Two cartoon hands reach for each other through a website wireframe.

The Challenge of Measuring Website Accessibility Needs

By Katterlea MacGregor / February 24, 2025

Accessible digital experiences are a legal and business necessity. Yet, many organizations grapple with the question: How many people with disabilities use our website? The truth is, we can’t reliably answer that question, and the reasons why reveal the complexities of accessibility and inclusivity online.

Why Counting Disabled Web Users is Problematic

Privacy and Ethical Considerations

Attempts to quantify the number of users with disabilities who visit a website often run into ethical and legal barriers. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protect individuals from having their personal data collected without consent. Identifying assistive technology usage—such as screen readers or switch devices—could inadvertently expose someone’s disability status. This raises serious concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of this information.

For example, consider an online job application system. If the system could detect that a user relies on assistive technology, this data might unintentionally influence hiring decisions, leading to discrimination. Ensuring that websites respect user privacy while providing inclusive experiences is a delicate balance that organizations must prioritize.

The Technical Hurdles of Measurement

From a technical standpoint, accurately measuring assistive technology usage presents its own challenges. Most assistive technologies do not interact directly with websites but instead function as intermediaries between the user and their browser. For instance, screen readers interpret the content displayed by a web browser and relay it to users via audio or braille. Since these tools do not leave identifiable footprints, conventional web analytics tools cannot detect their presence.

Even if it were possible to identify assistive technology usage, the results would still not provide a full picture. Disabilities vary widely in type and severity, and many users with disabilities might not rely on assistive tools at all. For example, someone with color blindness might not need specialized technology but still benefit greatly from accessible design elements like high-contrast color schemes.

Why Accessibility Should Still Be Top-of-Mind

Broad Accessibility Statistics

While we cannot pinpoint the number of users with disabilities visiting a specific website, broader statistics emphasize the importance of accessible design:

  • Prevalence of Disabilities: According to the CDC, approximately 27% of adults in the United States live with some form of disability. This includes a wide range of conditions, from visual and hearing impairments to mobility and cognitive challenges.
  • Screen Reader Usage: WebAIM’s Screen Reader User Survey #10 revealed that 91.3% of respondents with disabilities use a screen reader on a mobile device. VoiceOver is the most widely used mobile screen reader, with a 70.6% adoption rate among respondents.
  • Accessibility Barriers: A 2023 study found that 96.3% of the top one million websites had detectable WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) failures. This highlights a widespread need for improved accessibility across the web.

These statistics underscore the necessity of designing for inclusivity. Accessibility isn’t about catering to a niche audience—it’s about creating equitable digital experiences for everyone.

The Case for Universal Design

Instead of focusing on how many users need accessibility features, we should prioritize designing for the broadest audience possible. Universal design principles ensure that digital spaces are usable for all individuals, regardless of ability. Features like keyboard navigation, persistent form labels, and descriptive alt text don’t just benefit users with disabilities—they improve usability for everyone, including older adults and those using mobile devices in challenging environments.

Accessible design and compliance with ADA and WCAG standards is not an add-on or a box to check; it’s a fundamental aspect of good user experience. By adopting inclusive practices, organizations can expand their reach, enhance their reputation, and ensure compliance with legal standards.

Final Thoughts

Although it’s not possible to measure the exact number of users with disabilities who are visiting your website, inclusive design ensures that the digital world is open and usable for all—a goal that’s good for individuals, organizations, and society at large. 

More Resources

All Resources