For decades, blind individuals struggled to access printed news. Newspapers, magazines and books had to be converted into Braille or audio, often taking weeks. By the time the content was ready, it was already outdated.
The internet promised to end digital exclusion by making information instantly available to everyone. In theory, blind users should now receive content at the same time as sighted readers.
However, many websites remain inaccessible. Missing alternative text, poor structure and flawed design still block screen readers, leaving blind and visually impaired users excluded.
Continue reading to explore the challenges of digital exclusion, understand why accessibility matters, discover how to be accessibility compliant, and learn practical steps to design websites that include blind and visually impaired people.
What is Digital Exclusion?
Digital exclusion is the barrier that prevents people from fully accessing online information, services or opportunities because of factors such as disability, poor design or lack of accessible technology. For blind and visually impaired users, digital exclusion often means websites that cannot be read by screen readers, missing alternative text for images or navigation that relies only on sight.
Do Websites Have to Be Accessible to the Blind?
Websites are not just expected to be accessible to blind users; in many cases, they are legally required to be. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the The European Accessibility Act place obligations on organisations to ensure their digital services do not exclude people with disabilities. Public sector websites and many private companies must meet recognised accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Beyond legal compliance, web accessibility for blind users is also an ethical responsibility. An accessible website ensures that blind and visually impaired users can read content, complete transactions and access services with the same ease as everyone else. Designing inclusively benefits all users and helps organisations reach wider audiences.
The Missed Opportunity of Digital Content
Screen readers allow blind users to navigate websites by reading text aloud or converting it into Braille. When websites are built with accessibility in mind, blind and visually impaired people can browse news articles, shop online and use services without barriers. Good website design for blind users means creating pages that work seamlessly with assistive technologies.
Yet many website owners fail to take the extra step to ensure accessibility. Simple changes such as adding alternative text to images, structuring content with headings and enabling keyboard navigation would make a huge difference. These reasonable adjustments are often overlooked.
As a result, blind users are once again left behind, unable to access digital content that should be available to them in real time.
Learn how accessibility audits and inclusive user testing can identify these gaps and help websites work seamlessly with assistive technologies.
Why is Digital Accessibility Important for Blind Users?
Digital accessibility ensures that blind and visually impaired users can access the same information, services and opportunities as everyone else. Without accessible design, many people are excluded from reading news, applying for jobs, managing finances or using essential public services online.
For blind users, accessibility is not a convenience but a necessity. Websites that follow best practices allow screen readers and Braille displays to present content clearly, giving users independence and equal participation in digital life.
Beyond the human impact, accessible design benefits organisations too. A more inclusive website reaches wider audiences, improves user experience for all visitors and helps businesses comply with legal standards. Digital accessibility creates equity online, turning the internet into a space where everyone can take part.
Find out how accessibility benefits your business and how inclusive design drives growth.
The Irony of Modern Digital Exclusion
It is ironic that despite major digital advancements, accessibility barriers persist. The internet should have eliminated the delays that blind users once faced, but poor website design for blind users continues to create unnecessary obstacles.
Accessibility is not simply a matter of convenience; it is about equity. Everyone deserves equal access to information. Website owners must recognise their responsibility to make digital content accessible and take meaningful action to remove these barriers.
How Can Websites be Designed for Blind and Visually Impaired Users?
Effective website design for blind users focuses on removing barriers and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. A well-structured site allows screen readers and Braille displays to present information clearly, giving users equal access to content and services.
Some key best practices include:
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Adding descriptive alternative text for all images
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Using clear headings and subheadings to organise content
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Ensuring that all functionality is available with keyboard navigation
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Providing sufficient colour contrast and scalable text for visually impaired users
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Testing websites with real blind and visually impaired people to uncover barriers, as outlined in our inclusive user testing guide
Designing inclusively is not complex, but it requires commitment. By following accessibility guidelines such as WCAG and prioritising user needs, organisations can create digital spaces that work for everyone.
A Call for Change & Inclusive Digital Design
Making websites accessible is not difficult, yet many organisations still fail to prioritise it. Whether news outlets, government services or e-commerce stores, accessibility should be at the core of modern digital design.
The path forward is clear: follow accessibility best practices, test with blind and visually impaired users, and commit to inclusive design principles. Digital content must be created for everyone, not only for those without disabilities.
The internet has the potential to be the great equaliser, but that promise can only be fulfilled when web accessibility is treated as essential rather than optional.
Set yourself apart from the competition and take action now with remediation and consulting support.