Frequently Asked Questions

Web Accessibility and the AI Shift

After 20+ years building websites, I’ve got answers to the questions I hear most—especially about how accessibility fits into this AI-driven world. Inspired by my latest Substack post, “Issues with Web Accessibility as Users Shift to AI,” here’s what you need to know. Got more questions? Reach out—I’m here to help!

1. What’s the big deal with AI and web accessibility?

AI is changing how people get info—think voice assistants like Siri or chatbots answering questions instead of folks visiting your site. The problem? If your website isn’t accessible (e.g., no alt text, poor structure), AI might misinterpret it, leaving users with disabilities in the dark. Accessibility isn’t just for humans anymore—it’s for machines too!

2. Will websites still matter if AI takes over?

Yes, but they’re evolving. Websites are still your digital “home base” for branding, complex tasks (like e-commerce), and SEO. AI might handle quick answers, but a well-built, accessible site keeps you credible and discoverable. Think of it as the foundation AI pulls from—make it solid.

3. How does AI mess with accessibility?

AI can strip away the control we have on websites. Screen readers might not work if AI skips context, voice-only outputs can exclude deaf users, and there’s no universal accessibility standard for AI yet. If your site’s not structured right, AI could garble your message—or miss it entirely.

4. Can I make my website AI-friendly and accessible at the same time?

Absolutely! Use clear, structured data (like schema markup) so AI can read your site accurately—think business hours or FAQs in machine-friendly formats. Pair that with accessibility basics: alt text, keyboard navigation, good contrast. It’s a win-win for users and search engines.

5. What’s one quick fix to prep my site for this shift?

Add alt text to your images. It helps visually impaired users with screen readers and gives AI something to pull when summarizing your site. For example, “Photo of Joe’s Coffee shopfront” beats “image123.jpg” every time. Simple, but powerful.

6. Are accessibility lawsuits really a risk with AI involved?

Yep. Lawsuits (like those against Target or Domino’s) target inaccessible websites under laws like the ADA. If AI delivers bad info because your site’s not accessible, you’re still on the hook. An audit now can save you headaches later.

7. How do I know if my site’s ready for AI and accessibility?

You need an audit. I check your site against WCAG guidelines and test how AI interprets it—think voice search or chatbot compatibility. Want a quick peek? Contact me for a free consultation—I’ll spot one thing to fix right away.

8. What’s Turtleback Web Solutions do about this?

I offer accessibility audits and fixes to make your site inclusive and AI-ready. From tweaking code to adding structured data, I’ve got 20 years of experience to back it up. Let’s future-proof your web presence together—reach out today!

 

Contact Us

Visit my Contact Page to chat. Accessibility’s my thing—let’s make it yours too.

Call: (941) 405.3272