The Power of Accessibility: Unlocking Business Value

In today’s digital landscape, accessibility is no longer just a moral imperative, but a business necessity. As organizations strive to create a more inclusive and equitable online experience, they are discovering that accessibility is not only the right thing to do, but also a key driver of business value. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of accessibility as a business value and how it can impact organizations in various ways.

The Economic Case for Accessibility

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 billion people worldwide live with a disability, which translates to about 15% of the global population. This demographic is not only significant in size, but also in purchasing power. In the United States alone, the disability market is estimated to have a disposable income of over $490 billion (Source: Disability Market: The Untapped Market).

By making their products and services more accessible, organizations can tap into this vast and largely untapped market. In fact, a study by Accenture found that companies that prioritize accessibility experience a 28% higher revenue growth than their peers (Source: Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage).

Accessibility is also closely tied to customer satisfaction and loyalty. When organizations prioritize accessibility, they demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and advocacy. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that customers who feel valued and included are 75% more likely to continue doing business with an organization (Source: To Keep Your Customers, Keep Them Informed).

The Business Benefits of Accessibility

Accessibility is not just a moral imperative or a market opportunity; it also has numerous business benefits. Here are a few examples:

  • Improved User Experience: Accessibility is closely tied to user experience (UX). By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can create a more seamless and intuitive experience for all users, regardless of ability or disability. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, reduced bounce rates, and improved conversion rates.
  • Increased Productivity: When organizations prioritize accessibility, they can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover rates, and improved employee satisfaction.
  • Competitive Advantage: In today’s digital landscape, accessibility is becoming a key differentiator for organizations. By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and establish a leadership position in their industry.
  • Risk Management: Prioritizing accessibility can also help organizations avoid reputational damage and legal liability. In many countries, there are laws and regulations that govern accessibility, and organizations that fail to comply can face significant penalties.

Best Practices for Implementing Accessibility

So, how can organizations start prioritizing accessibility? Here are a few best practices:

  • Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Conduct a thorough audit of your organization’s digital assets, including websites, mobile apps, and internal tools. Identify areas of improvement and prioritize accessibility initiatives accordingly.
  • Develop an Accessibility Statement: Develop a clear and concise accessibility statement that outlines your organization’s commitment to accessibility. This statement should include information on accessibility features, limitations, and contact information for accessibility-related inquiries.
  • Train Employees: Provide training and resources for employees on accessibility best practices, including inclusive design principles, accessibility testing, and accommodations for employees with disabilities.
  • Engage with Stakeholders: Engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and advocacy groups, to gather feedback and insights on accessibility initiatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accessibility is not just a moral imperative, but a business value that can drive revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage. By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can tap into the vast and largely untapped disability market, improve user experience, increase productivity, and establish a leadership position in their industry.

We would love to hear from you! How is your organization prioritizing accessibility? What challenges and opportunities have you encountered? Leave a comment below to share your insights and join the conversation.