Making Your Application Process Accessible: ATS, Forms, and Digital Barriers

The Problem

Over 75% of job applications are now submitted through Applicant Tracking Systems (WebAIM, 2023). Yet research consistently shows that most ATS platforms have significant accessibility barriers:

• Screen reader incompatibility: Unlabelled form fields, inaccessible CAPTCHA, poor keyboard navigation
• Timeout issues: Forms that expire before candidates with dexterity or cognitive impairments can complete them
• Inaccessible document uploads: Requirements for specific file formats that assistive technology cannot produce
• Video screening tools: Pre-recorded video interviews that exclude Deaf candidates and those with speech differences

The result: qualified disabled candidates are screened out before a human being ever sees their application.

ATS Accessibility Audit Checklist

Keyboard Navigation