Many businesses view web accessibility as a "nice-to-have", or worse, an inconvenient burden. But here's the truth: accessible design isn't an option anymore. It's a necessity that benefits your brand reputation, your bottom line, and the vast number of people who rely on digital platforms every day. Here's why it should be a priority and not an afterthought:
Over 1 billion people globally experience a disability. These include visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments affecting how they use the internet. If your website isn't designed inclusively, that's a large potential audience you're excluding (about 20% of the market!).
Disabled people may use assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, and alternative input devices, and your websites need to function seamlessly with these tools. Building accessible websites isn't just about compliance (more on that later). It's about demonstrating a commitment to creating spaces for everyone, regardless of ability.
Bonus? Accessibility principles and best-practices lead to overall better web design: clear navigation, readable fonts, and captions benefit everyone! Customers are drawn to businesses that prioritize inclusion, and accessible experiences build trust and loyalty. Not only that, but researchers in the UK . found that 69% (4.3 million) of disabled internet users clicked away from websites with accessibility barriers, representing a potentially significant loss of income to those sites.
While web accessibility is not mandated for most private businesses in Canada, federally regulated businesses must comply, and more and more provinces are introducing legislation for private businesses to comply as well.
If you have an existing website, you likely have accessibility issues already. According to Userway.org, 97% of websites online are not accessible for those with disabilities.
To find out what you need, you can get an accessibility audit (I offer one for free, just click here!), or you can hire a web designer to review and update your website.
Keep in mind, if you have a DIY website or are using certain platforms that don’t prioritize accessibility you may find it difficult to make updates. I do offer a Website Refresh Service to help with existing DIY websites on a budget.
