Latest news with #2025DigitalAccessibilityIndex
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Miami Herald
7 digital travel fails hurting your summer bookings (and how to fix them)
7 digital travel fails hurting your summer bookings (and how to fix them) Summer travel season is in full swing, and for many Americans, that means jumping online to book flights, hotels, and excursions. For millions of travelers with disabilities, however, that process often ends in frustration. Inaccessible websites can make it difficult, if not impossible, to complete a reservation. This can result in missed sales, negative experiences, and long-term brand damage, AudioEye reports. While some accessibility issues may seem minor, their impact is anything but. Unlabeled buttons, clunky forms, and poor color contrast aren't just usability flaws, they're digital barriers that exclude a growing portion of your customer base. And as the travel industry looks to compete in a crowded summer market, fixing these issues is a smart, high-impact way to improve experience and capture more bookings. Below are seven of the most common digital accessibility pitfalls found on travel websites today, with practical tips to help fix them before peak season is over. 1. Poor Color Contrast Makes Key Details Impossible to Read In AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, which analyzed over 53,000 pages across more than 1,600 travel and hospitality websites, color contrast violations emerged as one of the most common accessibility failures. The average hospitality page had 85 violations, among the highest across all industries. Meanwhile, older travelers aged 60+ represent nearly 37 % of all travelers, according to The Senior List. Many of whom are more likely to experience low vision. When critical information like room descriptions, pricing, or the "Book Now" button blends into the background, your site isn't just hard to use - it's costing you customers. How to fix it: Use accessible color contrast ratios (at least 4.5:1 for body text according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG) to ensure text is readable against background colors. This small design fix can make a huge difference in usability. 2. Inaccessible Forms Disrupt the Booking Flow Travel websites averaged four inaccessible forms or buttons per page in AudioEye's Index, which is a major issue when you consider users encountering them are often at the final step of the journey. They've done the research, picked a hotel or experience, and are ready to book. If form labels or instructions are missing, assistive technology users can hit a wall at checkout, causing frustration and sending their business straight to a competitor with a more accessible site. How to fix it: Ensure every form field has a clear label and instructions. Avoid using vague error messages or unlabeled buttons, which can greatly impact usability. 3. Broken Date Pickers Cause Booking Mistakes Poorly designed date pickers can lead to booking errors, particularly for users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation. Without clear visual or audio confirmation, it's easy to select the wrong dates, resulting in confusion, added costs, and lost trust. "I thought I picked Sunday to Monday, but it actually booked me Monday to Tuesday," said Marche, an AudioEye A11iance community member. "I didn't realize until later, and it cost me $175 to fix." How to fix it: Use accessible date pickers that clearly indicate selected dates and offer keyboard navigation. Provide a summary confirmation before booking is finalized. 4. Missing Alt Text on Images Limits Traveler Confidence Travelers often rely on photos to make booking decisions, but the average hospitality page has 26.9 inaccessible images. Without alt text, users with visual impairments are left guessing what a room or amenity actually looks like. "Amenities are just pictures with no descriptions," said Ana, an A11iance community member. "I need a wheelchair-accessible room, but they never tell you what that means. Just saying 'accessible' isn't enough." How to fix it: Add descriptive alt text to all images, especially for rooms, amenities, and location features. Be specific about accessibility features (e.g., "roll-in shower," "grab bars by toilet"). 5. Keyboard Navigation Is Broken AudioEye's research found that 41% of travel pages were difficult or impossible to navigate with a keyboard alone. For users who rely on keyboard commands, including those with motor disabilities, this can be a complete barrier to booking. How to fix it: Ensure your site supports full keyboard navigation. That includes tabbing through links, selecting drop-downs, and completing forms without needing a mouse. 