Example.
If nothing else it is important to understand that the majority of people using assistive technologies to navigate a website configure their devices to their needs.
My son who has a Blind statement and is Severely Sight Impaired uses an electronic magnifier which magnifies to 1200%. He has two 40 inch monitors and works across the two monitors. He is blue sensitive and wears yellow tinted glasses to combat the blue.
Lets make money
Accessibility widgets were developed in the US largely as a way of challenging the legal status of whether a website was accessible.
They rose to fame during the global pandemic although had been around since 2008.
Even back then the accessibility widget developed by Userway was in part a marketing exercise intended to make money rather than by serving the greater good. Userways intention according to their marketing spin at the time was to make websites compliant with WCAG guidelines and ADA regulations.
Others joined the money making spin bringing out their own accessibility widgets.
Now this is making money
By the time we get to the pandemic and lockdowns two principal law firms in the US realising they were not going to get their lawyers into court earning fat fees embarked on ADA lawsuits. Others quickly joined the ranks with The Law Office of Noor Saab; Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP and Adams & Associates, P.A all entering the top 10 plaintiff law firms. These top 10 plaintiff law firms headed up by the likes of Mars Khaimov Law, PLLC and Stein Saks, PLLC are responsible for 82% of all Digital ADA lawsuits.
Each year the number of lawsuits has risen reaching 5500 in 2023.
In a way you would think that this is good as it is going to insure that people confirm with accessibility requirements. I would agree to the contrary, punitive fines which whilst some huge fines have been imposed but the average being between $3000 to $6000 simple because a cheaper transaction to undertake rather than fighting the court case where a lawyer could be charging $10000.
Bye bye widgets
So where does the accessibility widget fit into this scenario. Companies selling the widgets claimed that they widget would keep you out of court. It worked as a defence until last year when the Supreme Court ruled them out as a defence over website accessibility.
Lets make more money
Ironically there are now two potential income streams for legal firms, the first well trodden path of suing people who do not have accessible websites and now the potential to sue people who use widgets. So sad that both do nothing to make websites accessible for all.
In the UK which general follows the US there is still a myth prevailing that widgets are good. Just look to the US and make an informed decision as to why they are not.
Technical reasons to avoid widgets might be:
Accessibility widgets, often marketed as a quick fix for website accessibility, can actually pose significant challenges for screen reader users and hinder overall website accessibility. Here's why:
Conflicts with existing assistive technology
- Screen readers have their own navigation and interaction methods, carefully customized by users for optimal experience. Accessibility widgets often introduce a new set of controls and functionalities, forcing users to learn and adapt to an unfamiliar system on top of their existing tools. This can be disorienting and frustrating, especially for those with low vision or cognitive impairments.
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www.yuja.com
Overlays and interruptions
- Many accessibility widgets function as overlays on the webpage, potentially masking underlying content or interfering with existing website features. This can disrupt the natural flow of navigation and information access for screen reader users, creating unnecessary obstacles in their journey.
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www.linkedin.com
Limited functionality and scope
- Accessibility widgets often address only a narrow range of accessibility issues, neglecting broader aspects like keyboard navigation, semantic structure, and proper content labeling. This leaves many accessibility gaps unaddressed, creating an incomplete and potentially frustrating experience for users with diverse needs.
Inconsistent behavior and compatibility
- Accessibility widgets can behave inconsistently across different websites and browsers, leading to unpredictable experiences for users. Additionally, compatibility issues may arise with specific screen reader versions or operating systems, further limiting their effectiveness.
Lack of control and customisation
- Unlike their own assistive technology, users have limited control over the functionality and behavior of accessibility widgets. This lack of personalisation can hinder their ability to tailor the experience to their specific needs and preferences.