A11y overlays

JavaScript-based "overlays" promise accessibility as a convenient add-on, but very much fail to deliver.

So-called "accessibility overlays" represent technological solutionism in its purest form ("don't worry about inclusive design, you can fix it with a few lines of code later") and opinions are manifold why using them is a bad idea. Their claim of compliance with legal requirements is at least disputed, and from a user's point of view they -- unsurprisingly -- don't seem to deliver on their promise.

Maybe the most comprehensive resource collecting opinions and evidence:

Honor the ADA: Avoid Web Accessibility Quick-Fix Overlays

2021

Some other good readings:

Background: Should I use an accessibility overlay?

2021

#accessiBe Will Get You Sue

2021

Karl Groves has authored a fact sheet, collecting arguments, evidence and signatures:

Overlay Fact Sheet

2021