Accessibility Standards Explained: What You Need to Know Imagine a customer who cannot enter your store because the doorway is too narrow for a wheelchair. In the digital world, an inaccessible website creates a similar barrier, denying people with disabilities equal access to information and services. Accessibility standards exist to prevent these barriers. They provide guidelines to ensure websites, software, and physical spaces can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. Contents 1) Introduction: Why Accessibility Standards Matter 2) What Are Accessibility Standards? 3) Digital vs. Physical Accessibility Standards 4) Key Accessibility Frameworks and Laws Worldwide – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – Global Web Standard – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973, as amended) – 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA, 2010) – Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) – Accessible Canada Act (ACA) – EN 301 549 (European Standard for Digital Accessibility) – EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) – European Accessibility Act (EAA, Directive 2019/882) – Equality Act 2010 – Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 5) Implementing Accessibility: Guidance for Businesses 6) Industry-Specific Considerations and Risks 7) Summary Introduction: Why Accessibility Standards Matter In recent years, thousands of lawsuits have been filed alleging that company websites or mobile apps were not accessible under the ADA. The vast majority of claims still relate to desktop websites with a staggering 97% of lawsuits targeting these as opposed to mobile websites, apps and videos. Businesses that ignore accessibility not only exclude a significant portion of potential users, but also expose themselves to legal risks and reputational damage. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of accessibility standards: what they are, the key global frameworks such as WCAG, ADA, EAA, how these standards differ across geographies, and how businesses can implement them to ensure compliance. We will focus primarily on digital accessibility (websites and apps), but also touch on physical accessibility standards, giving you a well-rounded understanding of this critical aspect of modern compliance and inclusivity. What Are Accessibility Standards? Accessibility standards are a set of guidelines and technical criteria designed to make products, services, and environments usable for people with disabilities. In the context of websites and digital content, accessibility standards help ensure that anyone – including users who are blind or have low vision, deaf, have mobility impairments, cognitive disabilities, or another form of disability – can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the content. These standards provide developers, designers, and organizations with best practices to remove barriers. For example, they cover things like: Providing text alternatives (alt text) for images so blind users can understand visual content Ensuring sufficient color contrast for users with low vision or color-blindness Adding captions to videos for deaf users Making all interactive features operable via keyboard for those who cannot use a mouse Crucially, accessibility standards are often either directly referenced by laws or form the basis of legal compliance. They bridge the gap between broad civil rights principles and practical implementation. Regardless of format, all accessibility standards share the same goal: to ensure people with disabilities have equal access and an equivalent user experience, whether they are navigating a city street or an e-commerce website. Digital vs. Physical Accessibility Standards It’s helpful to understand the distinction between physical and digital accessibility standards. Physical accessibility standards pertain to the built environment – buildings, public spaces, transportation, etc. For instance, in the United States, the Department of Justice’s 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design set mandatory requirements for new construction and alterations, covering things like accessible routes, door hardware, seating, restrooms, parking, and signage. Digital accessibility standards, on the other hand, address electronic and information technology – websites, software, mobile applications, electronic documents, kiosks, and other digital interfaces. The challenges in digital spaces include making sure a screen reader (assistive software that reads aloud on-screen text) can parse a webpage, or that someone who cannot use a mouse can navigate a software menu via keyboard or voice commands. Businesses and compliance teams should pay attention to both types of standards. A company that operates retail stores and an online shop must ensure its physical locations meet building accessibility codes and its digital platforms meet web accessibility guidelines. The following sections will delve into the key frameworks and laws that have emerged globally to guide these efforts, focusing especially on digital accessibility standards and how they vary across different regions. Key Accessibility Frameworks and Laws Worldwide Accessibility standards come in two main flavors: technical guidelines (often international or industry-driven) and legal requirements (laws or regulations specific to countries or regions). Below, we outline the most important global frameworks and regional laws that define accessibility requirements, including WCAG, ADA, EAA, and notable standards in Canada, UK, and Australia. Understanding each of these will help you determine what applies to your organization. Given our focus on key global frameworks, we won’t detail all of them, but it’s worth acknowledging that WCAG’s influence is truly worldwide. If your organization operates globally, assume that some form of accessibility requirement exists in virtually every major market. