Why web accessibility is still a mess
Every company builds their own website and implements their own version of accessibility. Users adapt to whatever each company decided was good enough — or they can't use the site at all.
The current situation
A restaurant builds a website. A shop builds a website. Each makes their own choices about fonts, colours, contrast, and screen reader support.
Some do it well. Most don't, and it's hard to blame them — proper accessibility takes expertise and ongoing work that most small businesses can't afford. The result is a web that's frustratingly inconsistent for anyone who relies on accessibility features.
It's not just accessibility
When you visit a website, you're on that company's terms. Accept their cookies or leave. Navigate their way. Users don't get much say in their own experience.
What if the data was separate?
Google already does something like this with business hours in search results. The information shows up formatted consistently, works with screen readers, scales to any text size — because it's structured data, not a custom design.
That idea could go further. Instead of every business building their own site, they publish information in a standard format — hours, menus, events, products — and you choose how to view it. Your device, your preferences, your accessibility settings.
Why it matters
When accessibility is done once, at the platform level, it can be done properly. Tested thoroughly, maintained consistently. Everyone gets the same high standard instead of a patchwork.
Businesses win too — they don't need to become accessibility experts. They just keep their information accurate.
References
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