Accessibility Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

January 26, 2026 Erick Bugah No Comment 4 Views

For too long, accessibility in instructional design has been treated as a “Phase 2” problem. We build the course, launch it, and then—if we have budget left over—we go back and add alt-text or check the color contrast.

In 2026, this mindset is not just outdated; it is dangerous.

The data is clear: Accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature for a minority of users. It is a fundamental requirement for legal compliance, market reach, and effective learning. If your content isn’t accessible, it isn’t finished.

The “Hidden” Demographic

A common objection from stakeholders is, “We don’t have many learners with disabilities.”

This is statistically incorrect. Most disabilities are invisible, and many learners choose not to disclose them due to stigma.

The 20% Rule: Current data shows that over 20% of undergraduate students report having a disability. That is 1 in 5 learners.
The Neurodiverse Workforce: As we design for the modern workforce, we must account for the estimated 15-20% of the population who are neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia).

If you design for the “average” learner, you are actively excluding a fifth of your audience from the start.

The Legal & Business Reality (2025-2026)

If the moral argument doesn’t move your stakeholders, the legal one will.

The Lawsuit Surge: In 2025, digital accessibility lawsuits broke records, exceeding 5,000 filings—a 20% increase from the previous year.
The “Widget” Myth: Many organizations tried to use cheap “accessibility overlay widgets” to avoid compliance. It backfired. In 2025, 22.6% of lawsuits targeted sites with these widgets installed, proving that you cannot automate your way out of inclusive design.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA): As of June 2025, the EAA is in full effect. If your company does business in the EU, your digital products (including training software) must be accessible. Non-compliance now carries heavy fines and the potential for your product to be removed from the market.

The “Curb Cut Effect”: Better for Everyone

The strongest argument for accessibility is that it improves the experience for every learner. This is known as the Curb Cut Effect.

Originally designed for wheelchair users, curb cuts (ramps on sidewalks) ended up helping parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and skateboarders. The same applies to digital learning:

Captions: Originally for the Deaf, now used by 80% of learners who watch videos in noisy offices or on mute during a commute.
Keyboard Navigation: Essential for motor impairments, but also preferred by “power users” who want to navigate software quickly without a mouse.
High Contrast: Vital for low vision, but helpful for everyone looking at a screen in bright sunlight.

Practical Steps for IDs Today

You don’t need to be a code expert to make a difference. Start with these three non-negotiables:

Structure is Semantic: Don’t just bold text to make it a “heading.” Use actual Heading styles (H1, H2, H3). Screen readers rely on this code to navigate the page.
Alt-Text is Contextual: AI can generate alt-text now, but it’s often generic. Your job is to ensure the alt-text explains why the image is there.
- Bad: “Chart of sales.”
- Good: “Bar chart showing Q4 revenue increasing by 15% due to new product launch.”
Color is Not Enough: Never use color as the only way to convey information. If a wrong answer is marked in Red, it should also have an icon (X) or text label (“Incorrect”).

Conclusion

Accessibility is the ultimate test of an Instructional Designer’s skill. It forces us to be clear, structured, and empathetic. When we design for the margins, we get a better design for the middle. In 2026, accessibility isn’t “extra” work. It is the work.

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