The Accessibility Gap in Language Learning Technology

1.2 billion people can't use your language learning app.

Not because they don't want to learn. Because you built it for people who can see, hear, and click a mouse.

That's 15% of the world's population locked out of a market EdTech calls "accessible to all."

Here's what "accessible" actually means in language learning:

→ Works great if you can see

→ Works great if you can hear 

→ Works great if you can use a mouse 

→ Doesn't work if you need screen readers, captions, high-contrast visuals, or keyboard navigation

The cost of ignoring accessibility:

71% of disabled users abandon inaccessible sites immediately. Those who stay? Tasks that take 10 minutes take 30—if they're even possible.

The market you're missing:

Assistive technology is a $6 billion market set to double by 2029. Not one leading language learning platform is built accessible-first.

What EdTech gets wrong:

You design for the "average" user. Then bolt on accessibility as an afterthought. By then, it's too expensive to fix and doesn't work well anyway.

EdTech builders: When will you build the first truly inclusive language learning app?

What actually works:

Build universal accessibility from day one:

• Keyboard navigation for everyone

• Captions that help language learners AND deaf users

• Scalable fonts for vision impairment AND mobile users

• Multiple input formats for disability AND learning styles

These features don't just help disabled users. They improve learning outcomes for everyone.

The business case:

You're leaving 1.2 billion potential users and billions in revenue on the table because accessibility feels like a compliance checklist instead of a market opportunity.

What accessibility barriers have you hit?