Why Accessibility Overlay Widgets Don't Work — And Why They May Violate the EAA
Accessibility overlay widgets — sold by companies like AccessiBe, UserWay, AudioEye, and EqualWeb — promise to make websites accessible with a single line of JavaScript. This claim is false, and using an overlay may actually increase your legal risk under the European Accessibility Act.
What overlays actually do
Overlays add a JavaScript layer on top of your website that provides a toolbar with options like "increase font size," "high contrast mode," or "screen reader mode." What they don't do:
- Fix missing alt text on images (they may add AI-generated alt text, often inaccurate)
- Correct heading hierarchy or semantic HTML structure
- Add proper form labels and ARIA attributes
- Fix keyboard navigation traps
- Address colour contrast issues in the underlying code
- Make dynamic content (SPAs, modals, carousels) accessible
Who opposes overlays?
The opposition to overlay widgets is broad and well-documented:
- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has publicly opposed AccessiBe
- The European Disability Forum (EDF) has warned against overlay solutions
- Over 700 accessibility professionals signed the Overlay Fact Sheet (overlayfactsheet.com)
- Multiple ADA lawsuits in the US have been filed against websites using overlays
Overlays and the EAA
The European Accessibility Act requires conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This means the underlying HTML, CSS, and JavaScript of your website must meet accessibility standards. An overlay that sits on top of non-compliant code does not achieve conformance — it's like putting a fresh coat of paint on a building with structural problems.
EAAPass detects overlay widgets during every audit and flags them as a separate compliance concern. We believe real accessibility requires real code changes.
What to do instead
Instead of installing an overlay, invest in actual accessibility remediation: audit your site, prioritize critical issues (contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation), fix the underlying code, and test with real assistive technologies.