Predictions for Digital Accessibility Issues of 2024

•5 min read

As we move into 2024, digital accessibility remains a critical concern in web development and design. With the increasing complexity of web applications and the growing reliance on digital services, ensuring accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about creating truly inclusive digital experiences that serve everyone, regardless of their abilities.

The latest WebAIM Million survey reveals that accessibility issues continue to persist across the web, with an average of 48.2 errors per page. While this shows a slight improvement from previous years, it highlights the ongoing need for better accessibility practices in web development.

Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect web access, including:

  • visual
  • auditory
  • physical
  • speech
  • cognitive
  • neurological

As technology evolves, new challenges emerge. Let's explore the predictions for the three most prevalent accessibility issues of 2024 and provide practical solutions for addressing them.

Most Common Accessibility Issues

1. Dynamic Content Accessibility

The rise of dynamic, JavaScript-powered interfaces has introduced new accessibility challenges. According to the WebAIM survey, 67.8% of pages contain dynamic content that isn't properly announced to screen readers. This includes everything from infinite scrolling feeds to real-time updates and modal dialogs.

2. Mobile Accessibility Gaps

With mobile traffic now accounting for over 60% of web visits, mobile accessibility has become crucial. Yet, 41.3% of mobile interfaces fail basic accessibility requirements. Common issues include touch targets that are too small, unreadable text on different screen sizes, and gestures that lack alternatives for users with motor impairments.

The rise of mobile-first design has highlighted the importance of ensuring that websites are fully functional and accessible across all devices. This isn't just about responsiveness—it's about ensuring that all users can access your content, regardless of how they interact with their devices.

3. Complex Navigation Structures

Modern websites often feature complex navigation patterns that can be overwhelming for users with cognitive disabilities or those using assistive technologies. The survey found that 52.4% of sites have navigation structures that are difficult to understand or operate without a mouse.

This issue particularly affects single-page applications (SPAs) and sites with infinite scrolling, where traditional navigation patterns may not work as expected with assistive technologies.

The Impact of Accessibility Issues

Understanding the User Experience

The landscape of web usage has evolved significantly. Users now interact with websites through various devices and assistive technologies, making it crucial to consider multiple access patterns:

  • Screen Readers: Modern screen readers need proper ARIA attributes and semantic HTML to navigate dynamic content effectively.
  • Voice Control: With the rise of voice interfaces, ensuring your site works with voice commands is increasingly important.
  • Touch and Gesture Controls: Mobile users need clear touch targets and alternative interaction methods.

Business Impact

The market for accessible technology continues to grow. Recent studies show that:

  • The global assistive technology market is expected to reach $31.5 billion by 2030
  • Companies with accessible websites see up to 25% higher customer satisfaction rates
  • Accessible sites demonstrate up to 35% better search engine performance

Legal Landscape

2023 saw a 20% increase in web accessibility lawsuits, highlighting the growing importance of compliance. The legal framework around digital accessibility continues to evolve, with new standards and requirements emerging regularly.

Solutions and Best Practices

For Dynamic Content

  • Use ARIA live regions appropriately to announce dynamic content changes
  • Implement proper focus management for modal dialogs and dynamic content
  • Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
  • Test with popular screen readers like NVDA and VoiceOver

For Mobile Accessibility

  • Ensure touch targets are at least 44x44 pixels
  • Provide alternatives for complex gestures
  • Test with different screen sizes and orientations
  • Support both portrait and landscape modes

For Navigation

  • Implement proper landmark regions
  • Use clear and consistent navigation patterns
  • Provide multiple ways to find content
  • Include proper heading hierarchy

Additional Considerations

While addressing these top issues is crucial, consider these emerging trends:

  • AI-Generated Content: Ensure automatically generated content meets accessibility standards
  • Dark Mode: Maintain proper contrast ratios in all color schemes
  • Custom Components: Test thoroughly with assistive technologies
  • Performance: Consider the impact of slow connections on accessibility

Looking Forward

As we progress through 2024, the focus on digital accessibility continues to grow. The rise of AI-powered tools and automated testing solutions offers new opportunities to identify and fix accessibility issues earlier in the development process.

Remember that accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Regular testing, user feedback, and staying current with WCAG guidelines are essential for maintaining an accessible web presence.

By addressing these common issues and following established best practices, we can create a more inclusive web that serves all users, regardless of their abilities or how they access digital content.