Why is Digital Accessibility Necessary? 5 Reasons to Step Up Your Game

Ensuring that digital platforms are accessible to all users is not just a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. Recent studies reveal that 88% of websites are still not fully compliant with the latest web accessibility standards, with the average website scoring around 60 out of 100 in accessibility evaluations.

This widespread lack of compliance underscores the pressing need for organizations to prioritize digital accessibility.

The consequences of neglecting accessibility are becoming increasingly evident. In 2024, over 4,000 accessibility-related lawsuits were filed in state and federal courts in the United States alone, marking a slight increase from the previous year.

These legal actions highlight the growing demand for inclusive digital environments and the risks organizations face when they fail to comply with accessibility standards.

Moreover, the complexity of web pages continues to rise, with home pages averaging 1,173 elements—a 50% increase over the past five years. Despite this growth, 95.9% of home pages had detectable WCAG 2 failures in 2024, indicating that increased complexity often leads to more accessibility challenges.

These statistics serve as a stark reminder that digital accessibility is not merely a technical consideration but a fundamental aspect of creating an inclusive digital experience. By addressing these challenges, organizations can enhance user experience, expand their audience, and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.

In this blog post, we will discuss why digital accessibility is necessary, what benefits it provides for both users and business owners, and some tips on how to ensure an inclusive digital world for all.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing digital content, websites, and applications in a way that ensures equal access and usability for all individuals, including people with disabilities. It encompasses various elements such as web design, user interfaces, multimedia content, and interactive features, making sure they are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for diverse users.

Digital accessibility aims to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments, from fully interacting with digital platforms. This involves implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized set of standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Digital accessibility in action

• Screen readers: Assistive technologies that convert digital text into speech or Braille, allowing visually impaired users to navigate web pages.
• Keyboard navigation: Many users rely on only a keyboard to interact with web pages, making it essential to design digital interfaces that are fully functional without a mouse.
• Alternative text: Providing descriptions for images ensures that users with visual impairments can understand visual content.
• Captioning and transcripts: Making multimedia content accessible through captions and transcripts benefits people with hearing impairments.
• Text and background colors: Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background colors improves readability for users with visual impairments.

Digital accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive digital world where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with and benefit from digital content. Prioritizing accessibility in development workflows leads to better user experiences, improved brand reputation, and a more inclusive online environment.

5 reasons you should integrate digital accessibility

Digital accessibility is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s an essential aspect of building a more inclusive and user-friendly digital world. Organizations that prioritize accessibility improve user experiences, reduce legal risks, and unlock new business opportunities. Below are five compelling reasons why digital accessibility should be a top priority.

1. Expanding your audience and customer base

An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, accounting for nearly 16% of the global population. If your website or digital platform is inaccessible, you risk excluding a significant portion of potential users.

Real-world example: When Domino’s Pizza failed to provide an accessible website for visually impaired users, the company faced an ADA Title III lawsuit that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. This case underscored the importance of ensuring digital services are accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities.

By making websites, mobile apps, and digital products accessible, businesses can tap into a wider customer base, improve engagement, and increase revenue.

2. Enhancing user experience for everyone

Accessibility features don’t just benefit people with disabilities—they improve usability for all users. Features like closed captions, voice commands, and responsive design enhance the experience for a broad audience, including elderly users, non-native speakers, and people in temporary situations (such as a noisy environment).

Real-world example: Microsoft’s Immersive Reader was originally designed for users with dyslexia but is now widely used by students and professionals to improve reading comprehension and focus.

A more accessible digital experience means better navigation, faster interactions, and a smoother user journey, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

3. Avoiding legal risks and ensuring compliance

Laws and regulations governing digital accessibility are becoming more stringent worldwide. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act (Section 508), and the European Accessibility Act all emphasize the need for digital platforms to be accessible.

Real-world example: Retail giant Target settled a lawsuit in 2008 for $6 million after being sued by the National Federation of the Blind due to an inaccessible website. Since then, Target has implemented extensive accessibility improvements.

Proactively ensuring WCAG compliance can help businesses avoid lawsuits, reduce financial penalties, and protect their reputation.