6. Unclear or Vague Links Leave Users Guessing The average hospitality page had 5.4 inaccessible links, according to AudioEye's Index, which often meant vague text like "Click here" or buttons that didn't describe what they did. For screen reader users, this makes site navigation confusing and frustrating. How to fix it: Use descriptive link text like "View room details" or "Add WiFi package." Screen reader users should understand exactly where each link will take them. 7. Accessibility Details Are Missing or Misleading Even when hotels offer accessible accommodations, they often fail to explain what that really means. Vague or generic language, like simply labeling a room "accessible," leaves travelers guessing. Is there a roll-in shower? Are doorways wide enough for a wheelchair? Without answers, travelers with disabilities are forced to book elsewhere or take on unnecessary risk. "Just saying 'accessible' doesn't help. I want to know if the bed is high, if there are grab bars, how wide the doorways are. If you show me you're open and inclusive, I'll book with you - and come back," Marche continued. How to fix it: Be specific in your accessibility listings. Include detailed information about rooms, amenities, transportation, and dining. Make it part of the booking flow, not a buried footnote. Make Summer Travel Seamless for Everyone It's hard to remember the last time booking a trip didn't start online. Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a long-anticipated summer vacation, today's travelers expect digital convenience from start to finish. But when accessibility is overlooked, you risk alienating a large and growing portion of your customer base. Travel brands that invest in accessible design have a unique opportunity to not only welcome a broader audience but to become the go-to choice for travelers seeking ease, clarity, and confidence by creating better experiences for everyone who walks through their (virtual) front door. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Time Business News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
BlakSheep Creative Launches Specialized Website Services for Public Safety Agencies
New service line bridges digital gaps for fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency response organizations DENHAM SPRINGS, LA — BlakSheep Creative, a digital agency known for building high-performance websites for mission-driven organizations, has announced the official launch of a new service offering: custom website design and development for public safety agencies. This new initiative is designed to empower fire departments, EMS agencies, law enforcement units, and emergency operations centers with the tools they need to communicate effectively, streamline internal operations, and engage the communities they serve. As local, state, and federal agencies increasingly rely on digital infrastructure to relay critical information and support recruiting and administrative functions, the demand for reliable, mobile-first, and ADA-compliant websites has never been higher. A 2024 study mentioned by Route Fifty (citing AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index) found that the average government webpage scanned had numerous accessibility violations. Specifically, 51% of pages reviewed failed keyboard accessibility standards, and 28% of images lacked alt text. 'We're a veteran- and first responder–owned agency, so we understand the stakes,' said Clint L. Sanchez, Chief Strategist at BlakSheep Creative and 27-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Fire Department. 'Public safety websites can't afford to be an afterthought. These are frontline tools for communication, recruitment, transparency, and community trust. We're here to ensure they deliver on all fronts.' BlakSheep Creative's new service is structured around the unique needs of public safety agencies, addressing common challenges such as outdated user interfaces, unsecure hosting environments, lack of mobile compatibility, and difficult-to-update backend systems. The offering includes: Custom ADA-compliant website design Integrated emergency alerts and notifications Secure document portals for SOPs, reports, and public forms Online recruitment systems and job applications Local SEO strategies to improve visibility for recruitment, community outreach, and service-based search queries to improve visibility for recruitment, community outreach, and service-based search queries Training for internal staff to maintain and update the website with ease Each website is built on a WordPress-based CMS tailored for non-technical users, with full backend access for authorized personnel. While this is a formal launch, BlakSheep Creative has already quietly supported several public safety websites, including projects for Cajun Navy 2016, a disaster response organization, and Livingston Parish fire and emergency services. These projects showcased the ability of mission-aligned web platforms to drastically improve community engagement, increase operational efficiency, and support recruitment goals. In one recent example, Google Search Console data revealed that post-launch search impressions and click-through rates rose over 200% for an emergency response site redesigned by BlakSheep, compared to its outdated predecessor. This translated into higher visibility for volunteer opportunities and more timely access to alerts. 'Many departments are running on legacy systems and volunteer time,' said Marshall Watkins, IT contractor for a rural Oklahoma EMS unit. 'BlakSheep came in, listened, and gave us a modern site we could manage ourselves—with zero fluff.' With experience in both digital development and emergency services, BlakSheep Creative operates at the intersection of technology and public service. The agency's team prioritizes security, speed, accessibility, and clarity in every build—critical traits for organizations tasked with saving lives and safeguarding communities. 