How do accessibility overlays compare with fixing underlying website barriers?

Correct the underlying website barriers rather than relying on an accessibility toolbar. An overlay adds a JavaScript widget or toolbar on top of a website, but it does not correct the underlying structure where accessibility needs to be built in. The practical priority is to address barriers within the website's architecture and interactions, not simply add another interface over them. For a website update, make accessibility part of the underlying changes; for a new experience, include it in the framework and code from the start. AI tools can support that work when used thoughtfully, but the presence of an automated tool is not a substitute for removing the barriers users encounter.

Treat accessibility claims and legal assurance as separate questions when assessing an overlay. A promise to fix problems automatically should not replace work on the website itself, and a toolbar should not be presented as proof that accessibility obligations have been met. In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission approved a final order requiring accessiBe to pay $1 million over misleading accessibility claims. The order bars unsupported claims that its automated products can make any website WCAG-compliant or maintain compliance over time. The practical lesson is to examine what a product actually corrects rather than accept a blanket compliance promise. Poor accessibility experiences can frustrate users, slow site performance and undermine trust, so correcting barriers matters beyond the wording of a supplier's assurances.