Debunking Common Myths About Website Accessibility

Website accessibility is essential for creating an inclusive online experience, yet many businesses hesitate to prioritize it due to a number of myths and misunderstandings. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about website accessibility, offering clarity and encouraging businesses to take action in making their websites more accessible to everyone.

Myth #1: Accessibility Only Benefits People with Disabilities

While accessibility is primarily designed to support people with disabilities, its benefits enhance the overall user experience for everyone. For instance, users with temporary impairments, such as a broken arm or a short-term vision issue, can find accessible features like keyboard shortcuts and voice commands incredibly helpful. Accessible features like clear navigation, high-contrast design elements, and easy-to-read text contribute to a smoother experience for everyone. In this way, accessible design improves usability not only for individuals with specific needs but for all users.

Myth #2: Accessibility is Too Expensive and Complex

While the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a comprehensive framework for accessibility, the 86 success criteria in WCAG 2.2 may seem overwhelming to many. With so many guidelines to follow, it's easy to feel daunted by the sheer volume of requirements. However, it's important to note that the majority of accessibility issues, as highlighted in the 2024 WebAIM Million evaluation, fall into just six common categories. These include low contrast text, missing alternative text, empty links, empty buttons, missing document language, and missing input labels. By focusing on addressing these few key issues, you can make significant progress toward improving accessibility.

Myth #3: Accessibility is Only for Large Businesses

Accessibility is important for all websites. Regardless of the size of your business, it’s about offering a better experience for all users and reducing legal risks. Small businesses, in particular, can benefit from accessibility by tapping into a wider audience, enhancing their reputation, and improving SEO. Plus, the risk of an accessibility lawsuit isn’t proportional to the size of your company. In 2023, over 73% of all web accessibility lawsuits targeted smaller companies with annual revenue below $25 million.

Myth #4: Accessibility Doesn’t Affect SEO

In fact, accessibility and SEO are closely related. Search engines like Google prioritize websites that are easy to navigate and have well-structured content, principles that align with accessibility best practices. Adding alt text to images, creating clear and logical headings, and ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly will improve both accessibility and SEO, driving more traffic to your site.

Myth #5: Accessibility is a One-Time Task

Accessibility is an ongoing process. As web standards and technologies advance, regular audits are essential to ensure your website complies with the latest accessibility guidelines and industry best practices. Any time you add or edit content—whether it’s text, images, or multimedia—you must also ensure it meets accessibility standards, including proper use of alt tags, headings, and other semantic elements. By making accessibility an ongoing priority, you’ll future-proof your site and maintain inclusivity for all users.

Dispelling these myths about accessibility is the first step in making your website more inclusive and user-friendly. Website accessibility isn’t just for large businesses or people with disabilities—it benefits everyone and is a key component of good design, improved SEO, and positive brand reputation. By prioritizing accessibility, you’re not only helping users with disabilities but also improving the experience for all visitors. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back—start implementing accessibility practices today.

Need help? Not sure where to begin? Contact us for expert help improving your website’s accessibility.