Are AI Tools Improving Accessibility in 2026?

AI is everywhere, and it’s no surprise that software development and QA teams are turning to AI tools to try to find, fix, and prevent accessibility issues. But are those tools making a real impact or simply creating a false sense of security around coverage? 

Applause surveyed its diverse global testing community and other software development, QA, product, compliance and accessibility professionals to learn how their teams are incorporating AI into accessibility and inclusive design efforts. Of 509 respondents, 79% reported that the organizations where they work are using AI to improve digital accessibility in their websites and applications.

Where AI fits into digital accessibility efforts

William Reuschel, Inclusive Design Practice Lead at Applause, said he was pleasantly surprised that more organizations are using AI tools to generate accessible code and remediate issues than to search for defects. “Using AI and automation for accessibility scans is a lower priority for many teams than early-stage implementation and shifting left,” he said. “Many teams are also incorporating AI-powered features to improve the user experience. For example, in e-commerce we're seeing companies generate alternative texts for product images which have never had useful information for screen reader users, and build comparison tools which can help users navigate through dense information to make decisions more easily." When implemented properly, these types of features can boost usability for many users, including those with disabilities.

While AI scanning tools can potentially improve discovery of certain types of accessibility defects, both Reuschel and Bob Farrell, Vice President, Solution Delivery & A11Y, were skeptical of developers and testers who reported that their AI scanning tools accurately identify 75% or more of accessibility issues. “There are definitely people overestimating the efficacy of their tooling,” said Reuschel.

“People who don’t have a strong accessibility background may not understand that a large number of issues aren’t machine-discoverable,” said Farrell. “Some AI tools and automated scanners are better than others at discovering certain types of problems. But by no means are they detecting all the possible errors actual people with disabilities could encounter.” He also pointed out that these types of scans don’t always accurately showcase the severity of defects. 

People with disabilities still encounter frequent blockers

A separate track in Applause’s accessibility survey asked consumers who use various assistive technologies (AT) about their experiences interacting with websites and applications. Despite many organizations reporting that they’re shifting left and using AI to improve accessibility, defects are still reaching end users.   

Since January 1, how often have you encountered accessibility issues that prevented you from completing your task on a website or app?

The survey included feedback from people using a variety of assistive technologies, including screen readers, magnification or font adjustment, captioning, and alternative navigation (such as keyboard only, switch devices, or assistive touch features). Those who classified assistive technology as nice to have, such as people who occasionally use screen magnification, encountered slightly fewer critical accessibility issues than those who rely more heavily on AT, like a blind user who depends on screen readers.

More than 91% of people with disabilities reported they are likely to abandon an app that has poor digital accessibility, with 44.3% reporting they would only use the app if absolutely necessary. On the other hand, 62.8% reported that they are extremely loyal to brands that offer accessible digital experiences.

Empathy and inclusive design are crucial differentiators

Moritz Glantz, Inclusive Design Program Consultant at Applause, said that he’s seen inclusive design studies fundamentally change the way designers and developers approach software. “I f you see a person with a disability use a digital product for the first time, it will change how you view your product.  I get regularly surprised by what people with disabilities do and how they use products. You have to let go of your own expectations because they will do things you never imagined before,” he said. Glantz cites examples of blind people hosting makeup channels on YouTube or playing graphic-intensive video games.

Feedback from people who live with disabilities is essential in developing inclusive products where accessibility is built in from the onset, rather than addressed later as an afterthought. Applause partners with leading organizations across industries to help them shift left and develop organizational cultures that prioritize inclusive design and seamless experiences for all users. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your team on your digital accessibility journey.