Stop Ignoring the 90%: Assistive Tech Is a Human Right, Not a Feature

Imagine you're a software engineer, sitting at your desk, feeling proud of the product you just shipped. You've tested it in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. You've checked the mobile view. But you've never once opened a screen reader. Now imagine you're a blind user who tries to use your app and can't. That's not a hypothetical—it's the reality for millions. The harsh truth is that assistive technology is not a nice-to-have; it's a lifeline. And right now, we're failing the 90%.

The 90% Problem: Why This Isn't Just About Screen Readers

When most people hear "assistive tech," they think of screen readers. But the World Health Organization estimates that over 2.5 billion people need some form of assistive technology—from eyeglasses to wheelchairs to hearing aids—and that number is projected to hit 3.5 billion by 2050 (World Health Organization). Yet, about 90% of people who need assistive tech don't have access to it, with access as low as 3% in some settings (World Health Organization). That's not a niche problem. That's a global crisis.

The Screen Reader Obsession Is Missing the Point

As a practitioner, you've probably seen the endless debates about JAWS vs. NVDA. In WebAIM's 2024 survey, JAWS held 40.5% and NVDA 37.7% of primary desktop screen reader use, but 71.6% of users use more than one (WebAIM). The truth is, the specific tool matters less than ensuring your product works with all of them. But here's the kicker: even if you perfect screen reader support, you're only helping a fraction of the people who need assistive tech. The real crisis is that the majority of people with disabilities—especially in low-income countries—don't have access to any device at all.

Eyeglasses, Wheelchairs, and the Invisible Divide

Consider this: 2 out of 3 people in low-income countries who need eyeglasses don't have them, and 1 in 2 people globally who need cataract surgery can't get it (WHO). Wheelchairs? Only 5–35% of the 80 million people who need one have access, depending on the country (WHO). These aren't high-tech gadgets; they're basic tools for independence. And yet, they're treated as luxuries. The global assistive tech market is projected to reach $82 billion by 2030, but that money isn't reaching the people who need it most (WHO).

The Economic Case: It's Cheaper to Include Than to Exclude

You might think, "But we're a tech company, not a charity." Fine. Let's talk money. Vision impairment alone costs the global economy $411 billion annually in lost productivity (WHO). Hearing loss? $980 billion (WHO). These are not small numbers. And the U.S. government is cracking down: federal website accessibility lawsuits hit 3,117 in 2025, a 27% increase from 2024 (WebAIM). The DOJ now explicitly requires state and local governments to make their websites accessible under ADA Title II (ADA.gov). Ignoring accessibility isn't just unethical—it's expensive.

But What About the 'It's Too Hard' Crowd?

I hear the counter-argument: "Accessibility is complex, and we don't have the resources." I get it. Making a website fully accessible can seem daunting. But the WebAIM Million analysis found that 95.9% of home pages have detectable WCAG 2 failures, and the top six issues—low contrast, missing alt text, missing labels, empty links, empty buttons, and missing language—account for 96% of all errors (WebAIM). These are not hard to fix. They're basic web hygiene. If you can't do that, you're not trying.

What You Can Do Right Now: Stop Treating Accessibility as a Feature

Here's my blunt advice: Start by testing with NVDA, the free screen reader. It's used by 65.6% of screen reader users and is available in more than 55 languages (NV Access). But more importantly, embrace the principle of universal design. The European Accessibility Act now applies from June 2025, and Section 508 has been updated (EUR-Lex, Section 508). The law is moving, and you need to move with it.

But don't stop at compliance. Think about the 90% who lack access. Support organizations that provide assistive tech to underserved communities. Advocate for policies that fund these devices. And when you build, remember: accessibility isn't a feature you add later—it's a fundamental right.

Takeaway

The next time you're tempted to skip accessibility testing, imagine yourself in a wheelchair with no ramp, or with blurry vision and no glasses. That's what it's like for 90% of people who need assistive tech. You have the power to change that. Start with the basics, use free tools like NVDA, and remember: assistive tech is a human right, not a feature.

Sources

• World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology
• WebAIM (Screen Reader User Survey) - https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey10/
• WebAIM Million - https://webaim.org/projects/million/
• ADA.gov (Web Accessibility Guidance) - https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/
• NV Access (About NV Access) - https://www.nvaccess.org/about-nv-access/
• European Accessibility Act (EUR-Lex) - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L0882