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – Global Web Standard The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the de facto global standards for web and digital content accessibility. Created by the W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative, WCAG provides a comprehensive set of technical guidelines to make websites and web applications accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines are organized under four core principles – Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) – which ensure that content can be perceived by users in different ways, all interface elements are operable, information is understandable, and the content is compatible with various technologies (including assistive technologies like screen readers). WCAG is periodically updated to account for new technologies and lessons learned. The current version, WCAG 2.2, was released as an official W3C Recommendation in October 2023. Previous versions include 2.0 (2008) and 2.1 (2018), which are still widely referenced; WCAG 2.2 is backward-compatible with these. WCAG guidelines are categorized into success criteria at three levels of conformance: Level A (minimum essential accessibility) Level AA (the mid-range that balances accessibility and feasibility) and Level AAA (highest level, often very strict). It’s important to note that WCAG itself is not a law – it’s a set of guidelines. However, its influence is enormous because lawmakers and regulators around the globe have incorporated WCAG into legislation. 2,281 website accessibility lawsuits were filed in 2023, and 26% of those lawsuits were filed against companies that had been sued previously. In other words, WCAG has become the basis for legal standards: it is referenced by the ADA, by laws in the EU, by Canadian and Australian requirements, and many others. For organizations aiming for accessibility compliance, implementing WCAG’s recommendations (particularly to Level AA) is the surest way to meet the technical expectations of most accessibility laws. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA is a broad civil rights law enacted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination based on disability in various areas of public life (employment, transportation, state and local government services, and “public accommodations”). Title III of the ADA covers public accommodations (e.g. businesses, retailers, hotels, restaurants, services open to the public). Although the ADA predates the mainstream internet and does not explicitly mention websites, courts and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have repeatedly interpreted Title III’s requirement of “equal access” to public accommodations as applying to websites and mobile apps of businesses. Title II of ADA (State and Local Governments): Title II requires that all services, programs, and activities of state or local governments be accessible to people with disabilities. This covers public sector websites, online systems, and digital resources provided by, say, a city government, public school, or state university. In April 2024, the DOJ issued an updated rule for Title II entities, explicitly requiring their websites and mobile apps to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973, as amended) Section 508 is a U.S. federal law that specifically addresses technology accessibility for the federal government. It requires federal agencies to ensure that their electronic and information technology (EIT) – including websites, software, electronic documents, and hardware devices – is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public. Importantly, since a major refresh in 2017, Section 508’s standards are harmonized with WCAG. The current Section 508 standards require conformance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA for web content and software. This means all federal government websites, and any digital products they procure from vendors, must meet those WCAG guidelines. Section 508 is legally binding on federal agencies and their contractors; non-compliance can result in administrative complaints or loss of federal contracts. Although Section 508 directly binds only federal executive agencies, it has a ripple effect: many state governments have adopted similar requirements for their own technology (sometimes called “mini-508” laws), and companies that sell software or IT services to the government often produce a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) to demonstrate their product’s conformance to Section 508/WCAG standards for procurement. 