Accessibe Closes $28M Series A to Enhance Website Accessibility

Addressing Website Accessibility Challenges with Overlays

For website owners seeking immediate improvements to accessibility without undertaking extensive redevelopment, an “accessibility overlay” can offer a temporary solution. While debated as a long-term fix, accessiBe believes its approach is vital for broadening web access and has secured $28 million in funding to support this vision.

The Accessibility Hurdle for Small Businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) frequently encounter the challenge of websites not adhering to current accessibility standards. Rectifying this often requires a thorough professional audit and continuous maintenance, which can be financially prohibitive.

This situation not only disadvantages users with disabilities but also exposes businesses to potential legal repercussions.

Accessibility in Enterprise vs. Practical Solutions

At the enterprise level, accessibility is increasingly integrated into the development lifecycle, with startups like Fable and Evinced driving innovation. However, businesses operating with limited budgets may require alternative, more readily deployable solutions.

Introducing Accessibility Overlays

AccessiBe is among a new wave of services, known as accessibility overlays, that claim to deliver full ADA compliance through the simple addition of a JavaScript code snippet. While this proposition may seem improbable, it possesses elements of both truth and exaggeration.

How AccessiBe Functions

The overlay code systematically scans a website’s front-end code, identifying issues such as unlabeled buttons, keyboard navigation limitations, and missing alt text for images – common accessibility barriers.

AccessiBe’s system leverages machine learning to correlate website features with its extensive training database, enabling accurate recognition even in poorly coded scenarios.

Testing AccessiBe’s Capabilities

You can personally evaluate the overlay’s functionality on websites like Everlast, Tupperware, and Playmobil by appending #showacsb to the URL.

The User Experience with the Overlay

The result is a website that functions as if it were originally designed with accessibility in mind. It resolves many fundamental issues that hinder users with disabilities and provides enhancements like improved contrast, animation control, and font customization.

The overlay can be activated automatically or manually, guided by screen reader text.

Subscription and Ongoing Updates

AccessiBe’s agents regularly scan and update the website’s presentation, with subscription costs ranging from $40 to a couple hundred dollars monthly, depending on the site’s size. A demo video effectively illustrates the problems the tool addresses.

The Debate Surrounding Accessibility Overlays

Despite the potential benefits, the role of overlays in web accessibility is a subject of considerable debate. The core premise – that a single line of code can achieve complete accessibility – raises several concerns.

Limitations of Automated Processes

It’s debatable whether automated processes, such as AccessiBe’s, can comprehensively identify and rectify all accessibility issues. Some problems may elude even the most sophisticated analysis, while others resist automated solutions. (A free assessment tool is available to gauge the tool’s effectiveness on your website.)

AccessiBe’s Response to Concerns

Shir Ekerling, CEO of AccessiBe, asserts that recent technological advancements have addressed these concerns.

“AccessiBe scans and analyzes every website daily, automatically identifying interactive elements, user click patterns, and areas of prolonged focus,” he explained. “Combining this data with probability algorithms and a database of over 100,000 websites, including extensive artificial data, we accurately determine each element’s function and adjust it to meet WCAG 2.1 level AA standards.” (The WCAG guidelines are available for review here.)

Compatibility with User-Side Tools

Concerns have also been raised regarding potential interference with existing user-side accessibility tools, such as browser extensions for image captioning or text-to-speech. However, Ekerling states that AccessiBe prioritizes user-side tools and also supports mobile browsers, a feature lacking in many previous overlays.

The “Separate But Equal” Analogy

A more fundamental question revolves around whether overlays create a “separate but equal” access experience, akin to a segregated dining area for wheelchair users. While AccessiBe doesn’t create a separate site or permanently alter the source code, the underlying website remains inherently inaccessible, with accessibility layered on top.

AccessiBe’s Stance and the Developer’s Role

The company maintains that its overlay provides complete ADA compliance and adheres to WCAG best practices, constituting a comprehensive accessibility solution. Conversely, others argue that developers should not be incentivized to neglect accessibility during development, relying on third-party services as a quick fix.

Future Developments and a User-Side Solution

AccessiBe is also developing a user-side version independent of website integration, potentially benefiting a wide range of users. However, achieving fundamental web accessibility requires dedication from numerous stakeholders. Michael Hingson, “chief visionary officer,” acknowledges this while affirming the value of well-executed overlays.

Investment and Future Plans

The company has secured $28 million in funding from K1 Investment Management, initially $12 million in May, subsequently more than doubled due to customer growth and a tripling of Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in 2020. These funds will be allocated to further research and development, as well as expanding the team with individuals with disabilities for testing, feedback, and development.

A Step Towards Universal Accessibility

While universal website accessibility remains a long-term, complex, and costly endeavor, tools like AccessiBe can provide immediate improvements and potentially mitigate legal risks. They may not be a definitive solution, but they can make websites more accessible today, while more comprehensive changes are implemented over time.