Prioritize Accessibility, Elevate Your Brand

Imagine a potential client or student visiting your website, eager to learn more, but their experience is hindered by the low contrast between background and text or the fact that they can't navigate your site with a keyboard. A website experience riddled with accessibility barriers can turn potential clients or students away before they even get to know your brand.

By prioritizing accessibility, you're expanding your reach, strengthening your brand reputation, and sending a clear message about your commitment to inclusion.

Let's explore how this works in practice...

Brand Reputation and Differentiation

Focusing on accessibility sets you apart from competitors who have yet to prioritize accessibility. It proves your brand's dedication to inclusion, fosters trust with customers, and positions your brand as a leader in the industry, attracting customers who value accessibility and inclusivity.

Expanded Customer Base

By considering the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities, you tap into a significant market segment that is often overlooked.

A recent report titled "2020 Annual Report: The Global Economics of Disability (PDF)" from Return on Disability highlights the growing influence of the disability market. This report states the disability market makes up "1.85 billion people," surpassing China's population, and boasts a significant spending power of $1.9 trillion annually in disposable income. Additionally, consumer experts consider the impact of friends and family. This vast network of 3.4 billion potential consumers is driven by their connection to loved ones with disabilities, influencing their purchasing decisions.

Positive User Experience

Accessibility features benefit individuals with disabilities and enhance the overall user experience for all customers. By incorporating accessible design principles, you create intuitive and inclusive experiences that differentiate your brand from competitors and can lead to better SEO and performance.

Inspired Innovation

When considering accessibility throughout planning and strategy, it can reduce barriers to innovation and allow for more creative thinking.

Designing with accessibility in mind is about creating solutions that work for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Standing by that principle can inspire innovation by forcing designers to think "outside the box" and develop solutions that work for everyone.

Legal Compliance

Prioritizing accessibility will help you avoid legal action and fines related to regulatory compliance, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

For example

The ADA isn’t the only law governing web accessibility in the U.S.—and companies may simultaneously be held accountable under the ADA and other state and local regulations. Children’s toy manufacturer Hasbro found itself in this position in 2023 when a plaintiff sued the company for violating New York State Human Rights Law, New York City Human Rights Law, and New York State Civil Rights Law, as well as the ADA. The lawsuit alleged that barriers on the company’s website—including missing alt text, missing descriptive links, and inaccessible forms—prevented screen reader users from fully interacting with the experience and purchasing Hasbro’s goods and services. ~ Title III Lawsuits: 10 Big Companies Sued Over Website Accessibility

Creating an accessible website isn't just the right thing to do; it's a smart business decision. By prioritizing inclusivity, opening your doors to a broader audience, improving the user experience for everyone, and showcasing your commitment to inclusion, you're strengthening your brand image and fostering customer loyalty.