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA, 2010) The CVAA is a law addressing accessibility of modern communications technologies. It requires that advanced communication services (like VoIP, electronic messaging, video conferencing) and video programming be accessible. For instance, if a TV show is captioned on broadcast/cable TV, the captions must also be provided if that content is distributed online. CVAA also set rules for things like text-to-911 and user interfaces on video devices to be accessible. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines (up to $100k per violation, capped at $1M per day). This law is more industry-specific (telecom, media) but is worth noting as it impacts video content and multimedia accessibility requirements (e.g., online video streaming services providing captioning). Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) This U.S. law prohibits disability discrimination by airlines. It has both physical and digital mandates. As of 2015, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airline websites to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA for core public-facing pages, and self-service kiosks at airports must also be accessible by specific technical standards. So if you’re in the airline or travel industry, note that there are sector-specific rules requiring WCAG compliance. Accessible Canada Act (ACA) Enacted in 2019, the ACA is a federal law intended to proactively eliminate barriers by developing accessibility standards across various domains (employment, built environment, ICT, procurement, program delivery, transportation, etc.) at the federal level. The ACA itself set up a framework for creating regulations and standards rather than detailing all technical requirements in the law. Under the ACA, agencies and regulators work with stakeholders (including people with disabilities) to establish specific rules. While the ACA doesn’t directly cite “WCAG X.Y” in the law text, the standards developed under it are likely to align with modern guidelines (the ACA’s aim is to have uniform standards country-wide, complementing provincial laws like AODA). Additionally, the Canada Standard on Web Accessibility (for federal government websites) already requires WCAG 2.0 AA for all Government of Canada web pages and apps, similar to Section 508 in the US. EN 301 549 (European Standard for Digital Accessibility) This is a Europe-wide technical standard for ICT accessibility. Developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in cooperation with the EU, EN 301 549 specifies requirements for ICT products and services – including websites, mobile apps, software, digital documents, telecom services, etc. – to be accessible. Essentially, EN 301 549 serves a similar role in Europe as Section 508 standards do in the U.S. In fact, EN 301 549 draws heavily from WCAG as well: its current version incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria for web/mobile content, and also adds criteria for non-web documents and software. EN 301 549 is referenced as the “presumptive standard” for complying with various EU accessibility laws. EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) This directive requires all public sector websites and mobile apps in EU member states to be accessible to people with disabilities. It came into effect in 2018-2020 (with staged deadlines for new sites, old sites, and mobile apps). Under this directive, each member country passed national regulations mandating that government agencies, municipalities, public hospitals, public educational institutions, etc., meet accessibility standards on their websites and apps. Notably, the directive does not cover private sector websites (except those delivering public services, perhaps via contract). However, many European companies voluntarily follow WCAG now, especially if they serve a public function or want to avoid future liability. European Accessibility Act (EAA, Directive 2019/882) The EAA is a game-changer in that it extends accessibility requirements to a broad range of private sector products and services across the EU. Adopted in 2019, the EAA requires EU member states to enforce accessibility in many areas by June 28, 2025 (the key compliance deadline). The Act covers certain products (like computers, smartphones, ATMs, payment terminals, self-service kiosks, TVs, e-readers) and services (telecommunications, audio-visual media services, e-books, e-commerce, banking services, public transportation services info, and more). For digital content, a critical inclusion is e-commerce websites and apps – any business offering products or services via a website or app in the EU must ensure its digital platform is accessible to people with disabilities. Banking and financial services, transportation booking systems, and electronic communications are also explicitly in scope. The EAA essentially brings many private companies under accessibility mandates for the first time in the EU. The EAA is enforced by each country (each EU member state must write it into their national law and set penalties for non-compliance). Unlike the ADA, which is enforced through lawsuits, the EAA will be enforced more through regulatory compliance: governments can impose fines or other penalties if businesses fail to meet the requirements. Also, importantly, the EAA has extraterritorial reach – it applies not just to EU-based companies, but to any company selling products or services within the EU market that are in the EAA’s list. So, a U.S. or Canadian e-commerce company