'We don't just design websites—we build trust and function into every line of code,' Sanchez added. 'Our goal is to make sure every chief, captain, or comms officer has a site that works as hard as their team does.' Public safety administrators, municipal decision-makers, and IT managers can learn more about the service here, including features, pricing estimates, and project timelines. For more information about BlakSheep Creative or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or explore their portfolio of recent projects. BlakSheep Creative is a Denham Springs–based digital marketing agency specializing in web design, SEO, branding, and content strategy for nonprofits, first responder organizations, and mission-focused businesses. Founded by veterans and first responders, the agency brings an operations-first mindset to digital challenges—delivering websites that are fast, functional, and built to serve. Clint L. Sanchez Chief Strategist & OwnerBlakSheep Creative📧 info@ (225) 505-3834 🌐
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
E-Commerce Websites Lead The Way In Accessibility Fails, Latest Studies Confirm
E-commerce websites lead thew way when it comes to web and app accessibility barriers, according to ... More the latest reports Though from its inception in the mid-nineties, universal access to information was always meant to be the fundamental promise of the internet, it is unarguably the case that e-commerce represents the prime business opportunity. In 2024, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $6 trillion. Append to this figure the $13 trillion in disposable income that is believed to encompass the disability community and their allies, and a gargantuan market opportunity reveals itself. It's in this context that today, over three decades on from the birth of the internet, e-commerce websites continue to lead the way compared to other types of websites and apps when it comes to measurable accessibility failures that ultimately prevent consumers with disabilities from completing purchases. These can include improperly labelled buttons and missing image descriptions rendering websites unusable for customers with visual impairments, inadequate keyboard navigation and inaccessible forms and input fields. Over the past few weeks, this trend has been fleshed out, evidenced by several recent studies evaluating websites and apps for basic accessibility. Firstly, AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, which scanned 15,000 websites across education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, software, and retail, found that e-commerce led the way in accessibility fails with an average of 350.1 issues per page. The average number of accessibility fails per page was 297 across all sectors, according to the report from the company that specializes in a hybrid approach to web accessibility compliance involving AI tools in combination with expert oversight. Earlier this month, ArcTouch, which specializes in accessible mobile app design in conjunction with Fable, a platform for inclusive research and digital product testing, with input from Joe Devon, co-founder of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, published its State of Mobile App Accessibility report. The research took a deep dive into 50 of the most prominent iOS and Android apps across food & delivery, payments, streaming media, fitness and shopping, examining how the apps interacted with a variety of assistive technologies. All in all, almost three-quarters (72%) of user journeys studied included accessibility barriers, resulting in a Poor or Failing app experience. Only two of the 50 apps tested achieved Great accessibility rating, while nine received an overall failing grade. When it comes to e-commerce, Shopping received the lowest Industry Accessibility Score across all sectors (41 out of 100), which equates to a rating of Poor. By contrast, Food & Delivery apps received a score of 57 (Fair), Payments scored 54 (Fair) as did Fitness, while Streaming apps received a score of 60, which is also rated as Fair. Though disappointing, these latest reports on e-commerce accessibility aren't entirely surprising. E-commerce websites and apps are amongst the most complex around, often involving intricate visual elements such as product listings and detailed forms, which require specific formatting. The need to check for and remediate accessibility errors may be higher for e-commerce properties than other more static digital assets but the pay-off for making remediations is also more immediate and measurable. Nevertheless, if having less frustrated customers and abandoned shopping carts is an insufficient carrot for e-commerce brands to get their act together, than the more punitive stick in the form of upcoming legislation like the European Accessibility Act and older but still evolving Americans with Disabilities Act might be all that's left to ensure that consumers with disabilities end up with the best deal.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tax season is hard enough. Inaccessible websites make it worse.
