It is hard to imagine going through a typical day without some sort of digital technology. Think about how often you use an app on your cell phone or search the web for information or services. Digital technology is an integral part of our day-to-day lives, at work and at home, which is why ensuring websites and digital content are accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities, is more important than ever. Learning about current trends in digital accessibility can help you not only comply with federal regulations such as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, but also help your organization or agency become a leader in providing inclusive digital experiences.
Trends in Digital Accessibility
1. Implementing New Digital Accessibility Regulations: In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new accessibility rules related to web content and mobile applications provided by state and local governments. The regulations aim to ensure all digital services offered by state and local governments are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There have also been a number of lawsuits related to the accessibility of digital content provided by private companies over the last few years. It is clear that digital accessibility is an important issue for both the public and private sector. As our reliance on online platforms continues to grow, so will the need for laws to ensure digital content is accessible for all and for federal agencies and private companies alike to understand these regulations and ensure they are in compliance with them.
2. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Digital Accessibility: In today’s workplace, many of us, including people with disabilities, are increasingly using AI-powered tools and technologies to promote efficiency and productivity. These tools can help improve accessibility by boosting the capabilities of the technology – for example, generating at text, creating image descriptions, providing transcriptions for audio and video content, and identifying and fixing accessibility issues. Many screen readers also use AI to improve the user experience. While these technologies can make it easier for developers to create accessible content and for people with disabilities to access it, it is important to understand their limitations and not rely solely on AI to support accessibility. There will always be a need for the “human element” to ensure true accessibility and usability, including creation of accurate alt text and transcriptions.
3. Prioritizing Accessibility and Inclusion in the Design and Development Stage: Accessible design, also known as universal design, is a holistic approach that considers the diverse needs of all users from the start of development. Instead of retrofitting a program or product when digital accessibility issues are discovered, accessible design integrates accessibility into the design process. In order for this approach to be successful, people with disabilities must be involved in both the development and testing phases. Incorporating inclusive design principles and hiring more developers and testers with disabilities can help create more accessible and usable digital content.
4. Taking Advantage of Improved Accessibility Testing Tools: There are a wide variety of programs and tools that help identify accessibility issues and provide solutions to address them. As these tools become more sophisticated and readily available, they will continue to play an increasingly important role in the development process. While these tools can help improve efficiency when reviewing websites and digital applications for accessibility, it is vital that accessibility testers do not rely solely on automated tools and instead use them in combination with the assistance of skilled and experienced accessibility experts.
The trends discussed above reflect the movement toward full inclusion of people with disabilities and equal access to digital content for everyone. Understanding the key role accessibility plays in ensuring equity and inclusion for all can help federal agencies and private companies alike comply with laws and regulations related to digital accessibility and create more inclusive online experiences for everyone. As we increasingly rely on digital platforms for work and personal needs, a true commitment to digital accessibility is essential for ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Ready to find out how Applied Development can help your agency or organization ensure accessibility of web content and digital documents? Learn about our Section 508 compliance services or contact us for a free comprehensive consultation.