4. Boosting SEO and online visibility

Search engines prioritize accessible websites because they provide a better user experience. Google’s algorithms favor sites that follow accessibility best practices, such as using proper heading structures, alt text for images, and keyboard navigation.

Real-world example: The BBC improved its website accessibility by following WCAG guidelines, leading to better search engine rankings and increased organic traffic.

By integrating accessibility into digital development workflows, businesses can enhance their SEO efforts, improve search rankings, and attract more visitors.

5. Demonstrating corporate social responsibility and strengthening brand reputation

As consumers are becoming more socially conscious, they expect businesses to prioritize inclusion and ethical practices. Brands that actively promote accessibility demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which can enhance customer loyalty.

Real-world example: Apple has long been recognized as a leader in accessibility, integrating features like VoiceOver, Live Captions, and AssistiveTouch into its devices. This dedication has strengthened its reputation as an inclusive brand.

Making digital platforms accessible is not only the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision that builds trust and credibility.

Best practices for implementing digital accessibility

Making digital platforms accessible requires a proactive approach that integrates Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other best practices into the design, development, and content creation processes. Below are key strategies to ensure digital accessibility across websites, mobile apps, and other digital assets.

1. Follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The WCAG, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provides internationally recognized standards for making web content accessible. The guidelines are based on four key principles:

• Perceivable: Users must be able to see or hear content (e.g., providing alt text for images, captions for videos).
• Operable: The interface must be navigable using different input methods, including only a keyboard.
• Understandable: Information and instructions must be clear and intuitive.
• Robust: Content should work across different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies.

💡Pro tip: Ensure your website meets at least WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, which cover most accessibility needs.

2. Optimize for screen readers and assistive technologies

Many users rely on screen readers and assistive devices to navigate digital platforms. Ensuring compatibility with these tools improves accessibility for visually impaired users.

• Provide alternative text for all non-text elements (e.g., images, graphs, buttons).
• Use semantic HTML (proper heading structures, lists, and labels).
• Avoid using automatic scrolling or pop-ups that disrupt screen reader navigation.

Example: Companies like LinkedIn have redesigned their platforms to be fully compatible with screen readers, making professional networking more inclusive.

3. Ensure keyboard accessibility and interactive elements

Many users cannot use a mouse and instead rely on keyboard navigation or switch controls. Digital platforms should be fully functional without a mouse, including:

• Navigating menus, buttons, and forms using the Tab and Enter keys.
• Highlighting focus indicators so users can see where they are on the page.
• Ensuring dropdown menus and modals can be accessed via keyboard shortcuts.

Example: Gmail's accessibility features include a robust set of keyboard shortcuts that allow users to compose, send, and manage emails without a mouse, benefiting both power users and those with motor disabilities.

4. Use accessible color contrast and typography

Poor color contrast and font choices can make digital content difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments or color blindness.

• Maintain a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text (as per WCAG guidelines).
• Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning—use text labels or symbols instead.
• Choose simple, legible fonts and avoid overly decorative styles.

Example: The BBC follows strict color contrast guidelines and allows users to customize text size and color themes for better readability.

5. Provide captions, transcripts, and alternative formats

Users with hearing impairments or those in sound-sensitive environments benefit from captions and transcripts for audio and video content.

• Auto-generate captions and allow manual corrections for accuracy.
• Offer text transcripts for podcasts and other audio-based content.
• Provide sign language interpretation for important videos when possible.

Example: YouTube offers automatic and manual captioning features, making video content more accessible worldwide.

6. Conduct regular accessibility audits and testing

Accessibility is an ongoing process, and regular accessibility audits help identify and fix issues before they become compliance risks.

• Use automated accessibility testing tools like axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse.
• Conduct manual testing with real users, especially those who rely on assistive technologies.
• Include accessibility checks in your development workflows and update content as standards evolve.

Example: Microsoft performs continuous accessibility audits on Office 365, ensuring its products remain inclusive for all users.

Are there any disadvantages of digital accessibility?