Many government and financial websites are still difficult to use for people with disabilities, especially during tax season. From confusing navigation to inaccessible forms and documents, these barriers make it hard to file taxes or manage finances independently. Tax season is often a source of stress and confusion—from navigating complicated forms to tracking down essential documents. For many Americans, the process has gone digital in recent years, with everything from tax filing to payment portals now hosted online. But for the millions of people with disabilities who rely on accessible technology to navigate the internet, tax season presents an added challenge: government and financial websites remain deeply inaccessible, making it difficult—and in some cases, impossible—to meet their financial obligations independently, AudioEye says. According to AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, the average government webpage contains 307 accessibility violations—one of the highest rates of any industry analyzed in the report. From unlabeled form fields to vague navigation links, these barriers can prevent users from applying for benefits, filing taxes, or accessing critical public services. Government websites frequently rely on images to convey information, including application instructions and service directories. Yet 15.3 images per page lacked alternative text (alt text), which allows people who are blind or have low vision to understand the content and purpose of images through screen readers. And with 77% of pages containing unclear links, navigating a site to find the correct tax form or deadline becomes a frustrating, if not impossible, task. "I use an online tax service, and navigating the platform is often slow and irksome," said Dave Carlson, a member of AudioEye's A11iance Community. "Not all modules work the same way, and it takes a lot of trial and error just to reach input fields and Continue buttons. After years of using it, I've figured out how to get through it—but it shouldn't be that hard." In addition to government portals, financial services websites—which host tools for direct deposits, tax refunds, and loan information—are also falling behind on accessibility. In fact, they were among the worst-performing sectors in the 2025 Index. AudioEye analyzed more than 57,000 pages across 1,500+ financial services sites and found that: 80% of pages included unclear or vague links, making it hard to locate key services like payment portals or transaction histories. The average page contained 74 violations of minimum color contrast requirements as outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), making forms and financial documents difficult to read for users with low vision. On average, there were 6.8 inaccessible forms per page—preventing users from opening accounts, transferring funds, or setting up automatic payments. "One of the biggest issues for me during tax season is getting my bank and credit card data in a usable format," Carlson continued. "Most institutions only offer PDFs, which are nearly impossible to navigate when dealing with large tables. I need spreadsheets, but getting them often means calling the institution and explaining the issue—year after year. Nothing changes, so I've just had to get smarter about workarounds." Website accessibility issues don't just create barriers for users—they also expose organizations to greater legal risk. With the Department of Justice gearing up to enforce updates to Title II of the ADA and stronger Section 508 compliance rules, both public agencies and private institutions will soon face more scrutiny regarding the accessibility of their websites. For organizations—both public and private—the takeaway is clear: Digital accessibility must be a priority. Here are a few ways to start: Audit and test regularly: Use a combination of automated scanning tools and expert testing by people with disabilities to identify and fix issues that lead to lawsuits. Prioritize accessibility in high-traffic areas: Focus on critical pages such as login portals, form submissions, and payment tools where users are most likely to encounter issues. Engage with the disability community: Invite users with disabilities to share feedback and participate in the design and QA process. Their lived experience offers insight that internal testing often misses. Fix the basics: Ensure every image has alt text, every form field has a clear label, and every link accurately describes where it goes. When essential services like tax filing, refund tracking, and benefit applications are out of reach, it creates unnecessary barriers to independence, privacy, and financial stability. Accessibility isn't just a feature to check off—it's a civil right. Achieving it requires more than automated scans or surface-level fixes. It demands a comprehensive, thoughtful approach that includes testing with real users, fixing issues at the source, and building digital experiences that work for everyone. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Miami Herald
26-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
6 ways to fix bad UX: How improving website accessibility can boost your bottom line
