The Truth About Accessibility Overlays

In the Changing World of Web Accessibility

Many businesses use automated tools called accessibility overlays. These tools, such as AccessiBe's "AccessWidget," can help fix some accessibility problems and may be part of a broader plan to meet ADA and WCAG standards. However, recent legal cases and expert feedback show that overlays are not the complete solution they claim to be. This post looks at the risks of relying only on overlays and why human-led audits are still essential.

The Case Against AccessiBe

A recent class action lawsuit filed by Tribeca Skin Care against AccessiBe shows the weaknesses of accessibility overlays. Tribeca used AccessiBe’s overlay to meet ADA requirements but was still sued for having an inaccessible website. The lawsuit claims AccessiBe’s product did not deliver on its promises, leaving the business open to legal action and failing to make the site truly accessible. Issues in the lawsuit include claims that the overlay did not fully fix accessibility problems, interfered with assistive technologies, and gave a false sense of compliance.

Why Accessibility Overlays Fall Short

Limited Scope of Fixes

Overlays usually handle surface-level issues like changing font sizes, adjusting color contrast, or adding alt text. While helpful, they often miss deeper problems like coding errors, poor compatibility with assistive technologies, or missing form labels.

False Sense of Security

Businesses may believe their websites are fully compliant after adding an overlay, leading to complacency. This false confidence can prevent further improvements and create legal and reputational risks.

Increased Litigation Risk

Overlays can make it seem like a company knows about accessibility issues but chose a shortcut. This can attract lawsuits instead of preventing them, as seen in the Tribeca case.

The Need for Comprehensive Audits

Human-Led Audits

At fare·well, we recommend detailed audits done by accessibility experts. These go beyond automated checks to review code, design, and user experience. Human auditors can test real-world scenarios and spot issues tools often miss.

Ongoing Support and Updates

Accessibility is not a one-time task. Regular reviews, updates, and user feedback are needed to stay compliant and user-friendly. This includes monitoring for new issues and adapting to changes in technology and standards.

How to Do It Right

The AccessiBe lawsuit highlights the risks of relying only on overlays. Businesses committed to accessibility need expert-led audits and ongoing support. These steps give you a clear picture of your site’s accessibility and how to improve it.

Contact fare·well for a free strategy call to ensure your website is accessible and inclusive for all users.

For more information on the lawsuit against AccessiBe, you can read the full article here.