When people hear “web accessibility,” they often think of it as something complicated, expensive, or only for people with disabilities. But here’s the truth: accessibility is for everyone—and it’s easier to integrate than most people think.
At CliqAlly, we’ve seen many misconceptions about accessible design, especially among business owners, web developers, and even designers. So, let’s bust some of the most common myths around web accessibility—once and for all.
Myth #1: “Accessibility only benefits people with disabilities.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. While accessibility does directly support people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities, its benefits go way beyond that.
Think about:
A parent holding a baby with one hand, navigating a website with the other.
Someone using voice control while driving.
A person with slow internet needing a fast-loading, clean site.
Accessibility helps everyone, in different situations—whether temporary, situational, or permanent.
Myth #2: “Making a website accessible is expensive and time-consuming.”
We totally get where this myth comes from—anything involving compliance and guidelines can sound like a huge undertaking. But in reality, web accessibility doesn’t have to drain your time or budget, especially when it’s approached strategically.
For starters, building with accessibility in mind from the beginning is far more affordable than retrofitting an entire site later on. Think of it like constructing a building: it’s easier to add a wheelchair ramp in the design phase than to tear down steps and start over.
Even if you’re working with an existing website, it’s not an all-or-nothing situation. You can take incremental steps, and each one adds value:
Adding alt text to all images
Ensuring your color palette has proper contrast
Making sure forms are labeled clearly
Adding skip links for keyboard users
These aren’t massive projects—and yet, they instantly make your site more usable for a wider audience.
Plus, there are budget-friendly tools and WordPress plugins that make accessibility improvements easier. And when you work with a team like CliqAlly, we help you prioritize what needs fixing first, so you get the most impact without the overwhelm.
The result? A better experience for your users, and protection for your business—all without burning a hole in your pocket.
Myth #3: “Accessible websites look boring.”
Let’s bust this one once and for all: accessible doesn’t mean ugly.
There’s a common misconception that accessible websites have to be plain, text-heavy, or stripped down. But here’s the truth—accessible design is just good design. It’s clean, user-friendly, and functional for everyone.
Some of the most beautifully designed websites in the world are also highly accessible. Why? Because accessibility focuses on things like:
Easy navigation and layout clarity
Clean, readable typography
Balanced color schemes with strong contrast
Consistent structure and user flow
All of these things make your website not only more usable—but also more visually appealing and professional.
Animations, videos, vibrant visuals—you can still use them! The key is to implement them thoughtfully:
Add captions to videos
Avoid fast-flashing effects
Use ARIA labels for dynamic elements
Ensure clickable areas are large and clear
At CliqAlly, we believe that accessibility enhances creativity. We design sites that look modern, feel inclusive, and function beautifully for everyone—without compromising your brand’s style.
So, if you’re worried that an accessible site means giving up your creative flair, rest easy. It’s not about limitations—it’s about intentional design that works for all users.
Why Following Accessibility Standards Matters
Legal Protection
Many countries, including the U.S., have legal requirements under laws like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 508. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits and penalties.Improved SEO
Search engines love accessible websites. Proper headings, image alt text, and clear navigation improve your SEO rankings.Better User Experience
Accessibility often leads to cleaner design and easier navigation, benefiting all users—not just those with disabilities.Expanded Audience Reach
Over 1 billion people globally live with a disability. Making your site accessible opens the door to a larger, often underserved audience.
Myth #4: “Accessibility is only about adding alt text.”
Alt text is just the tip of the iceberg. A fully accessible website considers:
Keyboard navigation
Semantic HTML structure
Color contrast
Readable fonts and font sizes
Descriptive link texts
Clear heading hierarchy
Screen reader compatibility
Accessibility is about creating an inclusive experience across all aspects of your site—not just images.
Myth #5: “Accessibility isn’t required unless someone complains.”
Waiting until someone files a complaint—or worse, a lawsuit—is never a good strategy. In the U.S., the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is being applied more and more to websites, especially for businesses.
Making your site accessible is not just proactive protection; it’s a sign that you care about your customers. It’s about doing the right thing.
At CliqAlly, we build modern, user-focused websites that look great, perform smoothly, and work for everyone. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding an existing site, we can help you get it right.
Need help with your next website project? Get in touch with us and let’s make your site work for everyone.