The problem(s) with accessibility overlays

If you know what an accessibility overlay is, then you must know that they do more harm than good.

Accessibility overlay companies claim their tool or widget is a simple and quick solution that will solve your web accessibility needs. And it's cheaper and won't take up your time!

Sound too good to be true? It definitely is.

I was told recently, "It puts the onus on me to fix a problem rather than the company take responsibility." This comment came from a blind LinkedIn user.

What is an accessibility overlay?

An accessibility overlay is a widget or tool that's added to a website to make it accessible to people with disabilities. You can find such an overlay when you visit a website that has an accessibility symbol in the lower left or right side of the homepage. When you click on the symbol, it brings up an accessibility menu where you can adjust color contrast and text size, highlight links, pause animations, and hide images. There is more but let's stop right here.

The same blind user also told me, "I have to go find the wee symbol [accessibility menu] to turn it on... absolute nightmare."

The biggest offenders are AccessiBe and UserWay but there are plenty more. In fact, an overlay company got in touch with me recently, to share with me his incredible new AI tool that can fix accessibility issues with a simple line of code. Alarms started going off in my head. His company has now been added to this list: Overlay Fact Sheet

5 reasons to avoid accessibility overlays

1. They are ineffective. They may be able to solve some issues but cannot give you a comprehensive solution no matter what an overlay company promises you.
2. Interferes with assistive technology. People using assistive technology (screen readers and keyboard navigation) already have these in place before accessing a site with an overlay.
3. They do not protect you legally. Using an accessibility overlay does not help you avoid lawsuits. In fact, over 400 lawsuits have been filed against overlay companies.
4. They lack customization. Overlays are not a one-size-fits-all solution and can even worsen the user experience.
5. Negative impact on accessibility companies. Accessibility overlay companies prey on people's desire to do public good but instead, take their money and pretend they're THE authority on solving accessibility issues. Overlays solve, at best, only 20%-30% of accessibility issues. They lull unsuspecting people into thinking they don't need to spend much time or money, if they can just use an overlay and be done with it.

Many brands that I like use overlays so I'm reaching out to them to let them know.

YOU can help by not using the companies listed in the Overlay Fact Sheet And if you're already using an overlay, you can easily have it removed.

Not convinced? You don't need to take my word for it. Ask other people with disabilities what they think. They are, after all, the group that misses out the most if you're using an overlay.

Accessibility expert Karl Groves explains the problem with accessibility overlays in the video below.

Here are some resources:

Overlays are not the solution to your accessibility problem, Sheri Byrne-Haber

Why AI and overlay widgets fail to protect and serve, Accessibility Works

Are you using an accessibility overlay to help disabled users? Don't! Search Engine Land

The many pitfalls of accessibility overlays, Level Access

Should I use an accessibility overlay? The A11y Project

Hi! I'm Juana, the founder of?Being Access-able, a consultancy providing accessibility education and awareness for brands and entrepreneurs.

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