doing business with EU consumers needs to pay attention to the EAA. The technical standards for EAA compliance will rely on EN 301 549 (which, as noted, is WCAG 2.1 AA for digital content). In other words, meeting WCAG 2.1 AA and the related criteria in EN 301 549 will be the way to comply with the EAA’s functional requirements. And now the deadline has passed, many businesses must do so by law under the EAA. Europe also has various country-specific standards (like France’s RGAA which adapts WCAG to French administrative context, or Germany’s BITV which is based on WCAG 2.0 for federal sites, or the UK’s standards as discussed next), but these are converging around the same core principles. In summary, the European Union’s approach is to bake accessibility into both public sector obligations (via the Web Accessibility Directive) and market requirements for private sector (via the EAA). The use of unified standards (EN 301 549/WCAG) across the board means there is a high degree of consistency. If you are a business operating in Europe, you should already be ensuring your public-facing digital content meets WCAG 2.1 AA. Equality Act 2010 This sweeping law is the UK’s anti-discrimination legislation, which among many things prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in provision of goods, services, and facilities (this applies to both public sector and private businesses). The Equality Act essentially replaced earlier disability discrimination laws and is often seen as analogous to the U.S. ADA. Under the Equality Act, service providers must make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. This concept has been interpreted to include websites – e.g., a business with an inaccessible website could be failing to make a reasonable adjustment for a disabled user, thus discriminating. Although there haven’t been as many high-profile web accessibility lawsuits in the UK as in the U.S., the legal principle is there. The law is outcome-based rather than prescribing technical standards; however, following WCAG guidelines is considered the way to achieve compliance (it would be hard to argue you made adequate adjustments if you ignored known standards like WCAG). Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Australia’s central law for disability rights is the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). The DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in many areas of public life, including the provision of goods, services, and facilities. Like the UK’s law and ADA, this has been interpreted to cover websites and digital services as well. The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), which handles DDA matters, has explicitly stated that websites should be accessible and recommends WCAG as the benchmark. The guiding principle is “don’t discriminate,” which in the online context means follow recognized accessibility standards. If you ensure WCAG 2.1 AA compliance on your website or application, you are effectively addressing the known requirements. With the Australian government adopting standards equivalent to EN 301 549, the country is moving in step with international norms. So, businesses in Australia (or serving Australian customers) should view WCAG-based accessibility as both a legal expectation under the DDA and a best practice. Implementing Accessibility: Guidance for Businesses Understanding the standards and laws is only half the battle – the other half is operationalizing accessibility in your organization. Whether you’re a legal/compliance officer or a business executive, you have a key role in championing and overseeing the incorporation of accessibility into your company’s processes. Below is an actionable step-by-step guide to implementing digital accessibility and achieving compliance: Build Awareness and Buy-In Begin by fostering an internal understanding that accessibility is essential – not just to avoid lawsuits, but to expand your customer base and uphold your company’s values. Communicate to leadership and teams that accessibility is a priority, akin to quality or security in your products. Drawing analogies can help – for instance, just as a physical conference needs ramps and sign language interpreters for inclusion, a digital platform must have accessible features for users with disabilities. Emphasize success stories and the benefits (e.g., better UX for all, positive brand image, compliance). Gaining executive sponsorship and cross-departmental buy-in at this stage is crucial. Know Your Obligations and Set Goals Identify which laws/standards apply to your business (based on where you operate and what sector you’re in). Are you subject to ADA Title III? The EAA by 2025? Section 508 for federal vendors? Most likely, you’ll find that aiming for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance across your digital assets covers many bases. Set concrete, measurable goals – for example, “By Q4, our public website will conform to WCAG 2.1 AA,” or “We will update our mobile app to address all Level A/AA issues by launch.” If you have legacy content, prioritize what needs fixing first (perhaps critical user flows or high-traffic pages). Also plan for upcoming requirements. This goal-setting stage might involve establishing an official digital accessibility policy for your organization, to formalize the commitment. Allocate