While digital accessibility brings undeniable benefits, some organizations may perceive challenges in its implementation. Businesses and developers sometimes worry about costs, complexity, and design limitations, but these concerns often stem from a lack of understanding or proper accessibility practices. Below, we examine some of the perceived disadvantages of prioritizing digital accessibility and why they should not be seen as barriers to progress.

1. Initial costs and resource allocation

One of the most common concerns about digital accessibility compliance is the upfront investment required to make digital platforms, digital assets, and web content accessible. Businesses may need to:

• Hire accessibility professionals or consultants to conduct accessibility audits.
• Invest in assistive technologies and testing tools to ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Train developers and content creators on accessibility standards and accessibility guidelines.

The reality: While implementing accessibility features may require an initial investment, the long-term benefits—such as improved brand reputation, better search engine optimization (SEO), and legal risk reduction—far outweigh the costs. Moreover, corporate social responsibility and equal access can drive customer loyalty and business growth.

2. Increased development time and complexity

Designing for web accessibility means incorporating features like keyboard navigation, alternative text for images, proper color contrast, and screen reader compatibility. Some developers may find this process more complex, especially when working with older websites, legacy systems, or mobile apps that were not built with accessibility in mind.

Common challenges include:

• Retrofitting inaccessible websites to meet WCAG compliance.
• Ensuring compatibility with assistive devices such as screen readers.
• Making other interactive elements fully functional for users who rely on only a keyboard.

The reality is that many of these challenges can be mitigated by integrating accessibility criteria into development workflows from the start. Using accessible technology, following content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), and leveraging modern development frameworks can make the process more efficient.

3. Design constraints and aesthetic concerns

Some businesses fear that prioritizing accessibility will limit their ability to create visually appealing or highly interactive websites. Concerns often arise around:

• Text and background colors that need to meet contrast requirements.
• The use of alternative formats that may alter the visual layout.
• Making sure interactive elements remain usable while maintaining an engaging digital experience.

The reality: Accessible design does not mean sacrificing aesthetics. Many web accessible platforms prove that an inclusive online experience can also be visually engaging. Following key practices such as using simple language, clear navigation, and well-structured web content actually enhances usability for all users, not only people with disabilities.

4. Misconceptions about the target audience

Some businesses mistakenly believe that digital accessibility only benefits visually impaired users or those with hearing impairments, leading them to deprioritize accessibility initiatives. However, accessibility issues affect a wide range of people, including:

• Individuals with temporary impairments (e.g., a broken arm, eye strain, or a noisy environment).
• Older adults who struggle with complex digital interfaces.
• Users with cognitive disabilities who benefit from clear content and intuitive navigation.
• People using mobile devices who rely on adaptive accessibility features like voice commands.

The reality: Ensuring digital inclusion benefits a much larger audience than often assumed. Making websites accessible leads to better user experiences for everyone, not just those with permanent disabilities.

5. Fear of legal liabilities despite accessibility efforts

With increasing accessibility laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, businesses worry about ADA Title III lawsuits or accessibility violations even after taking steps toward compliance. Some may feel that accessibility testing and accessibility audits are never enough to fully ensure digital accessibility.

The reality: While achieving perfect accessibility may not always be possible, demonstrating a good-faith effort to follow WCAG compliance and content accessibility guidelines significantly reduces legal risks. Regular accessibility audits and continuous improvements show a commitment to social responsibility and equal access.

Conclusion: The essential role of digital accessibility

Digital accessibility is not optional—it’s essential for creating inclusive, functional, and legally compliant digital platforms. Prioritizing accessibility ensures equal access for people with disabilities, enhances SEO, and improves user experience.

By following WCAG and integrating alternative text, keyboard navigation, assistive technologies, and accessibility audits, businesses can make their digital platforms truly accessible to all users. While some may see accessibility compliance as costly or complex, it ultimately improves usability, brand reputation, and legal protection.

Now is the time to act. Conduct an accessibility audit, implement key accessibility practices, and ensure your digital content meets accessibility standards.

Need help navigating the complexities of digital accessibility compliance? Our team of accessibility professionals is here to guide you. Contact us today to learn how we can help you ensure digital accessibility and create a more inclusive online experience for all users.