Digital Accessibility's Gap: AI to Bridge Mobile and Web Barriers

DRANK

Mobile accessibility remains challenging, with 60–80% of users encountering barriers across common apps. Jason Tan frames the challenge through four apocalyptic horsemen: lack of mobile-specific standards, weak automation tools, opaque UI structures, and restrictive platform APIs. He proposes a new automation layer to bridge gaps. Michael Bervell adds a human-tech lens arguing AI can amplify accessibility professionals’ impact when used wisely. A study has found “cyborg” workflows outperform traditional ones known as centaur. While AI shows promise for automating up to 95% of WCAG remediation, human expertise remains irreplaceable. Be a cyborg, not a centaur.