A person typing on a laptop displaying the word "WEBSITE," surrounded by digital icons, while holding a green book — representing the importance of website accessibility for business.

Website Accessibility Is Good for Business

The Business Case for Pursuing Accessible Digital Media

PROVIDENCE, RI–(Marketwired – March 09, 2016) – Enforcement of the digital accessibility regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been steadily increasing over the years, but there are factors aside from the legal obligations that help make a strong business case as to why attaining accessibility is a good idea. Companies and organizations prosper when they ensure their websites are accessible to all populations, including many famous people living with disabilities, using assistive technology like screen readers, as well the older generation to name a few. Some corporate advantages include:

Financial — Why would anyone purposely keep a potential customer from buying their product or service? That’s exactly what’s happening if a website can’t be understood by someone using assistive technology, for example. If the user has difficulty navigating a website, they will be unable to make a purchase and that company will have lost business.

Social — One would be hard pressed to find a business that would intentionally choose to be known as an organization that does not support equal opportunity, or at least find it important enough to pursue. With social media spreading people’s opinions like wildfire, the damage of a poor reputation can be hard to fix, and at times can be irreparable.

Technical — One advantageous consequence of making a website accessible, is that it forces a “clean up” of the site’s code. This not only reduces ongoing maintenance time, but can also reduce the server load, speeding processes up overall.

1 in 5 people finds the Internet to be inaccessible, which means 20% of the population is potentially buying from a competitor, or perhaps spreading word about his or her poor experience on an inaccessible website. These are not smart risks to take. Not only is it just a matter of time before the Department of Justice (DOJ) strengthens enforcement of the “Public Accommodation Website Regulations,” achieving digital accessibility now makes good business sense in more ways than one.

About BoIA

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has been helping companies achieve and maintain website accessibility compliancy for over fifteen years. Their personalized approach begins with performing an automated and manual website audit, then providing comprehensive reporting that includes a programmer’s guide citing specific non-compliance issues and best practice remediation recommendations. BoIA’s services also comprise of ongoing client support, collaborating with their clients as the accessibility subject matter experts and performing consistent ad hoc testing, staff training and consultative services.

Our Popular Blogs

A diverse group of people holds signs advocating for values such as equality, respect, justice, and integrity, promoting unity and harmony, highlighting the dangers of euphemisms in disability language and the importance of authentic representation.
Language is a powerful tool; it can inspire, comfort, and unite, but it can also oppress, demean, and divide. For the disability community, language plays a crucial role in the fight for inclusivity. It is especially significant in shaping public perception and personal identity.] In a society where words reflect and sometimes dictate our collective beliefs and behaviours, the careful selection of terminology is paramount.
What is VPAT and why do you need it? Illustration of a VPAT report with a pencil, gears, and an alert symbol, representing the importance of accessibility compliance documentation.
The commitment to inclusivity has become a cornerstone for organizations across the public sector spectrum. From federal agencies to provincial bodies and municipal entities, diverse public sectors share a common goal — ensuring their digital landscapes are accessible to everyone.
A stressed woman sits at a desk, flanked by two men—one holding a clipboard and the other with documents—amid scattered charts, highlighting the need to get Web Accessibility Certification.
When we talk about accessibility, we often think about physical accessibility. However, document accessibility is just as important. An accessible document allows all people, regardless of ability or disability, to access and use the document.
Close-up of a keyboard featuring a large blue key labeled "PDF" with a document icon, surrounded by standard black keys — representing accessible PDF and what makes it helpful for ensuring document usability and compliance.
As a public sector member, understanding what accessible PDFs are and why they’re important is essential to ensuring that everyone, regardless of disability, can access and interact with digital documents.
A modern office showcasing work models from an accessibility perspective, featuring a wheelchair user at a desk, surrounded by accessible workspaces and employees collaborating overhead.
The seismic shift in our work culture post-2020 has turned long-held assumptions about the workplace upside down. Organizations are now more open to a spectrum of work models, from fully remote to the traditional office, and everything in between. With these changes, it's imperative to examine how each model caters to the needs of the entire workforce, including individuals with disabilities. In this comprehensive exploration,
A diverse group of professionals, including members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, is seated around a large table in a modern conference room, with a wheelchair symbol on the wall.
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that services and products are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, is not just a legal requirement but also a moral necessity. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is by establishing an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). Here are some compelling reasons why your organization should consider forming an AAC: