As organizations strive to create inclusive digital experiences for all users, it's essential to understand the current state of web accessibility. With the global population of individuals with disabilities continuing to grow, creating accessible and user-friendly websites has become a top priority.

Before the digital era, accessibility focused on providing equal access to physical spaces through ramps, elevators, and Braille signage. In recent decades, this focus has shifted online, ensuring that digital platforms are accessible to all users regardless of their abilities. This shift is primarily driven by the growing population of individuals with disabilities, now totaling 1.3 billion globally.

In the United States alone, 61 million adults live with some type of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite this growing population, a significant portion of digital platforms remain inaccessible to users with disabilities. To determine just how much of the web is accessible, AudioEye conducted a scan of nearly 40,000 enterprise websites across industries such as retail, media, and travel.

Our findings reveal that only 3% of the web is considered accessible, indicating that most websites are failing to meet basic accessibility standards. This lack of accessibility not only affects individuals with disabilities but also has significant implications for businesses seeking to reach this growing demographic.

The State of Web Accessibility

To better understand the challenges faced by users with disabilities, we analyzed nearly 40,000 enterprise websites and identified common accessibility issues across industries. Our findings revealed that each website had at least one accessibility error, with an average page featuring 37 unique elements (such as images or links) that failed to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) success criteria.

We categorized these errors into three buckets: images, links, and forms. In this article, we'll explore the statistics behind each category, highlighting how common accessibility issues affect users with disabilities and what organizations can do to improve user experience.

Image Accessibility Statistics

Our report found that:

  • 56% of images are not accessible to people with visual impairments
  • 93% of domains have at least one page with an inaccessible image
  • 60% of images lack alternative text (alt text)

These statistics illustrate the significant challenge faced by users with visual impairments. Without proper color contrast and alt text, users may struggle to visualize critical context, negatively impacting their overall user experience.

Link Accessibility Statistics

Our analysis revealed that:

  • 64% of pages have links that are not clear to people with disabilities
  • 90% of sites had at least one page with an inaccessible link
  • About 5 links on every page were unclear to users

Inaccessible links interrupt the user's experience, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to understand why a link is present and where it will take them. This can significantly reduce user engagement and conversion rates.

Form Accessibility Statistics

Our findings showed that:

  • 1 in 4 forms are missing descriptive labels for people with disabilities
  • 81% of domains tested had at least one page with functionality issues
  • 56% of pages had at least one functionality issue

Inaccessible forms can severely complicate the experience for users with disabilities, leading to errors and frustration. By addressing these accessibility issues, organizations can improve user engagement and conversion rates.

Why Accessibility Matters

Website accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences that benefit everyone. It ensures equal access to digital content, promoting equal opportunities, inclusion, and legal compliance.

One of the most significant reasons website accessibility is essential is the growing population of individuals with disabilities. In the United States alone, 1 in 4 people live with some type of disability. Creating accessible websites provides these individuals with equal access to the digital world, promoting inclusivity and social equity.

By understanding the current state of web accessibility and addressing common issues, organizations can improve user experience and reach a broader audience.