Analysis
Why Accessibility Overlays Don't Work
"Add one line of code and make your website ADA compliant instantly!" Unfortunately, these promises don't hold up.
The Technical Problems
They Don't Fix the Underlying Code
Overlays work by injecting JavaScript that attempts to compensate for accessibility problems. They don't actually fix the HTML, CSS, or content issues. Screen readers need proper, semantic HTML to function correctly.
AI-Generated Alt Text Is Often Wrong
Many overlays use AI to automatically generate alt text for images. AI often describes what's visually present without understanding context. A human looking at a team photo knows who's who. AI just sees "five people standing in an office."
They Can Break Screen Readers
Overlays inject additional code that can interfere with how assistive technologies interact with your page. Many users with disabilities have browser extensions specifically to block overlay widgets.
The Legal Problem
Despite marketing claims, accessibility overlays do not protect you from ADA lawsuits. Courts and regulators have consistently held that automated tools cannot substitute for actual accessibility.
What Actually Works
True accessibility requires fixing the actual problems in your code, content, and design. There are no shortcuts, but there are smarter approaches. AI-powered tools can handle the scalable parts efficiently while maintaining quality.