--- title: "25 Years of Digital Accessibility with UsableNet: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t—and Why UsableNet Is Built for What’s Next" description: Celebrating 25 years of UsableNet's commitment to digital accessibility, highlighting our evolution, mission, and future image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%2025th%20Anniversary/25th%20Anniversary%20Blog%20Cover.png --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/25-years-of-digital-accessibility-with-usablenet#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/25-years-of-digital-accessibility-with-usablenet#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/25-years-of-digital-accessibility-with-usablenet#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. [Test now!](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) Close [![UsableNet home](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/logo.png?width=429&height=62&name=logo.png)](https://usablenet.com/) - [Solutions](https://usablenet.com) ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Explore which of our digital accessibility solutions is right for you [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1737658630173.1737669055746.199&__hssc=181257784.7.1737669055746&__hsfp=3011104808) - [Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Resources - [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-1.png) [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-2.png) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-3.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-3.png) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADA%20Primer.png?width=100&height=100&name=ADA%20Primer.png) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # 25 Years of Digital Accessibility with UsableNet: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t—and Why UsableNet Is Built for What’s Next **By** [Jason Taylor, Chief Innovation Strategist](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jason-taylor) on May 20, 2025 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/usablenet), [25th Anniversary](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/25th-anniversary) 0 Comments - - - ![Illustration of people with disabilities interacting with digital devices, celebrating UsableNet’s 25th anniversary.](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%2025th%20Anniversary/25th%20Anniversary%20Blog%20Cover.png) It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years. I was asked to share my thoughts on what’s changed—and what hasn’t—since we started this journey. One thing is clear: from the very beginning, our mission has been to help organizations deliver digital experiences that are usable and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. That focus hasn’t changed and continues to drive us forward.  **Celebrating the team behind the mission** As we mark this milestone, here’s a look at the U.S. sales team gathered in Austin—just one part of the passionate group that’s helped drive our progress for 25 years. ![Group photo of the UsableNet U.S. sales team gathered indoors in Austin, Texas, celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary. Approximately 35 people are smiling at the camera, standing in rows, with one small brown dog in the front. The setting features warm lighting, wood floors, and modern decor.](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo-52.jpg?width=1024&height=681&name=Photo-52.jpg) Read more about how accessibility is personal to the people at UsableNet: [Accessibility Is Personal](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-is-personal) Back in 2000, websites were static, primarily brochureware. They told you about the business, but they weren’t the business. Today, a company’s website or app is often the product. It’s the storefront, the service, and the experience, all in one. That shift raised the stakes for accessibility and is where UsableNet found its calling. Our role has always been to meet clients where they are, whether supporting internal development teams, embedding our experts directly, or using our technology to scale remediation. ## **Built for Delivery** Over the past 25 years, we’ve remedied and improved thousands of websites, mobile apps, and digital experiences across industries and platforms. That work shaped not just our process but also our people—developers, QA testers, UX experts, and members of the disability community working together to make accessibility real. [Our Assistive platform](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) helps us deliver fixes efficiently and with accountability. We use automation and AI where they add value, but always by trusting and empowering developers to lead and stay in charge of the final remediation. Tech alone isn’t enough. Our team ensures that every decision leads to better usability, not higher scores. ## **Committed to Empowerment** Making accessibility sustainable means supporting your people, too. That’s why we created UsableNet University—a program designed to embed accessibility into your team’s daily workflows. It started as internal training.  Today, it helps clients upskill across design, dev, QA, and legal. ## **Proven Legal Support** Over the years, we’ve also seen legal pressure intensify. We’re not a law firm, but we’ve been leading in tracking and reporting ADA-related digital lawsuits across the U.S. for the past five years. This work has given us unmatched insight into the legal landscape, helping us provide unique legal backing in the industry. We don’t leave clients to navigate legal threats on their own. We "take the ball**"**—standing up for and defending our clients’ accessibility efforts and the investments they’ve made. What started as a way to guide our clients has become the industry’s leading source of ADA litigation trends, cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and others. [You can view the latest data on our ADA Lawsuit Tracker.](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) ## **Looking Ahead** One thing has changed for the better: today, we spend less time convincing companies why accessibility matters. Most already believe that. The real challenge is execution. That shift, from awareness to implementation, is why UsableNet continues to grow. We invest in practical innovation, hands-on delivery, and strategies that support long-term accessibility, not just short-term compliance. As new standards emerge and global directives like the [European Accessibility Act](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance/) take effect, we’re helping clients move forward confidently and clearly. To our clients, partners, and team, thank you. The last 25 years have been incredible. Explore more stories from our team in this special feature: [25 Years of Progress](https://blog.usablenet.com/25-years-of-progress) Visit our 25th Anniversary hub to explore how accessibility has evolved—and where we’re headed next. [![UsableNet's celebrating 25 years of expertise! Learn more about our history and what's to come.