INCREASE MARKET SHARE. When businesses make their sites accessible, it means increasing access to their products and services for disabled and other users. That, in return, means the business has access to a larger market. With the pace of technological change, there is no reason why such consumers should be excluded. A study by the World Bank shows that accessibility technology can make website navigation possible or easier for 57% of all computer users. Making your website more accessible is beneficial for all consumers, not just those with registered disabilities.

AVOID LAWSUITS. ADA laws in the US, including Section 508 and WCAG, require all businesses to be accessible. These laws prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation–and when shopping and conducting business on the web. These regulations ensure all public websites are accessible to people with disabilities. Unfortunately, in the past few years, there have been increasing demand letters and full-blown lawsuits against companies that fail to comply

BE INCLUSIVE. For anyone having difficulty reading text on a webpage, unable to use a mouse, or triggered by flashing lights, a business website that has not been made accessible can prevent that person from accessing a desired product or service. For example, if the color contrast is poor on a page, it can be unreadable. Or, if a webpage cannot be controlled exclusively by a keyboard, many consumers may be left completely unable to engage with your site. Making a business website accessible to all is not just smart legally and financially; it’s also just the right thing to do.