With more than 1 billion people living with some form of disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring that software and platforms are accessible is essential to promote inclusion and autonomy.

In Brazil, data from IBGE show that more than 18 million people have some disability, and most websites and systems are still not prepared to serve them. 

What is accessibility?

It is the practice of ensuring that all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can access and use products, services, and information.

In the digital context, this means creating interfaces and systems that are usable by people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities, as well as the elderly and users with temporary limitations.

Accessibility can also be classified into three types: permanent (such as a visual impairment), temporary (such as a fractured arm), and situational (such as using a smartphone in a noisy environment). This shows that, at some point in life, everyone can benefit from accessible solutions.

What is software accessibility?

Software accessibility refers to the development of applications, websites, and systems that follow guidelines and practices to ensure that all users can interact with them efficiently. This includes features such as screen readers, image descriptions, keyboard navigation, adequate contrast, and much more.

Companies like Microsoft and Apple already incorporate accessibility tools into their products, such as Narrator (Windows) and VoiceOver (iOS), which allow people with visual impairments to use their devices independently.

In addition, e-learning platforms, such as those developed by Adaptica, show how technology can be adapted to meet different needs, ensuring that everyone has access to knowledge.

Why is technology a great ally of accessibility?

Technology plays an essential role in promoting inclusion, removing barriers and creating innovative solutions for people with different needs. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), speech recognition, augmented reality, and automatic translation expand access to information and facilitate interaction in the digital environment.

For example, applications that convert text to speech assist people with visual impairments, while real-time transcription software helps those with hearing impairments. Screen reading technologies and adapted keyboards ensure that individuals with motor difficulties can navigate the internet and use devices without limitations.

Innovations such as virtual tactile paving, smart glasses for people with low vision, and adaptive controllers for gamers with motor disabilities show how technology can transform lives, allowing for greater independence and active participation in society. 

The more companies invest in digital accessibility, the more inclusive and equitable the future of technology will be.

How does better access to information help everyone?

Digital accessibility is not just a necessity for people with disabilities – it improves the experience for everyone. The elderly, users with little familiarity with technology, and even people in temporary situations, such as a fractured arm or a noisy environment, benefit from more intuitive and accessible systems.

Features such as image descriptions, voice commands, automatic captions, and simplified navigation make access to information more efficient for all user profiles. In addition to facilitating daily use, these practices reduce barriers and make technology more inclusive.

Furthermore, digital accessibility strengthens social inclusion, allowing more people to actively participate in the labor market, education, and leisure. By ensuring equitable access to information, we create a fairer and more democratic digital environment for everyone.

5 reasons to invest in software accessibility

Investing in software accessibility is a matter of social responsibility and also a smart business strategy. In addition to promoting inclusion, accessibility brings tangible benefits to companies, such as increased revenue, improved reputation, and compliance with laws. Here are five important reasons to prioritize accessibility in your software projects:

Provides dignity and autonomy

Accessible software allows people with disabilities to perform tasks independently, without depending on third parties. This promotes dignity and inclusion, besides expanding the audience that can use your products or services.

Financial return

People with disabilities represent a significant consumer market. In the United States, for example, this audience generates about $490 billion per year. By investing in accessibility, companies can capture this demand and increase their revenues.

Greater visibility in search engines

Accessible websites tend to perform better in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Practices such as using image descriptions and semantic structuring of content help search engines better understand and index the website, increasing its visibility.

Brand reputation

Companies that invest in accessibility are seen as socially responsible and inclusive. This generates a positive brand image, increases customer loyalty, and attracts new consumers who value diversity.

Legal obligation

In Brazil, the Brazilian Inclusion Law (Law 13,146/2015) requires websites and systems to be accessible. In other countries, such as the United States and member states of the European Union, there are also specific laws regulating digital accessibility.

Benefits of accessibility for all users

Accessible systems do not only benefit people with disabilities – they improve the experience for all users, making navigation more intuitive and efficient. Some of the main benefits are:

More intuitive experience: well-designed interfaces with simplified navigation make software usage smoother and more practical for everyone.

Greater visual comfort: the proper use of contrast, adjustable font sizes, and adequate spacing facilitates reading and reduces eye strain.

Ease in different contexts: features like automatic captions and voice commands help both people with hearing impairments and users who are in noisy environments.

Accessibility on any device: a responsive and accessible design improves usability both for users with low vision and for those who access the system through smaller screens.

More efficiency and satisfaction: when software is easier to use, it reduces errors, improves productivity, and increases user retention.

How do I know if my system is accessible?

Ensuring the accessibility of a system requires a structured approach, combining technical guidelines, automated tests, and evaluations with real users.

One of the main references for this analysis is the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), international guidelines that establish criteria for a system to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Following these recommendations helps make websites and applications more accessible to people with different disabilities, including visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive.

To identify barriers to access, it is essential to use a combination of automated tools and manual tests. Accessibility audit software analyzes aspects such as color contrast, navigation structure, and compatibility with screen readers. However, validation with real users remains essential, as only practical experience can reveal challenges that go unnoticed in automated tests.

Specialized companies, such as CI&T, adopt methodologies like accessibility pairings, in which a person with a disability works together with another without a disability to evaluate system usability. This type of approach ensures that the developed solutions actually meet the needs of all users, promoting a more inclusive digital experience.

For CodeBit, accessibility and inclusion are priorities!

We believe that technology must be accessible to everyone, which is why we prioritize the development of inclusive software, ensuring that digital products are intuitive and usable by anyone, regardless of their limitations.

If you want to know more about accessibility and other technology trends, keep following CodeBlog and stay on top of the best market practices!