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/interactive-190144428316.png)](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLRWHsi%2B9qDHdzZi7fg%2B8pKhe5WsHxcG1J8GnIJpR4S%2FvGXmYm1qnsotIwuZcC%2Fqn8sURLO62BXR%2B3c0Y4OV%2FhF%2BjeM%2FhNPCr5iXQq%2FchfQ7lZkSJPBIdKhXo07MPoG9%2FGEYXIGcawNgjIwcCYCjv0IkgndliX%2F%2BVC6nSrlqjDoqE%2BPjHPWQc8b2ZZtzfud6AmHwQVqaIUOY2bVizX7JlJm3xIZz09I&webInteractiveContentId=190144428316&portalId=3280432) ![Jason Taylor, Chief Innovation Strategist](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Reuploads%20-%20SEO/Jason%20Taylor.png) ### [Jason Taylor, Chief Innovation Strategist](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jason-taylor) Jason C. Taylor is the Chief Innovation Strategist and Advisor to the UsableNet CEO with over 20 years of experience in usability and accessibility. Jason is a global technology thought leader for multichannel customer engagement, actively advising leading companies on how to extend their brands across multiple channels for all users. He has been an active member of the accessibility and usability communities since 2001, which started with leading partnerships between UsableNet, Macromedia (now Adobe), and The Nielsen Norman Group. - - - - ### Related posts ![A Perfect Accessibility Scan Score Isn’t the Goal for an E-commerce Site: AI Makes That Easy to Forget](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/%5BSBM%5D%20Blog%20Images%202023/usablenet-generative-ai-and-accessibility.jpeg) [A Perfect Accessibility Scan Score Isn’t the Goal for an E-commerce Site: AI Makes That Easy to Forget](https://blog.usablenet.com/a-perfect-accessibility-scan-score-isnt-the-goal-for-an-e-commerce-site-ai-makes-that-easy-to-forget) Sep 24, 2026 ![Cognitive Accessibility: What Ecommerce Teams Can Overlook](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/website%20accessibility-1-2.jpg) [Cognitive Accessibility: What Ecommerce Teams Can Overlook](https://blog.usablenet.com/importance-of-cognitive-accessibility) Sep 16, 2026 ![How I Shop an Unfamiliar Website With a Screen Reader](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/How%20I%20Shop%20an%20Unfamiliar%20Website%20With%20a%20Screen%20Reader%20-%201200%20x%20630%20-%202.png) [How I Shop an Unfamiliar Website With a Screen Reader](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-i-shop-an-unfamiliar-website-with-a-screen-reader) Sep 10, 2026 ![What Is a Screen Reader and What Is It Used For?](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/What%20is%20a%20Screen%20Reader.png) [What Is a Screen Reader and What Is It Used For?](https://blog.usablenet.com/what-is-a-screen-reader) Sep 8, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/%5BSBM%5D%20Blog%20Images%202023/usablenet-generative-ai-and-accessibility.jpeg) [A Perfect Accessibility Scan Score Isn’t the Goal for an E-commerce Site: AI Makes That Easy to Forget](https://blog.usablenet.com/a-perfect-accessibility-scan-score-isnt-the-goal-for-an-e-commerce-site-ai-makes-that-easy-to-forget) Sep 24, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/website%20accessibility-1-2.jpg) [Cognitive Accessibility: What Ecommerce Teams Can Overlook](https://blog.usablenet.com/importance-of-cognitive-accessibility) Sep 16, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/How%20I%20Shop%20an%20Unfamiliar%20Website%20With%20a%20Screen%20Reader%20-%201200%20x%20630%20-%202.png) [How I Shop an Unfamiliar Website With a Screen Reader](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-i-shop-an-unfamiliar-website-with-a-screen-reader) Sep 10, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (324)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (119)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (46)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (41)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Retail (28)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? We can help. [Partner with us. Get in touch..](https://usablenet.com/getintouch?hsCtaTracking=34f54ed4-8696-43c9-b740-a3982b4b5d91%7Cf4246c48-bf25-487f-9058-34abb838058e) ## Page Footer ### Have a question? **Contact Us** [Book a Consultation](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-02) [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo) ### Solutions - [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) - [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) - [Accessibility Audit & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) - [Pricing and Plans](https://usablenet.com/pricing) ### Resource Library - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [E-Books](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Test your website for accessibility](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) - [ADA Monthly Lawsuit Tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources?all=true) ### Who We Serve - [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) - [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) - [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) - [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) - [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) - [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) ### Compliance - [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) - [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) ### Company - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) - [LLM Resources](https://usablenet.com/for-ai-assistants) [Accessibility Support](https://blog.usablenet.com/support)| [Privacy Policy](https://blog.usablenet.com/privacy)| [Accessibility Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-statement)| [Diversity and Inclusion Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/diversity-and-inclusion)| Accessibility Status | [Technology Patents](https://blog.usablenet.com/technology/patent) ## **Sign Up** for the **UsableNet Blog** Join our mailing list to receive email notifications when we publish a new blog, infographic, whitepaper or newsletter. Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jason Taylor, Chief Innovation Strategist", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jason-taylor" }, "dateModified" : "2026-09-24T19:33:30.937Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-20T13:12:43.000Z", "headline" : "25 Years of Digital Accessibility with UsableNet: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t—and Why UsableNet Is Built for What’s Next", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%2025th%20Anniversary/25th%20Anniversary%20Blog%20Cover.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/25-years-of-digital-accessibility-with-usablenet", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG or Disability Equality Act) is a German law enacted in 2002 to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities, including in digital services. It primarily applies to federal public bodies and institutions funded by the German federal government. While private companies aren't directly required to comply, those working with government agencies must ensure their digital services are accessible." }, "name" : "What is the BGG (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz) and who does it apply to?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BITV 2.0 (Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung) provides the technical standards needed to implement the BGG’s requirements. It adopts WCAG 2.0 guidelines and mandates that public sector websites, mobile apps, and intranets be accessible. It also requires websites to include accessibility statements. Though not mandatory for private companies, adopting BITV 2.0 standards is recommended to broaden digital reach and reduce reputational risks." }, "name" : "What is BITV 2.0 and how does it support the BGG?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Non-compliance with the BGG, BITV 2.0, or EAA can lead to legal disputes, financial penalties, and loss of business opportunities, especially in public procurement. Germany has established an arbitration service under the BGG to resolve disputes, and enforcement of the EAA will increase after its 2025 implementation." }, "name" : "What are the risks of not complying with digital accessibility laws in Germany?" } ] } ```