Why overlay tools don't help accessible websites!

02/16/2024

Accessibility is not just a website tool, it's much more than that!

Public authorities usually rely on external expertise to implement accessibility. There are specialized agencies, such as Drive, that offer their expertise in designing accessible websites and apps.

As a rule, retrofitting communication tools to make them accessible involves higher costs than taking accessibility into account at the outset of a project. Overlay tools are therefore often used as a quick alternative. However, this is not cheaper, as subscriptions can cost four-figure sums – per year!

Technology

So-called “overlays” claim to ensure accessibility by being integrated into the page via a JavaScript statement. They can, for example, change the font size or contrast. However, as they are generalized tools that are not tailored to the website, they cannot remove all barriers. In addition, these programs lack context for specific information that is important for accessibility, such as for creating alternative text for images. Some of these overlays also have a negative impact on accessibility tools that users themselves use, such as a screen reader. As a result, they can even lead to reduced accessibility.

No contrast change after activation in the tool at https://www.darmstadt.de/ – the script does not work everywhere.

The Colour Contrast Analyzer shows only 2.6:1, the minimum is 3:1, and 4.5:1 is better.

Criticism

It is important to note that overlay tools are sometimes viewed critically by experts. It is claimed that many of the requirements for an accessible website cannot be met automatically. For example, an overlay tool can detect whether an image contains additional text. However, it is unclear whether this alternative text is useful.

In addition, certain tools block keyboard navigation, making it necessary to use the tool. However, how can I operate the program without a keyboard if that is my only option? It is therefore logical and sensible to demand digital accessibility.

Assistive technologies should respond appropriately on websites. The method used by overlay tools contradicts this approach, as it requires users to take action.

Data protection

Using an overlay on your website may violate current legal regulations, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Overlay tools use cookies with good intentions. However, if you activate such a setting, you will not be tracked and no explicit opt-out will be found.

The second problem is that overlays can automatically activate certain settings depending on the assistive technology detected on the computer. It is possible that the person currently browsing has a disability. In some situations, such as when blind or visually impaired people use screen readers, additional information about the nature of their disability is even determined. This always involves sensitive personal data over which you no longer have control.

And on the subject of “security vulnerabilities”: The operator's page is opened for the widget. This makes it possible to insert additional code into the website.

At FC St. Pauli, we cannot even access the tool using the keyboard controls.

Summary

Overlays are not suitable for perfect accessibility. These tools cannot ensure that you will have a temporarily accessible product, so they are not suitable even if you want to make your website accessible. For the annual cost of an overlay, you can make the first long-term changes to your website yourself. In certain situations, you can offer individual options such as a contrast mode, for example if you use colors with very low contrast and a redesign is pending. We have extensive experience in this area and are available to assist you quickly and easily.

Would you like to make your website accessible?

Accessibility is as diverse as people with disabilities. Every website has its own requirements and difficulties. We need to engage in dialogue to determine these; many issues can be resolved immediately, some later, and then communicated—and finally resolved.

Let's talk about your website, and if you have a shop, there is still some time until summer 2025 to adapt your website. We should define the requirements and challenges now, draw up a project plan, and start implementation. More information is also available at: THE NEXT BIG THING? BARRIEREFREIES E-COMMERCE AB 28. JUNI 2025

If you would like to know more about accessibility, please read our other blog posts:

More about our accessibility services at DRIVE