The internet is a daily tool for communication, business, education, and social connection. But for over 1 billion people worldwide who live with some form of disability, accessing the web can be a challenge—unless websites are designed with digital accessibility in mind.

In 2025, the way people with disabilities access the internet is more advanced than ever, thanks to assistive technology and a growing push for an inclusive web. Still, accessibility remains a shared responsibility. Here’s how different users navigate digital spaces—and what your business needs to know to stay ADA compliant.

Visual Disabilities: Accessing the Web Without Sight

People who are blind or have low vision rely on screen readers, such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver (on Apple devices). These tools convert text and code into speech or Braille, allowing users to “hear” or “feel” the website.

For screen readers to work well, websites must use:

• Proper HTML tags (e.g., headings, landmarks, list structure)
• Descriptive alt text for images
• Clear link descriptions (avoid “click here”)
• Logical tab order and keyboard navigation

Failure to implement these can make a site unreadable for blind users—even if the content is technically there.

Hearing Disabilities: Understanding Content Without Sound

Deaf and hard-of-hearing users depend on captions, transcripts, and visual indicators for audio-based content like podcasts, videos, or voice instructions.

Best practices include:

• Providing closed captions on all video content
• Including transcripts for audio and video
• Using visual cues to signal alerts or actions

Accessible media is not only helpful—it’s required under WCAG 2.1 guidelines and supports a broader audience including non-native speakers and users in noisy environments.

Motor Disabilities: Navigating Without a Mouse

Users with motor impairments—such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, or spinal cord injuries—may use:

• Keyboard-only navigation
• Eye-tracking software
• Head pointers
• Voice command tools (like Dragon NaturallySpeaking)

Websites must be designed so all interactive elements (menus, buttons, forms) are:

• Fully accessible via keyboard
• Have large clickable areas
• Free of time limits where possible
• Compatible with external input devices

Cognitive and Neurological Disabilities: Reducing Overload

People with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other cognitive differences benefit from:

• Simple layouts
• Consistent navigation
• Plain language
• Options to adjust font size, contrast, or animation

Avoiding flashing elements also protects users with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Following WCAG accessibility principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust) helps everyone—not just those with disabilities.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters for Everyone

Digital accessibility isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a foundation of modern business and user experience. When your site works for people using assistive technology, it becomes better for all users: faster, cleaner, and easier to navigate.

It also reduces your legal risk. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses must provide equal access to services—including websites and mobile apps. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.

Build an Inclusive Web Experience Today

The internet should be usable by everyone, regardless of ability. As assistive technologies continue to evolve in 2025, so should your commitment to accessibility. Start with a digital audit, follow WCAG guidelines, and consider every user’s experience.

An accessible site supports business growth, improves SEO, and shows that you care about inclusive access—not just because it’s required, but because it’s right.

Need help making your website ADA compliant?
We help businesses design with accessibility in mind—from audits to full redesigns. Contact us to get started.