What is a common barrier that affects web accessibility for individuals with visual impairments?

The correct answer highlights a significant barrier to web accessibility for individuals with visual impairments: a lack of screen reader compatibility. Screen readers are essential tools for many individuals who are blind or have severe visual impairments, as they convert digital text into spoken words, allowing users to navigate websites and access information. If a website is not designed with screen reader compatibility in mind, it may present content in a way that is unintelligible or inaccessible to these users.

When web developers do not follow accessibility standards, such as properly labeling images with alternative text or using semantic HTML, it can result in important information being lost to screen readers. This incompatibility can severely hinder an individual’s ability to interact with the site, making it frustrating and often unusable.

Addressing screen reader compatibility is therefore critical in creating an inclusive web experience. It helps ensure that all users, regardless of their visual ability, can access the same information and services online, aligning with best practices in accessibility standards and laws.