Why I Built a Free Accessibility Widget in a Market Full of Expensive Ones
Source: Dev.to
Why Web Accessibility Became Personal for Me
My name is Bohdan, and I work at a non‑profit organization in the disability industry. Every day, I see how people with disabilities interact with digital products, and more importantly, how often websites fail them.
Simple things most people never think about become real obstacles: unreadable text, confusing navigation, buttons that can’t be reached with a keyboard, content that screen readers misinterpret. For many users, visiting a website feels less like browsing and more like fighting the interface.
Over time, it became clear that web accessibility isn’t a theoretical problem or a compliance checkbox. It directly affects whether someone can access information, services, or opportunities at all.
What I Found on the Market
Naturally, I started researching existing accessibility solutions. There are plenty of widgets on the market, some very well known. But once I looked closer, several issues became obvious.
- Most decent solutions cost anywhere from $30 to $120 per month. For small businesses, non‑profits, and personal websites, that’s simply too expensive.
- About half of the tools I tested had poor UI and UX. Interfaces were cluttered, confusing, or clearly designed without considering users who already struggle with accessibility.
- Even some of the top market widgets had technical issues. Certain features worked inconsistently, others conflicted with themes or page builders, and some accessibility options only worked partially or indirectly. In many cases, the widget was there, but it didn’t truly help the end user.
Why I Decided to Build My Own Solution
After seeing these problems repeatedly, I decided to build something better.
I spent seven months designing and developing a powerful accessibility widget that focuses on real usability rather than marketing promises. The goal was simple: include all essential accessibility features, make them actually work, and keep the interface clean and intuitive.
- The widget is translated into more than 40 languages, because accessibility should not be limited by geography or language.
- It works across platforms, including WordPress, Wix, Webflow, and custom‑built websites, without breaking layouts or slowing down performance.
Free, Honest, and Fairly Priced
The widget is completely free to use. There is also a Pro plan for those who need advanced features, priced roughly five times cheaper than the average competitor.
This was a deliberate choice. Accessibility should not be a luxury product available only to companies with large budgets. It should be achievable for everyone who wants to make their website better.
Real Feedback and Real Interest
Since launching, I’ve had many successful interviews and conversations with top management of mid‑sized companies. The response has been encouraging, not because of sales tactics, but because the problem is real and widely recognized.
- The product already has around 50 five‑star reviews.
- Feedback consistently highlights ease of use, clean design, and noticeable improvements in user experience.
A Small Step That Makes a Real Difference
Web accessibility is not about perfection. It’s about reducing barriers and showing respect for users who are often overlooked.
If you want to make your website more accessible and inclusive, feel free to give the widget a try. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference in someone’s experience.