Why digital inaccessibility is everyone’s problem – and how to fix it

Global Accessibility Awareness Day on the 16 May is an opportunity to get talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion.

 

One in four people in the UK have a disability – that’s 16 million people, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. And when it comes to accessing digital and online services, people with disabilities are over 50% more likely to face barriers than non-disabled people.

 

This limits independence, choice, and control for people with disabilities – for example making it difficult or impossible to submit job applications, book medical appointments, purchase goods, or attend events such as protests organised online.

 

These barriers have no reason to keep existing. They can cause frustration, isolation, and make people with disabilities feel like they are the problem. In reality, the problem is a lack of understanding of disability and inclusion.

 

In this article, we explore the importance of digital accessibility, and some of the ways we can all contribute to more accessible digital products, services, and communications.

 

 

Who benefits from digital accessibility?

 

As everyone has different needs when using the internet, and these needs change in different situations and over the course of our lives, good digital accessibility practices benefit everyone.

 

For example, regardless of whether you have a disability, you might use captions when watching a video on a noisy train. Or if you have sprained your wrist, you might use the speech-to-text feature on your device to compose an email instead of typing. Websites that use clear language can help everyone interact with them more easily.

 

The prevalence of disability also increases with age, meaning that those not born with a disability or impairment can acquire one or more during their lifetime.

 

Digital accessibility is particularly important for those who have disabilities because barriers in the physical world mean they are often more reliant on digital access than non-disabled people.

 

"In an increasingly digital world, accessibility isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental right,” says Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK.

 

“When we neglect digital accessibility, we exclude millions from fully participating in society.”

 

“It’s not just a problem for Disabled people; it’s a challenge that impacts us all. Global Accessibility Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder that creating inclusive digital spaces isn’t just the responsibility of a few – it’s a collective effort that benefits everyone.”

 

 

How to improve digital accessibility

 

Digital products, services, and communications can be inaccessible in different ways for different people, depending on the nature of their disability, impairment, or situation. Some accessibility challenges include seeing the screen, hearing sound, using a keyboard and mouse, and reading and spelling. So, what are the key tactics for improving your organisation’s digital accessibility?

 

 

Talk about accessibility and upskill

 

An easy way to foster an inclusive digital landscape is to normalise talking about accessibility with colleagues and other stakeholders.

 

“By talking about accessibility, and building accessibility into your digital communications, you improve everyone’s ability to understand who you are and what you do - not only disabled people,” says David Dawson, Head of Digital Engagement at the national disability charity Sense.

 

“To give an example, recently we were discussing a complicated data dashboard. What, we wondered, would someone neurodivergent make of this? But by considering someone who perhaps doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with data, we realised we were focusing on the critical insights. Suddenly the dashboard was half the size, contained the most important indicators and loaded faster. Everyone wins.”

 

At disability equality charity Scope, all colleagues are encouraged to upskill in accessibility best practices to build towards creating a more inclusive society.

 

“By not being inclusive, organisations exclude a much wider audience than they realise,” says Elizabeth Ward, the charity’s Lead Accessibility Specialist. “It’s everyone’s responsibility.”

 

 

Build accessibility into your systems

 

Including people with disabilities in user research is a key way to build accessibility into your systems.

 

“I wish that people who design digital systems involved people with a learning disability from the start,” says Harry Roche, Digital Accessibility Officer at Mencap.

 

“If you can get things right for someone who has a learning disability, the chances are you will have got it right for everyone, because your design will be clear, simple to use, not confusing, and most importantly, accessible."

 

For Scope, making sure disabled people’s voices are being heard is important to creating an equal future for all.

 

“Disabled people have a wealth of talent and unique experiences they bring to society. But many organisations do not embed disability inclusion and accessibility,” says Ward.

 

“It should be part of the culture, built into policies, processes, products and services. Unfortunately, in most cases, access needs are only considered at the end, if at all.”

 

As an example of good practice, Sense has published guidance on how it builds accessible digital products and creates accessible online content, while Scope has created a beginner’s guide to accessibility.

 

 

Start with manageable steps

 

If you have a long way to go to having a fully accessible digital presence, don’t be discouraged.

 

Dawson advises charities to start small if they’re just getting started with digital accessibility: “Make sure all your images have alt text explaining what is happening in that picture so blind and visually impaired people get the same information as everyone else. Or caption all your videos from now on so people who are deaf or have impaired hearing can access the content.”

 

“Pick something that will let you see a measurable difference and start there. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to meet every Web Content Accessibility Guideline overnight.”

 

“Accessibility is a journey: enjoy the ride!”

 

 

Find out more

 

Our 2024 Digital Inclusion Summit revealed how charities can help can make the digital world a safer, happier, more inclusive place, from improving access to digital devices to demystifying cyber security. Click here to watch the session recordings for free.

 

Our report, ‘Digital inclusion in the UK charity sector’, uncovers charity practitioners’ attitudes towards digital inclusion, including the challenges charities face in reaching out to service users and how they are making the most of the digital technology they use. Click the link in the orange box below to download the report.

 

Our Digital Inclusion Hub features regular articles, podcasts, and webinars to help charities reach across the digital divide. Click here to learn more.