Inclusivity:
Accessibility ensures people with disabilities (visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments) can use your website. This includes screen reader users, keyboard-only users, and others.
Legal Compliance:
In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 require that websites—especially for public-facing businesses and organizations—be accessible. Courts have increasingly ruled that websites are places of public accommodation.
Better Usability for All:
Accessibility features like clear navigation, captions, and readable text benefit everyone—including people using mobile devices, slow internet, or different browsers.
SEO Benefits:
Many accessibility practices (like alt text, semantic HTML, proper headings) also improve search engine optimization.
Risks of Not Being Accessible
Lawsuits and Legal Action:
Website accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, particularly targeting small to medium-sized businesses. Plaintiffs often claim ADA non-compliance. These suits can result in thousands of dollars in legal fees and settlements.
Reputation Damage:
Being seen as exclusionary or indifferent to people with disabilities can hurt your brand and customer trust.
Lost Business:
If a customer can’t navigate your site, they’ll go to a competitor who can meet their needs.
Bottom Line:
Ensuring your website is accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it protects your business legally, improves usability, and expands your audience. Tools like WP Accessibility help address common issues, but a full accessibility review may still be warranted depending on your site’s complexity and industry.
Contact us if you would like a free audit or checklist for accessibility best practices?