The Internet has become an essential tool in daily life: we use it to work, communicate, get information, shop, and access all kinds of services. However, while it is simple and immediate for many, for millions of people with disabilities, it can turn into a path full of obstacles.


Imagine having to complete an online form without being able to see the screen, trying to watch a video without audio, or clicking a button that can only be used with a mouse when the only tool you have is a keyboard. This is the daily reality for people with visual, motor, hearing, or cognitive disabilities. Web accessibility exists precisely to eliminate these barriers and ensure that everyone can navigate and use online content without difficulty.


But accessibility is not just for people with disabilities. A more accessible website is also more usable, more intuitive, and more effective for everyone. Addressing the issue of web accessibility is not only a matter of social inclusion but also a fundamental step in building a better internet: more equitable, more efficient, and capable of meeting everyone's needs. In this guide, we will explore why it is so important and how we can make it a reality.


Accessibility in numbers: the need for an inclusive Web

To truly understand the importance of web accessibility, it is useful to look at the numbers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over one billion people worldwide—about 16% of the global population—live with some form of disability. This means that a non-accessible website risks excluding one in six people.


Looking more closely at the data, we find that:

  • 285 million people have visual disabilities, of whom 39 million are blind and 246 million are visually impaired. For them, a website that is not compatible with screen readers or lacks adequate contrast is difficult, if not impossible, to use.
  • 466 million people suffer from disabling hearing loss, and this number is expected to double by 2050. Without subtitles or transcripts, audio and video content is inaccessible to them.
  • Many people have motor disabilities, which can make using a mouse difficult or impossible. For these users, well-structured keyboard navigation is essential.
  • Cognitive and neurological disabilities, such as dyslexia or attention disorders, can make interacting with poorly structured content or long, confusing texts challenging.


However, as mentioned earlier, web accessibility is not only for people with permanent disabilities. Those with temporary disabilities (such as a broken arm preventing mouse use) or situational limitations (such as a slow internet connection or using a phone in direct sunlight) can also benefit from a site designed with accessibility in mind.


These statistics show that making the web accessible is not a niche issue, but a concrete necessity that affects millions of people. A more accessible website means a more open, usable, and accessible site for everyone, regardless of their abilities or the context in which they navigate.


What is Web Accessibility?

To ensure that the web is accessible to everyone, specific rules and principles of accessibility have been established. Web accessibility refers to the practice of designing websites, applications, and digital content so that they can be used regardless of users' physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.


At the international level, the main reference for digital accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are based on four fundamental principles:

  • Perceivable → All users must be able to perceive the information, regardless of their primary mode of access. For example, text must be legible, images must have alternative descriptions, and videos must include subtitles.
  • Operable → A website must be navigable with different tools, including keyboards, screen readers, or voice commands. If a button can only be clicked with a mouse, some users may not be able to use it.
  • Understandable → Content must be clear and predictable, with easy-to-follow instructions and without confusing design elements. A form, for example, should clearly explain how to fill out the required fields and intuitively signal any errors.
  • Robust → The website must be compatible with various technologies, including screen readers, browsers, and mobile devices, to ensure a consistent browsing experience.


The WCAG provide success criteria and valuable guidance on how to implement accessible solutions. However, it is important to emphasize that web accessibility is not just a matter of code or implementing specific technologies: the fundamental aspect of truly inclusive design is to put people at the center and create digital content that can be used by everyone, without barriers.


Accessibility is a legal obligation

Beyond being a necessity for ensuring a more inclusive web, accessibility is also a legal obligation in many countries. Lawmakers worldwide have recognized the importance of ensuring that websites, applications, and digital services are accessible to all, adopting the WCAG guidelines and turning them into mandatory legal requirements.


In Europe, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that digital services, including websites and e-commerce platforms, meet specific accessibility standards. In particular, this directive applies to public entities and many private companies, with the goal of eliminating digital barriers by June 28th, 2025.


In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act require that websites of public entities and businesses offering services to the public be accessible.


Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, have similar regulations requiring businesses and public entities to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.


Beyond complying with the law, adopting accessibility standards helps companies avoid fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage while providing a better service for all users.


Web accessibility: between challenges and opportunities

Making a website accessible is not always an immediate process. Adapting an existing site may require time and resources, especially if accessibility was not considered in the initial design. Additionally, a lack of specific knowledge about WCAG and the needs of users with disabilities can lead to mistakes, sometimes significant ones.


However, overcoming these challenges brings significant opportunities. An accessible website not only ensures an inclusive experience for all users but also offers numerous benefits for those managing it:

  • More visitors and greater inclusivity → An accessible site can be used by more people, increasing the number of potential visitors and customers.
  • Better SEO ranking → Many aspects of accessibility (alternative text, clear structure, clean code) help the site rank better in search engines.
  • Improved reputation and trust → Demonstrating attention to accessibility strengthens a company's image, increasing public trust.
  • Legal compliance and risk reduction → Following WCAG guidelines helps avoid fines, lawsuits, or reports related to non-compliance.
  • Enhanced user experience for everyone → Many accessibility practices (such as clear navigation, visible buttons, readable text) make the site more intuitive and easier to use for all users.

Ultimately, accessibility is not just an obligation but an investment that improves the web for everyone.


How to make a website accessible: a gradual approach

Web accessibility may seem like a complex goal to achieve, but it is not necessary to implement all solutions at once. The best approach is a gradual one, starting with simple interventions and progressively adopting more advanced guidelines.


A good starting point is to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide success criteria to make websites more inclusive, divided into three levels of compliance: A (basic), AA (recommended), and AAA (advanced). To proceed gradually, you could focus first on implementing level A success criteria and then move on to level AA. For most websites, level AA represents a realistic and effective goal.


To start improving your site's accessibility without a complete overhaul, focus on the following key interventions:


WebSite X5: accessibility made simple

Addressing all these challenges may seem daunting, but WebSite X5 simplifies the process, making accessibility achievable for everyone, even those without technical skills. The software integrates many accessibility solutions automatically or in an assisted manner, including:

  • Semantically correct code, facilitating reading by screen readers.
  • Intuitive management of alternative texts and headings.
  • Accessible forms with structured labels and clear error messages.


Thanks to these features, WebSite X5 helps even those without technical experience create accessible websites, improving usability and compliance with WCAG standards.


#tip - For more information, see also Accessibility Criteria Implemented in WebSite X5.