10 false myths to debunk about the accessibility of digital products
For the past few years, at Thanks Design we’ve been working on digital accessibility in a structured way.
It’s been a journey of training, evolving our approach, running workshops, and earning certifications — all aimed at helping our clients design truly accessible products and services.
Throughout the various talks and workshops I’ve delivered on this topic, I’ve realized that there are several common myths that often mislead teams and organizations.
In this article, I’ve gathered the 10 most frequent false myths about digital accessibility that need to be debunked.
1. Accessibility is only for designers
False.
Accessibility is a shared responsibility among all team members, not just designers.
If a website’s UI design is accessible but developers fail to correctly implement the component code (for example, by neglecting HTML semantics or WAI-ARIA labels), or content creators upload non-accessible materials (such as inserting rasterized text inside an image), that website will not be accessible. Everyone involved in the project must consider accessibility.
2. A website or app can be certified for accessibility
False.
There is no officially recognized certification for the accessibility of a digital product or service.
However, there is a certification for accessibility professionals — “Web Accessibility Expert” — (reference standards UNI 11506 and UNI 11621-3).
What can be issued regarding a site’s or product’s accessibility is a declaration of conformity to the UNI CEI EN 301549 standard.
3. Digital accessibility only applies to websites and apps
False.
Digital accessibility goes beyond the design or code of websites and apps:
it applies to every type of digital content within a digital service, such as PDF files, Word documents, videos, and other formats. Everything published online by a company or public institution must comply with accessibility guidelines.
4. Scanning a website with an automated tool is enough to verify its digital accessibility
False.
Automated tools are useful, but not sufficient for a complete accessibility evaluation. They can detect some issues and highlight critical areas, but they cannot assess more complex aspects. A proper evaluation must be done manually by an accessibility expert.
5. An accessibility overlay can fix all accessibility issues with one click
False.
Accessibility overlays (pre-built widgets or plugins that can be added to an existing site) are a temporary and often ineffective solution. These tools do not address the underlying code issues and are not a valid alternative to accessible design by default. In many cases, they can even create new problems, adding confusion instead of improving the user experience.
For further insights, see this article (written in italian) by Roberto Scano:
👉 Le promesse e le insidie degli accessibility overlay per utenti ciechi e ipovedenti
6. A website’s accessibility only benefits users with disabilities
False.
While accessibility was originally meant to ensure access for people with disabilities, it benefits all users. An accessible design improves the overall user experience by promoting better content organization, optimal usability, and even a positive impact on SEO.
7. An accessible website is less visually appealing
False.
Modern technologies make it possible to design accessible websites without compromising aesthetics. Accessibility guidelines focus on functional and structural aspects, but they do not limit design creativity. A website can be beautiful, innovative, and accessible at the same time.
8. Accessibility can be addressed at the end of the design process
False.
Accessibility is not something to be added at the last minute: it must be considered from the very beginning of the project. Including it in the early stages of development is more efficient and less expensive than introducing it later, when changes may require additional time and resources.
9. The accessibility compliance of a website can only be assessed by users with disabilities
False.
While testing with users with disabilities is extremely valuable, the accessibility compliance assessment must be carried out by an accessibility expert, who may or may not have a disability.
10. Once my website or app is released, I no longer need to worry about accessibility
False.
Accessibility is a continuous improvement process. After a website is released, the organization should set up:
- a communication channel to receive feedback or reports from users
- a workflow to evaluate and address each request when necessary.
Conclusion
Digital accessibility is an opportunity to improve digital products and services, for an increasingly inclusive world without discrimination.
Debunking false myths and prejudices is certainly the first step in tackling this challenge in the best possible way.