Digital accessibility is a higher priority for 44% of respondents, yet only 19% report having adequate internal resources.

Discover the latest insights from Applause's Accessibility and Inclusive Design Survey, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital accessibility and the strides companies are making to ensure inclusive digital experiences.

1. Rising Importance of Accessibility:

   • Survey indicates a significant uptick in companies prioritizing accessibility, with 44% affirming its increased importance compared to the previous year.
   • Over three-quarters (77%) of respondents have designated individuals or teams responsible for ensuring product accessibility, signaling a growing organizational commitment.

2. Advancements in Accessibility Knowledge:

   • More developers exhibit advanced understanding of digital accessibility, with 26% rating their knowledge as advanced compared to 21% in the previous year.
   • Majority (87%) employ inclusive design principles, while 79% integrate accessibility into design plans from the outset, reflecting a shift towards proactive accessibility testing.

3. Resource Challenges and Investments:

   • Despite prioritization, only 19% of respondents feel adequately equipped with internal resources for ongoing accessibility testing.
   • Limited resources remain a challenge, as 26% report constraints, indicating a need for increased investment in accessibility initiatives.

4. Compliance with Standards and Regulations:

   • Companies demonstrate improvement in meeting WCAG 2.2 standards, with 42% achieving compliance, compared to 35% for WCAG 2.1 in the previous year.
   • However, preparations for the 2025 EU Accessibility Act lag, with only one-third (32%) on schedule for compliance.

5. Automation and AI Adoption:

   • Automation usage surges, with 50% employing automated accessibility tools, highlighting a growing reliance on technology for testing.
   • Majority (60%) anticipate AI's significant role in accessibility testing within the next two years, underscoring its potential for enhancing testing efficiency.

6. Striking a Balance Between Automation and Human Perspective:

   • Bob Farrell emphasizes the value of inclusive design and the role of automation in complementing human perspectives in accessibility testing.
   • Automation should augment, not replace, internal resources, as many accessibility issues require human intervention for detection.

Applause's survey underscores the increasing recognition of accessibility as a crucial aspect of digital development. While advancements in technology, automation, and AI offer opportunities for enhanced testing efficiency, organizations must prioritize investments in internal resources and human perspectives to ensure truly inclusive digital experiences for all users.