As 2025 approaches, digital accessibility is becoming an urgent priority for organizations worldwide. It ensures that platforms are inclusive, usable, and welcoming for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
With new regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA), ongoing ADA lawsuits, and evolving public expectations, organizations can no longer afford to delay accessibility. Taking action now helps you reduce risks, build trust, and create more inclusive digital experiences.
This blog explores why accessibility matters now more than ever and provides strategies to help you prepare your accessibility program for the coming year.
Why Digital Accessibility Is Essential Across Industries
Accessibility impacts every organization with a digital presence. While e-commerce often illustrates how inclusive platforms drive results, other industries—including travel, hospitality, healthcare, government, and more—also benefit significantly from digital accessibility:
- E-commerce: The challenges faced by shoppers with disabilities may be amplified during high-traffic periods, such as Black Friday. This UsableNet blog highlights that inaccessible mobile experiences can lead to frustration and abandoned purchases. Addressing digital accessibility improves the shopping experience, increases engagement, and fosters customer loyalty.
- Travel and Hospitality: Accessible platforms empower travelers with disabilities, enabling independent navigation of booking systems and travel planning. According to this guest post, travelers who are blind often face barriers that make researching and booking trips challenging. Prioritizing accessibility improves usability for all customers and demonstrates a commitment to inclusion.
- Healthcare: Accessible healthcare websites and patient portals allow individuals to manage appointments and medical records independently. In this blog, a blind patient shares their experiences with inaccessible portals and emphasizes the importance of inclusive design. By addressing barriers, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction and improve accessibility for all.
- State and Local Governments: ADA-compliant digital platforms help constituents independently access vital services like permit applications and tax payments, building trust and fostering usability.
Across all sectors, prioritizing accessibility reduces risks, increases customer satisfaction, and demonstrates a commitment to inclusion.
What’s Changing in 2025?
1. The European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Businesses serving the EU must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards by June 28, 2025. Non-compliance risks include fines, exclusion from public procurement, and reputational damage.
2. ADA Lawsuits in the U.S.
In 2023, over 4,500 ADA lawsuits targeted digital properties like websites and mobile apps, with many more demand letters issued privately. Proactive accessibility measures can help mitigate legal and reputational risks.
>>>Pre-register for the 2024 End-of-Year ADA Lawsuit Report<<<
3. Public Sector Accessibility Requirements
Under ADA Title II, state and local governments must make digital services accessible to people with disabilities. Public information, forms, and communication channels must conform with WCAG. Addressing these barriers fosters trust and allows constituents to access essential services independently.
The Risks of Waiting
Delaying accessibility improvements creates risks across:
- Customer retention: Accessibility barriers may alienate up to 50% of people, negatively affecting engagement and sales.
- Legal Costs: ADA lawsuits and demand letters are disruptive and costly. Settlements often include fines, legal fees, and required remediation work.
- Lost Revenue: Inaccessible platforms exclude millions of potential customers, negatively impacting your bottom line or public engagement.
- Reputational Damage: Failing to address accessibility sends the wrong message about inclusion, especially for organizations and brands that serve diverse audiences.
How to Stay Ahead
1. Conduct Comprehensive Testing: Use automated accessibility testing with a platform like UsableNet’s AQA to quickly identify and address significant issues, laying the groundwork for manual audits and user testing.
>>>Run an automated accessibility test with UsableNet AQA now<<<
Automated tools should be combined with manual reviews and user testing with the disability community to uncover usability barriers and align with the WCAG.
2 . Establish Accessibility Policies: Publish public-facing accessibility statements and internal policies to align teams and build stakeholder trust.
3. Embed Accessibility Early: Integrate best practices during design and development to avoid costly rework.
4. Educate Your Team: Regularly train developers, designers, and content creators to stay updated on accessibility best practices and evolving regulations.
5. Commit to Continuous Improvement: To maintain accessibility, regularly monitor, update, and adapt your platforms based on evolving standards and customer feedback.
By following these steps, your organization can create an accessibility program that complies with regulations and delivers a better digital experience. If you need help, a trusted accessibility partner like UsableNet with proven expertise can work with you at every step of your digital accessibility journey,
Take Action Now
Accessibility isn’t just about meeting deadlines or avoiding legal risks—it’s an opportunity to strengthen trust, expand your audience, and deliver inclusive digital experiences.
Book a free, 15-minute consultation with our team today. Together, we’ll help you stay compliant, reduce risks, and build inclusive digital experiences.
Join our one-hour webinar next week for more actionable steps to enhance your 2025 accessibility program. Our experts will discuss key strategies, risks, and insights into upcoming regulations like the EAA. Sign up here.
