Hybrid automation in accessibility is where we can automate some or all of a process through AI or coded rulesets, but the resulting output must be thoroughly reviewed and/or supplemented manually before the output is able to be used in a commercial or professional setting. (cite: Accessible.org)
Hybrid automation stacks automation (AI or otherwise) with human supplementation and/or review to create a commercially ready deliverable. This concept can apply to several different aspects of digital accessibility, but we’ll use the example of an accessibility audit.
Note: Hybrid automation is still a theoretical construct for audits, remediation, and any other applications.
We are covering this topic now because we are working on hybrid automation at Accessible.org Labs. Artificial intelligence will make hybrid automation a real possibility in the next 1-3 years.
How Hybrid Automation Works
The following is an illustration using the accessibility audit service and is not currently possible as of Q4 2025.
The process operates through sequential layers, not parallel workflows. First, let’s say an AI super scan is developed that is a more intelligent version of a current scan and can reliably evaluate digital assets for over 50% of accessibility issues.
(This is in contrast to the current capability where all scan results must be reviewed for accuracy because of false positives and false negatives.)
Next, a technical accessibility expert would review the AI-generated results. They verify accuracy, identify false positives, and ensure the automated findings make sense within your specific context. This human review layer catches the nuances that automation misses.
The experts then evaluate the remaining success criteria that AI cannot reliably assess. These include complex interactions, content appropriateness, and user experience considerations that require human judgment.
Finally, the technical expert compiles an accessibility audit report. This integrated output provides complete WCAG 2.1 AA or WCAG 2.2 AA conformance assessment and is ready for professional use.
Why Not Full Automation
Full automation isn’t possible because many WCAG success criteria require subjective evaluation. AI cannot determine if video captions accurately represent dialogue. It cannot assess if error messages provide helpful guidance. It cannot evaluate if navigation remains consistent across pages.
These limitations aren’t temporary technical hurdles. They’re fundamental aspects of accessibility that require understanding meaning, context, and user experience. While AI excels at pattern recognition and technical validation, it cannot make judgments about appropriateness or user impact.
The Evolution of Hybrid Automation
Current automated scans flag approximately 25% of WCAG success criteria for review. By 2026-2027, AI-powered scans will likely detect over 50% of success criteria with high accuracy. This dramatic improvement comes from advances in natural language processing and pattern recognition.
As AI capabilities expand, the human review component becomes more focused. Instead of conducting full manual audits, experts concentrate on verification and complex evaluation. This evolution makes accessibility audits faster and more cost-effective without sacrificing quality.
Looking Forward
Hybrid automation represents the practical future of accessibility evaluation. As AI improves, the automated layer will handle more technical validation. The human layer will focus increasingly on user experience and context evaluation.
Organizations implementing hybrid automation today through platforms like Accessibility Tracker position themselves for this evolution. They’re building workflows that incorporate both automation and human expertise. They’re training teams to work with AI assistance. They’re creating sustainable accessibility programs that scale efficiently.
The key is understanding that hybrid automation isn’t a compromise between full automation and manual evaluation. It’s an intentional methodology that produces better results than either approach alone. Automation provides speed and consistency. Human expertise ensures accuracy and context. Together, they create comprehensive accessibility evaluations that meet professional standards.