--- title: The 4 W’s of Digital Accessibility (and How to Begin) description: "This blog outlines the 4 basic W's of digital accessibility: who, where, when, and why you should improve the accessibility of your websites and apps." image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Our%20Comprehensive%20ADA%20Compliance%20Website%20Checklist.jpg --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-4-ws-of-digital-accessibility-and-how-to-begin#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-4-ws-of-digital-accessibility-and-how-to-begin#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-4-ws-of-digital-accessibility-and-how-to-begin#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) # The 4 W’s of Digital Accessibility (and How to Begin) **By** [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) on Apr 12, 2022 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) 0 Comments - - - ![computer and mobile phone ](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Our%20Comprehensive%20ADA%20Compliance%20Website%20Checklist.jpg) Digital accessibility is designing or adapting digital environments, content, and tools—including websites, mobile apps, and smart devices—so they can be used by people with disabilities. Accessible apps and websites level the playing field. In physical spaces, many people think of wheelchair ramps or braille signs. Digital accommodations refer to captions and audio descriptions for videos and large touch targets on mobile apps, for example.  Accessibility in the digital world provides opportunities for disabled people to interact with digital content confidently and independently. This blog outlines the 4 basic W's of digital accessibility: who, where, when, and why you should improve your websites and apps to be more accessible. We even include a suggestion on, if you are ready, how you can begin.   ## 1. Who Is Digital Accessibility For? More than 1 billion people around the world use assistive technology. [Assistive technologies](https://blog.usablenet.com/assistive-technology-what-it-is-and-how-it-helps-me) include text-to-speech software, and screen magnifiers, all designed to ease access for disabled people navigating the digital world. Disabled customers are the obvious beneficiaries of digital accessibility. But [who benefits from digital accessibility? Everyone](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-many-people-need-my-website-to-be-accessible). For example:  - Video captions help the deaf, and 92% of Americans prefer to watch videos without sound. - Larger touch images help both elderly and low vision users. - Following the recommended contrast on apps helps people who are disabled and anyone looking at their phone screen on a particularly sunny day.  Digital accessibility can help those customers who are temporarily disabled, the elderly, people who are not native speakers, people in areas with a poor Internet connection, and more.  ## 2. Where Is Digital Accessibility Needed? As of 2018, nearly 90% of Americans accessed the Internet through computers, tablets smartphones, and/or other smart devices. 70% of those Americans are online shoppers. Many people also continue to work from home even as COVID restrictions lift. In addition to online banking, scrolling social media, and food delivery apps, we are living in an increasingly digital world. But the world of e-commerce seems to be falling behind. The number of lawsuits launched against inaccessible apps and websites rose 64% in 2021. Digital accessibility is needed everywhere where people use technology.  ## 3. When Do I Incorporate Digital Accessibility? Ideally, digital accessibility should be integrated from the beginning of your product lifecycle. It's a lot easier to design with accessibility in mind than trying to incorporate it as an afterthought. When accessibility guidelines are integrated from the beginning, you are better able to focus on promoting content and reaching a larger user base for your product. This doesn't mean that remediation of your digital assets is impossible. But, digital accessibility requires dedication and often times a company-wide commitment to be effective.  Digital accessibility is not a one-time project. Digital accessibility should be treated like cybersecurity. Accessibility is an ongoing process and requires organizational buy-in and company-wide training. Apps and websites grow and expand. Digital accessibility training across your teams ensures that your employees know how to create, update and maintain content that is accessible for all users.  ## 4. Why Do I Need An Accessible App or Website?  1 in 4 people has a disability. That is a sizable number of people to potentially leave out from an already extremely digitally-dependent society. Accessibility expands your company's reach.  Just as there are legal regulations for physical accommodations, the same exists in the digital world. In March 2022, the DOJ issued guidance stating that businesses open to the public needed to have their websites accessible to the public. Per the DOJ, websites must be accessible to the public according to title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Over 4,000 lawsuits were filed in 2021 alleging that businesses' websites or apps were in violation of the ADA. Incorporating digital accessibility guidelines into your app or website from the beginning—or as soon as possible—can prevent ADA lawsuits. Digital accessibility is beneficial to a broad user base, including the disabled. Having good contrast ratios, captioned videos and simple layouts will increase your reputation as users promote your user-friendly experience.  ## How do I begin with digital accessibility?  With 90% of Americans owning smart devices and over 40 million of them being disabled, incorporating digital accessibility into your app or website's design ensures an inclusive experience for all users. Digital accessibility is important for reaching your customers in the disabled population. Additionally, digital accessibility is important for reaching customers that are elderly, temporarily disabled, and users with slower Internet speeds. Following the latest web accessibiity guidelines will also reduce the chances of your business receiving an ADA-based lawsuit. We've only touched on the basics of digital accessibility here. Your digital accessibility initiative requires planning and prioritization. Get started on your journey to digital accessibility now. [Download our free ADA digital accessibility checklist](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist). [![ready to start your accessibility journey with illustration of people using website pages](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/9012c9d4-715c-459b-a4da-b0a22e2d3924.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/9012c9d4-715c-459b-a4da-b0a22e2d3924) ![UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo%20150%20x%20150.png) ### [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) Founded in 2000, UsableNet created some of the first tools and platforms to make websites accessible and usable for all people. Starting out, we worked with government agencies as well as universities and corporations. Today, accessibility has become important to almost all companies. We provide accessibility solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium enterprises, government, and education organizations across industries including retail, travel, hospitality, food services, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](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) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? We can help. [Partner with us. 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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" : "UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1" }, "dateModified" : "2022-04-12T16:56:36.096Z", "datePublished" : "2022-04-12T16:56:36.000Z", "headline" : "The 4 W’s of Digital Accessibility (and How to Begin)", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Our%20Comprehensive%20ADA%20Compliance%20Website%20Checklist.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/the-4-ws-of-digital-accessibility-and-how-to-begin", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ```