Introduction

In today’s digital world, accessibility is more important than ever. With new updates to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and stronger enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for digital spaces, ensuring your website is accessible isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s the right thing to do. The latest innovations showcased at CES 2025 further highlight the growing role of technology in making the web more inclusive for everyone.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, which accounts for 16% of the global population (). Despite this, 97.4% of the top 1 million websites still have accessibility issues, as reported by WebAIM’s 2024 accessibility evaluation (WebAIM, 2024).

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s changing with WCAG and ADA in 2025, why web accessibility matters, and what you can do to make sure your site is up to standard.

Understanding WCAG & ADA Compliance in 2025

WCAG 2.2 and What’s Next with WCAG 3.0

The WCAG 2.2 guidelines, introduced in late 2023, brought updates that make websites easier to navigate, especially for users with cognitive disabilities and those browsing on mobile devices. But now, the conversation is shifting toward WCAG 3.0, which will bring a more flexible approach to accessibility.

Here’s what’s coming:

• A scoring-based system instead of the traditional pass/fail approach

• More emphasis on personalized accessibility settings

• Stronger standards for AI-driven tools and voice navigation

ADA and the Push for Digital Accessibility

The ADA continues to push for better online accessibility, especially as businesses shift to digital platforms. In 2025, failing to make your website accessible can lead to lawsuits, lost customers, and a poor user experience. Some key areas of focus for compliance include:

• Ensuring full keyboard navigability for users who can’t use a mouse

• Optimizing for screen readers and assistive tech

• Providing alt text for all images and media

• Maintaining strong color contrast for readability

• Adding captions and transcripts for videos and audio content

A 2024 report by UsableNet found that 85% of ADA-related lawsuits were against e-commerce, healthcare, and education websites (UsableNet, 2024).

Key Accessibility Innovations from CES 2025

At CES 2025, tech leaders showcased some incredible new tools that will make digital accessibility easier and more effective. Here are some standout innovations that are shaping the future of web accessibility:

1. AI-Powered Accessibility Tools

AI is transforming how people with disabilities interact with the web. Some of the latest developments include:

• Smart screen readers that adapt to user preferences

• Voice-controlled web navigation for hands-free browsing

• Instant AI-generated captions and translations

2. Wearable Tech for Better Digital Access

New wearable devices are helping users with disabilities navigate digital spaces more independently. Some of the coolest ones include:

• Smart glasses that read website content aloud

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for hands-free browsing

• Haptic feedback devices for visually impaired users

3. Making Virtual & Augmented Reality More Accessible

VR and AR are becoming more mainstream, but accessibility has been a challenge. At CES 2025, companies introduced features like:

• Voice-controlled AR interfaces

• Customizable UI settings for users with cognitive disabilities

• Tactile feedback tools to make virtual environments more interactive

4. Mobile Accessibility Improvements

Since so many people browse the web on mobile devices, accessibility for smartphones and tablets is a major focus. Some of the latest innovations include:

• AI chatbots with accessibility features

• Gesture-based navigation for people with mobility impairments

• Improved screen magnification and text resizing tools

How to Make Your Website WCAG & ADA Compliant in 2025

1. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits

Test your website using tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse to catch any accessibility issues before they become a problem.

2. Stay Up to Date with WCAG 2.2 & Prepare for WCAG 3.0

Design your site with flexibility in mind to meet both current and future accessibility standards.

3. Use AI and Automation to Your Advantage

Leverage AI-driven accessibility tools for real-time compliance monitoring and automatic fixes.

4. Train Your Team

Make sure developers, designers, and content creators understand accessibility best practices.

5. Offer Multiple Ways to Navigate

Ensure your website supports voice commands, keyboard navigation, and screen readers so all users can interact with your content seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the difference between WCAG 2.2 and WCAG 3.0?

WCAG 2.2 builds on existing guidelines, focusing on mobile-friendly navigation and cognitive accessibility. WCAG 3.0 will introduce a more flexible, scoring-based system rather than a simple pass/fail approach.

2. How can I check if my website is ADA compliant?

Use tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse, and conduct manual checks using screen readers and keyboard-only navigation.

3. What are the risks of not being ADA compliant?

Ignoring accessibility can lead to lawsuits, financial penalties, and lost business from customers who can’t access your site.

4. How does AI improve accessibility?

AI can provide real-time screen reading, automatic captions, and adaptive interfaces tailored to individual users' needs.

5. What are the most common accessibility mistakes?

• Not including alt text for images

• Low contrast between text and background

• No keyboard navigation options

• Missing captions or transcripts for videos

• Overlooking mobile accessibility

6. How can small businesses afford accessibility improvements?

There are affordable and even free tools available to help businesses meet accessibility standards. Taking small steps, like adding alt text and improving contrast, can make a big difference.

Conclusion

Web accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about making the internet a place where everyone can participate. The innovations at CES 2025 show that technology is rapidly evolving to make this possible, but businesses need to take action now.

By following WCAG and ADA guidelines, you can make your website more inclusive, improve user experience, and future-proof your business. If you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time to make your website accessible to all.