In Brazil, more than half of people with disabilities still face difficulties accessing websites and digital platforms. This is what the new edition of the Digital Accessibility Panorama, a study conducted by Hand Talk,, a pioneering startup in using artificial intelligence for digital accessibility, in partnership with the institute Opinion Box. According to the research, only 39% of people with disabilities state that websites meet their needs.
Conducted with participants from three profiles—people with disabilities, accessibility professionals, and web users—the study provides an in-depth analysis of the reality of digital accessibility in Brazil. According to the survey, simple adjustments, such as increasing font size and contrast, remain the main needs identified—and, at the same time, the most neglected. ‘It is essential to train website developers to identify and implement improvements. This requires investment in technology, education, and a shift in mindset within companies,’ emphasizes Ronaldo Tenório, CEO and co-founder of Hand Talk. ‘Digital accessibility should not be treated as an ‘extra,’ but as a foundational strategy,’ he adds.
Companies are starting to change but face internal barriers
Although 49% of companies claim to have digital accessibility initiatives, 27% of managers struggle to convince other departments of their importance. And even after implementation, 28% report that cultural barriers are the biggest obstacle to maintaining these initiatives. The study also indicates that 54% of professionals in the field perceive a positive cultural shift in companies, which may signal the beginning of a more structured transformation process.
Another relevant finding is that 42% of respondents notice an increase in affirmative job openings for people with disabilities. However, inclusion is still limited when the necessary digital resources for work or access to the selection process are not accessible. Moreover, 31% of consumers with disabilities consider SAC (customer service) unsatisfactory, showing that the digital experience as a whole still lacks fundamental adjustments.
Technology and inclusion go hand in hand
Hand Talk is a company that helps break communication barriers through technology. It has been internationally awarded as the Best Social App by the United Nations (UN) and is a pioneer in using artificial intelligence for accessibility. In 2024, it reached the milestone of 3.3 billion words translated. Companies like Chevrolet, Hershey’s, LG, Sodexo, Samsung, and PwC are part of the startup’s client portfolio. In early 2025, it was acquired by Sorenson, the global leader in communication solutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing people and one of the world’s largest translation companies.
Since 2014, with the launch of Hand Talk Plugin — an accessibility solution for corporate websites featuring various assistive tools—the company has been developing AI-based solutions to make the web more inclusive. The first edition of the Digital Accessibility Panorama took place in 2024, based on 2023 data. Now, in 2025, with information from 2024, Hand Talk expands the discussion on the topic.
‘More than offering innovative solutions, we are committed to fostering dialogue, promoting continuous learning, and collaborating with institutions to broaden accessibility in all aspects. This study represents a step toward a more inclusive future, where technology and artificial intelligence act as allies in ensuring full participation for all people,’ concludes Tenório.
The full study is available free of charge. Interested parties can also access the free course Leading Digital Accessibility Initiatives, offered by the company to train professionals and managers on the topic.
