Can AI improve accessibility in digital services and what to watch out for

The opportunity: where AI can help

There is real potential in using AI to support accessibility. When implemented thoughtfully, automation can extend human capability rather than replace it.

1. Speed and scale

AI tools can scan large websites quickly, identifying missing alt text, poor colour contrast, or structural issues that affect readability. This helps teams prioritise work and maintain consistency across complex content.

2. Enhanced communication

Automatic captions, transcripts and translations can make information accessible to wider audiences, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speakers of other languages.

3. Personalisation and usability

AI can adapt content presentation, adjusting font sizes, colour themes or reading levels, to meet individual user preferences. That flexibility can be powerful when done responsibly.

Used as part of a well-governed process, these tools can make accessibility improvements faster, more efficient and easier to maintain.

The limitations: where AI can go wrong

The danger comes when automation is mistaken for understanding. Accessibility is as much about empathy and interpretation as it is about code and compliance.

1. Context blindness

AI may spot technical issues but cannot assess whether content is meaningful, appropriate or inclusive in tone. It can describe what an image is, but not what it means to the user.

2. Inaccurate automation

Machine-generated captions or translations are often imperfect. Without human review, errors can easily undermine the clarity and dignity of communication.

3. False assurance

Automated accessibility audits can create a comforting illusion that “the website has passed.” Automated tools can only detect around 25–40% of WCAG 2.1 issues. The remainder require manual expert review. These tools are valuable for identifying technical issues, which are important, but this only represents a portion of what makes the site accessible. 

4. Bias and representation

AI systems learn from existing data, which means they can inherit biases. That can lead to language, imagery or assumptions that unintentionally exclude or misrepresent users.

Automation can support accessibility, but it cannot guarantee inclusion.

The balanced approach: AI plus human insight

At Path, we see AI as an assistant, not an authority. It can process information at scale, but only people can interpret meaning, nuance and lived experience.

The most effective approach combines:

• Automated tools, where appropriate, to identify technical issues efficiently; and
• Human expertise, to understand the real impact of those issues on users.

All of Path’s accessibility work always includes a manual inspection, by experienced specialists who test, review and interpret results in line with WCAG 2.1. AA standards. That human judgement is critical for understanding not just compliance, but usability and inclusion.

AI may play a supporting role in the future, but for now, we believe there is no substitute for careful, expert review. Real accessibility comes from understanding the people behind the metrics, how they navigate, what they value, and what helps them succeed online.

Our view: clear thinking before automation

AI has a role to play in making websites more inclusive, but it is not a replacement for thoughtful design or user empathy. Automation can make accessibility easier to manage, but it cannot make it automatic.

At Path, our approach to accessibility is thorough, manual and human-led. We provide robust, evidence-based insight to help organisations meet standards and create genuinely inclusive experiences.

We continue to explore how AI might support this work in the future, but always with the same clear thinking and commitment to quality that defines our process.

If you would like to understand how accessibility can be improved on your organisation’s website, Path can help. We combine deep technical knowledge with user-centred insight to ensure accessibility remains meaningful, not mechanical.

Get in touch to arrange a consultation

Call 01 6799212 or email hello@path.ie