The digital world is vast and ever-growing, with billions of users interacting with websites, apps, and platforms daily. However, despite this rapid expansion, there remains a significant gap when it comes to ensuring digital accessibility.
With over 15% of the global population living with a disability, accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. Accessibility testing ensures that your platform is usable for all, regardless of their abilities, and helps meet legal requirements while expanding your audience.
Why Accessibility Matters
Fact: According to WebAIM’s 2023 Million study, approximately 98% of homepages had at least one accessibility issue. This highlights that most businesses are still missing out on vital aspects of accessibility.
With the world becoming more inclusive, platforms that don’t prioritize accessibility risk excluding a large percentage of potential users.
15% of the global population has a disability, and 1 in 5 Americans report having a disability that affects their ability to interact with digital platforms. This market represents a $490 billion annual income in the United States alone.
–Source: World Health Organization, U.S. Census Bureau, National Disability Institute.
Incorporating accessibility testing ensures that your platform accommodates these users, which can lead to improved customer loyalty, greater market reach, and compliance with global laws.
Legal Requirements & Compliance
Did You Know?
In the U.S., over 2,200 lawsuits were filed in 2022 related to digital accessibility violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This trend is growing, with an increase of 23% in such lawsuits since 2021, highlighting the importance of staying compliant. Failure to comply could result in legal fines, website shutdowns, or a tarnished reputation.
- In the UK, businesses must comply with the Equality Act 2010, which mandates that websites be accessible to all users.
- Globally, WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance is critical for businesses, as many countries have enacted similar accessibility laws.
Benefits of Accessibility Testing
Expanding Market Reach
Stat: Companies that prioritize accessibility are able to reach a larger market. The disabled consumer market in the U.S. has an estimated purchasing power of $1.2 trillion. Accessible platforms allow you to tap into this vast audience.
Example: When Target settled a class action lawsuit regarding website accessibility, they invested in improving their accessibility features, which enhanced their user experience and market share.
Improved SEO and Performance
Fact: Google’s algorithms favor websites that are structured properly for all users, including those with disabilities. Accessible websites are often faster and more streamlined, which improves SEO rankings and user retention.
Stat: Websites that follow accessibility guidelines typically experience 35% faster load times than their non-compliant counterparts.
Enhancing Brand Reputation
Fact: 81% of consumers prefer brands that are committed to diversity and inclusion. Accessibility testing ensures your brand stands out as an inclusive and socially responsible entity, building trust with your users.
Stat: Websites that follow accessibility guidelines typically experience 35% faster load times than their non-compliant counterparts.
Avoiding Legal Risks
As mentioned earlier, with the rise in lawsuits, accessibility testing is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. By making accessibility part of your development process, you proactively mitigate the risk of legal action.
How Accessibility Testing Works
Use Case: Qualiron recently worked with a global e-commerce platform that struggled with significant legal challenges due to inaccessible content. After implementing rigorous accessibility testing, including compliance checks for WCAG 2.1 standards, the company saw a 20% increase in website traffic from users with disabilities and avoided potential legal issues.
The testing process includes:
- Automated Tests: Quickly scan for issues such as missing alt text, improper color contrast, or missing Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) tags.
- Manual Tests: Engage users with disabilities to ensure the platform is navigable via keyboard, screen readers, and other assistive technologies.
In Conclusion:
In a world where digital accessibility is not just a trend but a necessity, businesses must integrate accessibility testing into their regular development cycles. It’s not just about legal compliance—it’s about delivering an inclusive user experience that benefits everyone. Make your platform accessible, and you will not only expand your audience but also enhance your brand’s reputation and ensure sustainable growth in a digital-first world.
