What Are Accessibility Overlays?
Accessibility overlays are third-party tools that claim to “fix” accessibility issues automatically. These tools often add elements like screen reader capabilities, text resizing, colour contrast adjustments, and keyboard navigation. Overlays are marketed as quick, easy solutions to make websites compliant with accessibility standards like WCAG or ADA, without needing significant code or design changes.
Why We Don’t Recommend Accessibility Overlays
Despite their appeal as an “easy fix”, accessibility overlays often fail to create meaningful, lasting accessibility improvements. Here’s why we advise against their use:
- Superficial Fixes Without Addressing Core Issues
Accessibility overlays attempt to layer solutions over existing website issues instead of fixing the underlying design flaws that create barriers in the first place. As a result, these overlays can end up providing only partial, cosmetic fixes that don’t improve usability for people with disabilities. - Potential to Create New Accessibility Issues
Overlays can interfere with native assistive technology, such as screen readers, and may even add unnecessary layers of complexity. These tools can sometimes alter the behavior of websites in ways that make navigation and functionality more difficult for users, ultimately hindering the user experience instead of enhancing it. - False Sense of Security
Many organizations may rely on overlays to check off compliance standards without verifying the true usability of their websites for people with disabilities. This can lead to a false sense of security, where a site appears compliant on paper but remains challenging to navigate for many users. - Legal Compliance Isn’t Guaranteed
While overlays may advertise compliance with accessibility standards, they typically do not meet the rigorous requirements of WCAG and ADA, which go beyond visual and functional add-ons. As a result, companies relying on overlays alone can still be at risk of accessibility lawsuits and complaints.
Recommended Alternatives to Accessibility Overlays
Instead of relying on overlays, we recommend approaches that address accessibility from the ground up, making your website more inclusive and genuinely compliant. Here are some methods to ensure a truly accessible website:
- Design for Accessibility from the Start
Integrating accessibility directly into the design and development of your website ensures that all elements, from layout to interactions, are accessible. Following WCAG guidelines can help create a seamless, inclusive experience for all users. - Consult with Accessibility Experts
Accessibility specialists and user testers can pinpoint specific barriers and provide tailored solutions. This approach offers a far more effective and user-centred solution than a one-size-fits-all overlay. - Regular Accessibility Audits
Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. Conducting regular audits ensures that your website adapts to evolving standards, keeping your content and design accessible over time.
Our Stance
While overlays are sometimes marketed as a simple solution to accessibility, we do not recommend their use due to the limitations mentioned above. Implementing accessibility best practices within your website’s design and code is the most effective way to ensure a truly inclusive experience.
For more information, see this resource on the risks of overlays or our web accessibility webinar summary.
If you have questions about our commitment to accessibility, please contact our support team. We’re here to help!