Why Overlay Tools Will Not Make Your Website Accessible
Some website tools claim to make your site accessible in a single click. These overlays are designed to be quick, easy, and low-cost. Unfortunately, they do not solve the real issues. In many cases, they make things worse.
As the deadline for the European Accessibility Act approaches, it is important to understand what accessible websites actually require. A surface-level fix will not meet the legal standard. Proper accessibility takes time, care, and testing.
Overlays Cannot Create Accessible Websites
Overlay tools are pieces of software that sit on top of a website. They may offer text size controls or change colours. What they do not do is fix the actual code. If a site has unlabelled buttons or poor keyboard navigation, these problems remain. A cosmetic layer cannot repair deep faults.
Some overlays can even interfere with assistive tech. People who rely on screen readers or keyboard-only navigation often report that overlays block their access entirely. The tool that was meant to help becomes the barrier.
To build accessible websites, the underlying structure must be corrected. That includes proper headings, form labels, link text, and error handling. Without these changes, accessibility remains out of reach.
How We Test Accessibility Properly
We start every project with a clear assessment. Our team uses both expert reviews and website accessibility testing tools to identify where the problems are. We do not rely on automation alone. We bring in disabled testers who experience the website in real conditions.
These testers show us how the site performs with screen readers, magnifiers, switch controls, and other tools. This human feedback is vital. It tells us what is really working and what is not.
We then combine those findings with technical recommendations. This leads to a list of clear, achievable fixes that can be implemented by your developer or our own team. Every step moves the site closer to genuine compliance.
Why the Law Will Not Accept Overlays
The European Accessibility Act sets out specific expectations. These are based on WCAG guidelines and focus on real-world usability. A website must be usable by someone with a disability, not just pass a basic scan. Accessible websites need to work properly for everyone, not just look the part.
If your site cannot be used by a blind visitor or someone with limited mobility, the presence of an overlay will not offer legal protection. It may even increase your exposure by showing awareness without taking proper action.
A Better Way Forward
We believe in creating accessible websites that are designed from the inside out. That starts with listening. We listen to disabled users. We listen to what the law requires. We listen to your goals as a business.
Using website accessibility testing tools and lived experience, we map out a full accessibility journey. We then create a roadmap, support implementation, and produce a valid accessibility statement that protects you during the process.
This is not just about compliance. It is about inclusion. It is about creating a digital environment where everyone can participate.
The Time to Act Is Now
The European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable very soon. If your website is not accessible, now is the time to make a change. Avoid shortcuts. Avoid false promises. Invest in a process that works.
If you would like to know where you stand, we can carry out a quick review and explain your next steps. We are here to help you get it right.