Many websites lose customers because confusing design and accessibility issues—like unreadable forms or missing labels—make it hard for people, especially those with disabilities, to use them. Fixing these problems not only helps users have a better experience but also helps businesses keep customers and avoid legal trouble. Every business wants its website to be a seamless, welcoming experience for customers. But too often, hidden accessibility barriers—unreadable forms, confusing menus, or poor design choices—turn users away without them ever converting. When a frustrated user abandons your website, they're not just leaving—they're taking their business elsewhere, AudioEye notes. The true cost of inaccessible websites extends far beyond lost sales. More than a billion people worldwide live with a disability, and every time they encounter a barrier—whether it's unlabeled form fields, poor color contrast, or keyboard navigation issues—it affects engagement, increases bounce rates, and damages brand reputation. These seemingly small issues compound into significant business impacts, making accessibility a critical factor in both user experience (UX) and overall success. Research shows that 94% of first impressions are related to design, and a poor user experience can cause visitors to abandon a site within seconds. However, a well-designed website that follows accessibility best practices can improve engagement, increase conversions, and enhance brand reputation. Despite these benefits, accessibility remains a challenge. The 2024 WebAIM Million Report found that 96% of the world's top one million home pages contain accessibility errors, making it difficult for millions of people with disabilities to navigate the web. Organizations that fail to address these issues not only alienate a significant portion of their audience but also risk legal repercussions as digital accessibility regulations become stricter. Why Accessibility and UX Matter Recent findings from AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index highlight how widespread these challenges are. After reviewing 15,000 websites across industries like education, finance, healthcare, and retail, the report found an average of 297 accessibility issues per page—a sharp increase from 37 issues per page in 2023. These issues don't just frustrate users, they also put businesses at legal risk, as digital accessibility regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set clear standards for compliance. A few key findings: 38% of images were missing alternative text (alt text), making visual content inaccessible to non-sighted users.80% of pages had unclear or missing link descriptions, leaving users unsure where a link will take them.35% of pages had poorly labeled forms, preventing users from completing purchases, scheduling appointments, or submitting requests. Each of these issues creates friction in the user experience, turning potential customers away and eroding trust. How to Improve UX and Minimize the Hidden Costs To build a better user experience and avoid the pitfalls of poor accessibility, businesses should focus on a few key areas: 1. Design With All Users in Mind Accessible design ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can navigate and engage with your site. Avoid relying solely on visual or auditory cues—use text descriptions, captions, and keyboard-friendly navigation to ensure a seamless experience. 2. Keep Layouts Clear and Consistent A cluttered website frustrates users and drives them away. Maintain simple, intuitive navigation, use clear headings, and ensure buttons and links are easy to find and understand. 3. Optimize for Mobile Accessibility With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, an inaccessible mobile experience can alienate a large portion of your audience. Ensure text is legible, buttons are large enough to tap, and content is easy to navigate. 4. Ensure Readable and Accessible Text Text should be easy to read for all users, including those with visual impairments. Using sans-serif fonts improves readability, while maintaining a minimum font size of 16px ensures that text remains legible across different devices. Additionally, proper color contrast between text and background (at least a 4.5:1 ratio) helps users with low vision or color blindness navigate content without difficulty. 5. Make Forms and CTAs User-Friendly Forms and calls to action (CTAs) play a crucial role in user engagement, yet they often present major accessibility challenges. Clearly labeled form fields help users understand what information is required, reducing confusion and frustration. Similarly, CTAs should be descriptive and action-driven—phrases like "Download the Guide" or "Sign Up for Updates" provide clarity, whereas vague prompts like "Click Here" leave users uncertain about what to expect. 6. Test, Listen, and Improve Improving accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adaptation. Businesses should conduct routine audits using both automated tools and expert reviews to catch and resolve accessibility barriers before they impact users. Gathering real user feedback, especially from individuals with disabilities, provides invaluable insights into usability challenges. Additionally, tracking bounce rates, form submissions, and engagement metrics helps identify friction points, allowing businesses to refine their user experience. The Bottom Line Poor UX isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's a direct hit to your business. Every inaccessible element on your website represents a lost opportunity, a frustrated customer, or a missed sale. By addressing accessibility issues, companies can create a smoother, better digital experience that keeps users coming back. With a proactive, user-focused approach, businesses can turn their websites into powerful assets that drive both customer satisfaction and the bottom line. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
