Accessibility Overlays

An “accessibility overlay” is a tool that can be added to an existing website with the intent of improving accessibility for people with disabilities. Overlays typically add options to change font size, colors, etc. -- and often claim to automatically “fix” any accessibility issues in the original web pages.

Unfortunately, many overlays have been marketed as 'quick and easy' solutions to meet accessibility requirements with little or no effort. However, they often don't live up to these claims – and sometimes make accessibility issues worse. As a result, accessibility overlays have a negative reputation in much of the disability community.

While accessibility overlays may eventually become effective and reputable tools, the DoIT Office of Information Accessibility currently advises against including overlays on State websites.

• Overlay Fact Sheet – A comprehensive explanation of the issues with accessibility overlays.
• Accessibility Overlay Widgets Attract Lawsuits - an overview of overlay issues from Accessibility.Works.
• FTC Order – A Federal Trade Commission order fining an accessibility overlay provider $1 million for deceptive claims.
• NFB Comments on FTC Order – Official comments from the National Federation of the Blind supporting the FTC order about accessibility overlays and deceptive claims.
• IAAP Overlay Position and Recommendations – The official position of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, which includes overlay providers