly technical language, or memory-intensive tasks can hinder access.
People with reduced or no speech
These users may be temporarily or permanently unable to communicate verbally. Alternatives like live chat, email, or other written communication methods are essential.
It’s important to note that anyone may join one or more of these groups at some point in life, permanently or temporarily, especially as we age.
Creating accessible digital experiences removes barriers for all these groups and ensures equal access to online content and services.
The Four WCAG Principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
To ensure digital content is accessible, the W3C developed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), internationally recognized standards. These guidelines are based on four key principles that provide a foundation for designing inclusive products.
Perceivable
Users must be able to perceive the information presented. Content must not be invisible to all their senses. For example:
- Provide text alternatives for images.
- Ensure videos have subtitles.
- Use sufficient contrast for readability.
Operable
The interface must be functional and allow for easy navigation. Users should be able to interact with all elements, even without a mouse. This includes:
- Enabling keyboard-only navigation.
- Avoiding overly short time limits for completing tasks.
- Designing large enough buttons and interactive zones.
Understandable
Information and interface operations must be understandable. Users should know how to interact with the system. Examples include:
- Using clear and simple language.
- Providing explicit instructions for forms.
- Ensuring consistency in navigation and layout.
Robust
Content must be strong enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide range of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means:
- Designing sites compatible with various browsers and screen readers.
- Following HTML and ARIA standards for interoperability.
The WCAG guidelines define three levels of conformance:
- Level A: minimum accessibility.
- Level AA: recommended standard for good accessibility.
- Level AAA: highest level, for optimal accessibility.
Achieving Level AA is generally the goal to ensure a compliant and user-friendly experience.
The Business Benefits of Digital Accessibility
Investing in digital accessibility goes beyond legal compliance. It is a strategic approach that brings significant advantages to businesses and organizations. These benefits can be summarized as reach, reputation, risk management, and innovation.
Extend your reach
Around 15% of the global population lives with a disability. In Europe, this represents millions of potential customers. Accessibility also benefits other groups, such as:
- Seniors.
- People with limited proficiency in the local language.
- Users in temporary situations (injury, noisy environment).
By making your interfaces accessible, you open your services to a much wider market.
Strengthen your reputation
Companies that adopt digital accessibility build a positive and inclusive brand image. They are seen as innovative and socially responsible. In contrast, organizations that neglect accessibility risk public criticism, particularly on social media. A strong reputation attracts new customers and retains existing ones.
Reduce legal risks
Many countries have laws requiring digital services to be accessible. In Europe, the European Accessibility Act sets specific standards. Companies like Domino’s Pizza and Target have faced lawsuits for offering inaccessible online services.
Drive innovation
Accessibility fuels innovation. Many features we all use today, like voice commands, dark mode, or predictive keyboards, were initially developed for people with disabilities. This is known as the “curb-cut effect”: a ramp designed for wheelchair users also benefits parents with strollers and delivery workers.
By integrating accessibility from the design phase, your company gains agility and competitiveness while anticipating future user needs.
Standards and Legal Obligations in Europe
Digital accessibility is not just a best practice; it is also governed by increasingly strict regulations in many countries, including Belgium and across the EU.
The European Legal Framework
The European Accessibility Act requires companies to make their digital products and services accessible. This covers:
- Websites and mobile apps.
- ATMs and self-service kiosks.
- Banking and e-commerce services.
- Platforms for transport, healthcare, and education.
By 2025, all businesses offering services to the public will need to comply with these requirements or face penalties.
Technical Standards: WCAG
The reference standard for compliance is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), currently in version 2.2. These are based on the four principles (perceivable, operable, understandable, robust) and include three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA.
Achieving Level AA is typically recommended for businesses seeking to comply with legislation and provide an inclusive user experience.
Anticipate to Avoid Costs
The earlier accessibility is considered in a project, the less costly it is to implement. Fixing a site or app after launch can require a complete redesign.
It is crucial to integrate accessibility from the UX/UI design stage through development and user testing.
Do you want to make your websites and apps accessible?
At Iterates, we help you design and develop inclusive digital products that comply with WCAG standards. Deliver barrier-free experiences to your users and anticipate future legal requirements.
The Role of Each Stakeholder: UX/UI, Developers, Project Managers
Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility that involves all stakeholders in a digital project. Each role plays a key part in ensuring an inclusive experience.
UX/UI Designers
They are at the forefront of integrating accessibility in the design phase. Their mission includes:
- Choosing sufficient color contrasts.
- Creating clear and consistent interfaces.
- Ensuring intuitive navigation for screen reader and keyboard users.
Developers
Developers translate designs into accessible code. This involves:
- Following best practices in HTML and ARIA.
- Ensuring keyboard navigation works properly.
- Testing compatibility with assistive technologies.
Project Managers and Decision-Makers
They ensure accessibility is a core project objective, not an afterthought. This includes:
- Planning accessibility audits.
- Allocating sufficient time and resources.
- Staying updated on legal developments.
Testers and End Users
Involving people with disabilities in testing phases is critical to identify real barriers and refine the user experience.
By collaborating, these different roles ensure real accessibility, going beyond technical criteria to deliver products truly usable by everyone.
Conclusion: Digital Accessibility as an Investment for the Future
Digital accessibility is not just a legal obligation or an inclusive gesture. It is an approach that benefits all users, strengthens your brand, and opens your business to new markets.
By adopting accessible practices today in your web and mobile projects, you gain a competitive edge while contributing to a more equitable digital world.
Contact Iterates to make your digital projects accessible to all
Book a meeting now to discuss your needs for creating accessible web, mobile, or SaaS applications compliant with WCAG standards. Together, we can build inclusive solutions that make a difference.
