In 2025, digital accessibility is not just an option; it’s an obligation. As digital activity continues to rise, so do the difficulties that people with disabilities face each day. But change is on the horizon.
With new laws like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) going into effect and old ones like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being strengthened, companies everywhere are placing an emphasis on digital inclusion. The accessibility market is expected to grow, and the talent market has already begun to follow. Our IAAP-certified team has seen firsthand the rise in demand for accessibility solutions and professionals.
Like the rise of mobile-friendliness before it, digital inclusion has proven to be more than just a trend. It’s a moral duty, a legal requirement, and a proven strategy for operational success. Here’s why digital accessibility needs to be a top priority for companies in 2025 and beyond:
1. Disability inclusion is an ethical obligation.
Accessibility is not just a means to profitability; it’s a matter of human decency. All organizations have a moral responsibility to be inclusive of all people. Optimizing your digital properties means removing barriers to access, including individuals equally, and empowering those with disabilities to live the everyday life so many people take for granted.
2. Digital accessibility has become a legal necessity.
While legislation alone isn’t the only reason to get accessible, it is raising the bar. As laws like the EAA and ADA cover digital accessibility — non-compliant web, mobile and digital properties can lead to penalties for businesses of all sizes. A single accessibility suit could cost a company $6 million, and the number of ADA Title III lawsuits alone reportedly exceeded 4,280 in 2024.
3. People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority.
The global disability community is known to be the world’s largest minority and a 13 trillion-dollar market. 1 in 4 U.S. adults and more than 15% of the world are estimated to live with a significant disability, while 2.2 billion people are affected by near or distance vision impairment alone. As a result, inaccessible properties fail to reach over a billion prospective customers.
4. The best experiences are the most accessible.
Digital accessibility standards align with design and usability best practices. So, optimization elevates digital experiences, benefiting individuals with and without disabilities. For example, accessibility features, such as voice control, and assistive technologies offer flexible ways to interact with digital assets that all users can appreciate.
5. Inclusivity drives brand loyalty and business sales.
Accessibility initiatives are not just Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) measures; they’re loyalty drivers. Such priorities can directly impact a brand’s reputation and ultimately, revenue. In fact, a 2024 study found that ¾ of consumers take a company’s diversity and inclusion practices into account when purchasing.
When it comes to digital accessibility, the right thing to do is also the right thing for you because accessible also means moral, legal, and successful. So, invest in change, and ensure your website is EAA and ADA compliant. Connect with previously untapped audiences within and outside of the disability community. Upgrade your user experience for all and empower everyone who happens upon your digital properties to access them.
Don’t just get accessible, stay accessible.
Onward Accessibility, a division of Onward Search, is the only provider to empower companies with both digital accessibility solutions and talent. From auditing websites to scaling programs, we can support you at every stage of your journey.
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