The World of the web is a fantastic field. Finding information, getting educated, ordering goods and services, and communicating with others has never been easier. Simple, yes, but not for everyone! Indeed, when sites do not follow the principles ofweb accessibility, people with poor eyesight face obstacles. Unadapted interfaces, visual content without text alternatives... Browsing the web can quickly become frustrating or even impossible. When you know that nearly 2 million people in France are affected by a visual impairment, this represents a lot of people left behind.

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What do we mean by “web accessibility”?

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Web accessibility encompasses a series of practices and standards designed to make websites usable by everyone, including people with visual disabilities. Complying with these guidelines allows a site to be read and used by people with disabilities and/or using technical aids such as screen readers or voice synthesizers.

At the heart of this accessibility, we find the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), created by the World Wide Web Consortium(W3C) as early as 1999. It is the set of standards and best practices that provide a universal framework for the improvement ofaccessibility of web content. And this, internationally.

These guidelines are divided into three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA. Each level offers recommendations specific information on how to make content more accessible: visibility, ease of keyboard navigation, compatibility with technological aids...

For example, they recommend using appropriate HTML tags to structure pages, using sufficient color contrasts for people with visual disabilities, and creating descriptive links that are explicit.

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Legal and ethical aspects

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La European legislation in terms of digital accessibility is based on the standard EN 301 549. This standard is inspired by WCAG and details the requirements that must be met to make web content accessible to people with disabilities.

France uses the General Accessibility Improvement Framework (RGAA) as a technical and operational framework for verifying compliance with WCAG standards.

Since the promulgation of Law No. 2005-102 of 11 February 2005, digital accessibility has been a legal obligation in France. This initial law was the starting point for a series of legislative texts aimed at strengthening thedigital inclusion people with disabilities.

The RGAA is mandatory for all public services in France. Private companies can choose between the RGAA, the EN 301 549 standard, or the W3C WCAG version 2.1. Since June 2021, public services must show their accessibility level. This obligation has extended since July 2021 to companies with a turnover of more than 250 million euros, and from June 2025, to sectors such as banks, transport and e-commerce, with exceptions for microenterprises.

Ethically, web accessibility is a question of equality And of access to information. Not making a website accessible means excluding a portion of the population who, due to visual limitations or any other disability (motor, hearing, intellectual or mental), cannot participate fully in the digital society.

A point that raises ethical concerns because access to information is often considered as a fundamental human right. By providing equitable access, we support the autonomy and independence of people with disabilities, strengthening their ability to make informed decisions and to participate actively in society.

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Challenges due to a lack of accessibility

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Web accessibility challenges for visually impaired users are numerous and can greatly hinder their ability to navigate and use online resources. One of the most common barriers is the absence of Alternative text for images, which prevents screen readers from providing an audible description of visual content. Without these descriptions, people with poor eyesight may miss important information or contexts.

Another obstacle lies in the Difficulty navigating due to poorly structured menus or the absence of clear guidelines that can be easily detected by assistive technologies. For example, mislabeled buttons or non-descriptive links can make navigation frustrating and inefficient.

Some sites are very involved and display the words “accessibility: fully compliant”. Like the site of the department of La Manche, Attitude Manche, or even that of Vie Publique. These two examples, relating to the public service, are therefore among those who are obliged to comply with the RGAA. And according to the observatory for compliance with digital accessibility obligations, they are even among the only 18 sites to be fully compliant! Fortunately, 282 other sites would be partially compliant. But there is still a long way to go! While some are making good progress towards accessibility, others are lagging far behind. A fact that highlights the need for a awareness stronger and more rigorous application of web accessibility standards.

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Technological solutions and innovations

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THEartificial intelligence, in particular, has revolutionized the way web content can be made accessible. AI-based tools now make it possible to generate image descriptions automatic, facilitating the understanding of visual content for users who rely on screen readers.

The systems of Voice response interactive have become more sophisticated, offering more intuitive navigation on websites. These systems allow users to give voice commands to navigate, eliminating the need for traditional tabulation through long menus or complicated lists, making web browsing much more accessible.

Advances in the technology of ARIA tags (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) have also improved the user experience. ARIA helps make web content more accessible by defining clear ways to make interactive and dynamic elements more understandable for screen readers.

These advances show that technology can play a powerful role in breaking down digital barriers, ensuring that all users, regardless of their visual impairment, can enjoy a rich and fully accessible web experience. These technological solutions are constantly evolving, promising an even more inclusive future for access to digital information.

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The prospects

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Web accessibility has become a crucial issue to ensure that all users, regardless of their visual ab

ility, can navigate and take full advantage of online resources. This article highlighted the importance of standards such as WCAG and the impact of advanced technologies in improving accessibility. Efforts to incorporate accessibility into web design are not only a matter of legal compliance, but also a commitment to inclusiveness and equal access to information.

As technology continues to advance, the future of web accessibility looks promising, with ever more advanced innovations that open up new paths for integration. It is critical that developers, designers, and website owners continue their efforts to meet and even exceed accessibility standards, ensuring that no one is left behind in our rapidly changing digital world. Continuous innovation and rigorous compliance with standards are the keys to building an Internet that is truly accessible to all.

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