Resources (Personnel, Tools, Budget) Achieving accessibility is an ongoing process that requires resources. Decide how you will handle the work – will you train existing developers and designers, hire an accessibility specialist, or engage consultants? Many companies benefit from bringing in experienced accessibility auditors or consultants, at least initially, to jump-start the program and evaluate where they stand. Budget for things like audit tools (there are free ones for basics, but enterprise tools can help with monitoring at scale), training programs, captioning services for media, and potential remediation costs. If procurement is involved (buying an accessible CMS or video player), budget and plan for that too. The key is not to treat accessibility as an unfunded mandate; it needs dedicated time and money, just like any compliance effort. Train and Empower Your Team Accessibility is a team effort. Conduct training sessions for all roles that touch digital content: Developers (on coding accessible components, ARIA roles, semantic HTML), UX/UI designers (on color contrast, focus indicators, accessible design patterns) Content creators or copywriters (on structuring content with headings, writing meaningful link text, adding alt text to images) QA testers (on testing with screen readers or keyboard-only) Project/product managers (so they understand why certain features must be scoped in). Even customer support should know how to handle accessibility feedback from users. There are many resources and courses available, and some consultants offer customized workshops. Make accessibility knowledge part of onboarding for new hires in relevant roles as well. A company culture that understands accessibility will produce far better results. As an example, training might involve learning how to use a screen reader (like NVDA or VoiceOver) for basic testing, or how to use automated checkers like Lighthouse or Axe. It should also cover the legal/compliance context so everyone knows why it matters (e.g., share that “X number of lawsuits have happened” or that “we could be fined under EAA if we don’t comply”). Conduct an Accessibility Audit Before you can fix issues, you need to know what and where they are. An audit should be done on your websites, web applications, and mobile apps. This typically involves both automated testing tools and manual testing. Automated scanners can quickly find some common problems (like missing form labels, low contrast text, missing alt attributes, etc.), but manual testing is critical for things automation can’t judge (like whether alt text is meaningful, whether keyboard focus order is logical, or whether a screen reader user can complete a checkout process). If you have the expertise in-house, you can do this; otherwise, bringing in an external auditor or using a service can be very helpful for an unbiased assessment. They will provide a report listing issues categorized by severity (often mapped to WCAG success criteria). Ensure mobile apps are included – mobile accessibility (for iOS/Android apps) also follows WCAG principles, and is increasingly expected under laws (e.g., the ADA Title II rule and EAA both include mobile apps). Don’t forget less obvious digital assets: PDF documents on your site should be checked (PDF/UA standards apply), video content should be reviewed for captions/audio descriptions, etc. Prioritize and Fix Issues (Remediation) With an accessibility audit in hand, develop a remediation plan. Triage issues by impact and difficulty. Critical problems that block users (e.g., an important form that can’t be submitted via keyboard, or images with essential info having no alt text) should be fixed immediately. Many fixes are straightforward (adding alt text, fixing a link name, adjusting CSS for contrast). Some might be more involved (overhauling a complex menu for better keyboard access, or adding captions to a library of videos). If your team has the capability, assign tasks to the appropriate developers/designers to fix the issues. Hiring an expert is fine, but ongoing user testing and feedback from both employees and consumers are even more valuable. These insights ensure accessibility improvements are grounded in real-world use, not just technical compliance, and can highlight barriers that audits alone may overlook. Ensure that as you fix, you test the solutions with assistive technologies (e.g., after adding alt text, check with a screen reader; after changing keyboard nav, try navigating via keyboard, etc.). In some cases, quick interim solutions might be needed while working on a long-term fix (for instance, if you have an event registration platform from a vendor that isn’t accessible, you might provide a phone number or email as an alternative way to register, while pushing the vendor to update their platform). Accessible support options such as the Be My Eyes Customer Accessibility Suite can provide inclusive, immediate alternatives. Whether through a dedicated phone number, AI-powered support, or one-click video connections, these tools can help ensure equal access even when third-party systems fall short. Be My Eyes solutions like Service AI™ and Service Connect™ enable blind and low-vision users to receive fast, visual support — often without needing to escalate to a live agent Continuous Monitoring and Improvement Accessibility is not a “set and forget” checkbox; websites and apps are living products that change, and new content is added regularly. Establish a regimen for periodic reviews – e.g., run automated scans monthly, do a fuller manual audit annually or whenever major changes occur. Some organizations integrate automated testing into their CI/CD pipeline to catch regressions before they hit production. Also, keep an eye on evolving standards: for instance, WCAG 2.2 introduced new criteria in 2023 (like requirements around dragging movements, accessible authentication, etc.), and WCAG 3.0 is on the horizon. Staying engaged with the accessibility community (following W3C updates, maybe joining the annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day events, or subscribing to newsletters) will keep you ahead of the curve. Additionally, monitor legal developments – e.g., if the DOJ announces new rules or if a big court case sets a precedent, adjust your compliance strategy accordingly. By following these steps, businesses can move from a reactive approach (fixing issues only after complaints) to a proactive, ingrained approach where accessibility is part of the organizational DNA. It may seem daunting, but many resources and tools are available to assist. For instance, free tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse can be run on your pages to spot issues. There are also accessibility linters for code and plug-ins for design software that can flag problems early. Taking advantage of these can streamline the effort. Remember, compliance is an ongoing journey. You might never declare “we’re 100% done” because technology and guidelines evolve. But each improvement you make expands your audience and reduces risk. Over time, maintaining accessibility will become just a normal part of operations, not a special project. And that’s the ultimate goal – to bake in inclusive design so that new barriers don’t appear. Industry-Specific Considerations and Risks Accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all proposition; different industries have unique touchpoints with customers and may face specific requirements or risk profiles. Below, we highlight a few sectors with particular considerations and the associated risks if accessibility is neglected: Public Sector and Government As discussed, government websites and digital services are often under the strictest mandates. If you are in the public sector (or provide services to it), accessibility is usually non-negotiable. For example, U.S. federal agencies must comply with Section 508’s standards (WCAG 2.0 AA), and EU public bodies must follow EN 301 549/WCAG 2.1 AA. Non-compliance can result in formal complaints, loss of funding, or enforcement actions. Public sector entities also tend to have to provide alternative access options – e.g., if a PDF isn’t accessible, they must furnish an alternate format on request. Education (Schools, Universities) Educational institutions (especially public ones) have legal obligations under laws like ADA Title II/III, Section 504 (for any receiving federal funds in the U.S.), and various country-specific education disability acts. They must ensure that websites, learning management systems (LMS), digital textbooks, and course materials are accessible. Over the past decade, many universities, including Harvard, have faced legal action or settlements due to inaccessible websites or learning platforms. Industry-specific guidelines (like WCAG, but also best practices for classroom tech) should be followed. E-Commerce and Retail Online retail is one of the most-targeted industries for web accessibility lawsuits in the U.S. Many well-known brands have been sued for having sites that blind customers couldn’t shop on. Retail sites typically have a lot of images (product photos need descriptive alt text), form interactions (add to cart, checkout processes must be keyboard and screen-reader friendly), and dynamic content (dropdowns, pop-ups, etc., that need proper coding). They also often integrate third-party tools (reviews widgets, payment gateways) which all need to be vetted for accessibility. Banking and Financial Services Banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions provide essential services that must be accessible. Many countries include financial services in their regulations (the EAA covers banking services explicitly). Common issues in finance websites/apps include PDF statements that are unreadable by screen readers, complex forms for applications or transactions that are not coded properly, or security/captcha measures that lock out users with disabilities. ATMs and payment terminals are another aspect – those are hardware but often with digital interfaces (covered by EAA and by ATM accessibility standards in the U.S.). Healthcare and Telehealth Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers fall under various laws (in the U.S., ADA Title III for private doctors/hospitals, Title II for public hospitals; also Section 504 and ACA Section 1557 for any receiving federal funds or under federal programs). Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act explicitly prohibits disability discrimination in health programs, which extends to websites and health tech though it doesn’t name a standard. Accessible healthcare websites, patient portals (for scheduling, viewing records), prescription refill systems, telemedicine platforms, and even health information kiosks are vital. If these aren’t accessible, patients could miss out on care or information. Travel and Hospitality Airlines, as mentioned, are covered by the ACAA which requires accessible websites and airport kiosks. Hotels, travel booking sites, car rentals, etc., are generally considered public accommodations under ADA and similar laws, so their websites should be accessible. A trend in lawsuits has been suing hotels whose online reservation systems were not accessible or did not provide information on accessible room features. Additionally, travel sites often use maps, date pickers, dynamic content – all of which need special care for accessibility. Media, Entertainment and PDFs/Docs If your industry deals with media or content publication (news sites, video streaming, digital libraries, etc.), ensure your content is accessible. Videos must have captions (and ideally audio descriptions for key visual content) – as per CVAA for certain content and generally under WCAG for others. Audio content should have transcripts. Video game companies and others are also now considering accessibility (there’s even an extension of CVAA that covered advanced communications in gaming). If you publish a lot of PDF reports or manuals (common in many industries, from tech to hospitality), those PDFs need to be tagged for accessibility or you risk providing information in an unusable format to some users. Industry Regulations Some industries have their own accessibility rules beyond general disability laws. For example, the federal communications industry in the U.S. has FCC rules on telecom accessibility (relay services, accessible telecom equipment under Section 255). The transportation industry has separate regulations (e.g., transit agencies providing real-time info in accessible formats). When planning compliance, check if your industry is subject to any such specific regulations in your country. In all industries, a common risk of ignoring accessibility is reputational: Organizations may face public criticism, social media backlash, or be highlighted in the press for failing to include people with disabilities. Conversely, those that champion accessibility can enhance their brand. We’re in an era where inclusivity is increasingly part of corporate social responsibility and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics. Accessibility efforts can be showcased as part of the “Social” component, demonstrating your business’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. One more cross-industry point… The risk of inaction grows over time. If your competitors make their services accessible and you do not, you will not only lose customers to them, but you also stand out as a litigation target. The more the general level of accessibility improves across the market, the more non-compliant stragglers will face pressure. Summary Accessibility standards might appear complex at first glance, but they boil down to a simple principle: providing equal access and opportunity. Just as societies have agreed that buildings should have ramps and elevators so everyone can enter, there is a global movement recognizing that websites and digital services must be designed so everyone can participate online. Achieving accessibility is a journey – from learning the guidelines, to implementing changes, to continuously improving. By now, you should have a solid overview of the key frameworks (like WCAG, the technical blueprint for accessible design) and the major laws (like ADA and EAA) that give these standards teeth around the world. For businesses, the message is clear: prioritize accessibility as a core part of your compliance and user experience strategy. Not only will you reduce legal and financial risks (no one wants to be on the receiving end of a lawsuit or fine that could have been avoided), but you’ll also tap into a broader market, improve your site’s usability for all users, and strengthen your brand’s reputation for inclusivity. The path to compliance involves organization-wide commitment – from management understanding the legal landscape, to developers and designers acquiring the skills to implement WCAG, to procurement ensuring third-party products are accessible. The actionable steps and best practices outlined above provide a roadmap for this process. Start with awareness and policy, get expert help when needed, fix issues methodically, and embed accessibility into your day-to-day operations. Finally, remember that accessibility is people-centered. Behind every standard or legal clause, there are real individuals who will have a better experience when you do this right – a student who can complete an online course because the videos are captioned, a veteran with a mobility injury who can apply for jobs on your site without a mouse, a grandparent with low vision who can read your blog because you chose good contrast and text scaling, or a busy parent who uses voice controls (initially designed for disability) to navigate your app hands-free. In that sense, complying with accessibility standards isn’t just about “following rules,” it’s about respecting and welcoming all members of our community. By making accessibility a priority, you’re contributing to a more inclusive digital world – and that is a standard we should all aspire to meet.
