Imagine for a moment that you turn on your computer or your mobile phone… and you can’t read anything. You can’t distinguish the buttons, you don’t understand the menus, you can’t fill out a form. What is routine for most people is a daily barrier for millions.

In Spain, only 7% of people with visual impairments have access to technology training. The remaining 93% are excluded, with serious consequences for their autonomy and social participation. This is not a minor statistic: it represents a gap that affects autonomy, employability, and social participation.

Technology has the potential to change this reality. But it only does so when it is accessible and accompanied by tailored training. Otherwise, it amplifies inequality. A recent study confirms this: without inclusive design and digital literacy, these tools fail to reach those who need them most .

What does it really mean to live with low vision?

There is a widespread (and mistaken) idea that visual impairment is synonymous with total blindness. However, many people with low vision do not meet the criteria for legal blindness and, therefore, do not have access to specialized resources such as those offered by ONCE (Spanish National Organization of the Blind ).

They remain in a kind of “gray” zone of the system. Without structured support, without specific training, and, in many cases, without even knowing what solutions are available.

Assistive technology for the blind (screen readers, magnifiers, or braille displays) helps overcome many barriers. But the problem isn’t just the technology itself: it’s access to it. Without training, these tools are invisible.

The result is well known: improvisation, dependence and, in too many cases, isolation.

When the design excludes

Even those with technical expertise encounter numerous barriers. Many websites and applications fail to meet the minimum accessibility requirements mandated by law. Examples include text that doesn’t expand, buttons without labels, colors lacking contrast, and forms that are impossible to read.

This forces them to rely on family or friends for everyday tasks. Banking, government services, or even scheduling a doctor’s appointment can become insurmountable obstacles.

Web accessibility is not a luxury. It’s a right. And it doesn’t just benefit people with visual impairments. It also helps seniors, people with temporary disabilities, and users with poor internet connections or older devices. Furthermore, Spain has specific legislation for digital accessibility, available on the Spanish Government’s Electronic Administration Portal.

Yes, technology can be transformative.

When certain conditions are met, technology changes lives. Voice applications, screen readers, magnification features, and communication tools have enabled many people to study, work, and stay connected.

During the pandemic, many people learned to use social media and video calling apps to stay connected. In some cases, it was this need to communicate that drove the learning process.

But these experiences remain the exception. Many people still don’t know what resources are available or where to turn for help.

What do we need to close this gap?

First, specialized training is needed. And outside of ONCE, it’s practically nonexistent. There’s a lack of instructors, materials, and reference points.

Secondly, accessibility from the ground up is urgently needed. Not as an add-on or a favor. Making websites and apps accessible from the start avoids future costs and increases their usefulness.

Furthermore, we need political will. Inclusive technology doesn’t happen on its own. It requires clear laws, public resources, and awareness campaigns.

The digital divide isn’t closed with devices alone. It’s closed with inclusive design, public policies, and training for all. As UNESCO reminds us , access to information is a universal right. And, as the World Health Organization points out , vision loss affects more than 2.2 billion people worldwide. We cannot afford to leave millions out of the digital society.

We especially thank Fiorella Fuentes for her commitment and collaboration in the development of the project. Her work has been key in highlighting the digital exclusion that affects many people.

Author Bios: Antonia Moreno Cano is a Research Associate in the Communication Research Team and Fernando Díez Ruiz is an Associate Professor both at the University of Deusto