--- title: Predictions of Trends in Digital  Accessibility for 2021 description: After reviewing all ADA-based lawsuits in 2020, here are predictions for digital accessibility in 2021 and beyond. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/823018.smushcdn.com1622763wp-contentuploads2020052020-Webinar_5-14_Website-e1590096897454.jpg --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-top-2021-trends-for-digital-accessibility#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-top-2021-trends-for-digital-accessibility#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-top-2021-trends-for-digital-accessibility#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) # Predictions of Trends in Digital  Accessibility for 2021 **By** [Jason Taylor, Chief Innovation Strategist](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jason-taylor) on Jan 5, 2021 **Topics:** [ADA Lawsuits](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) 0 Comments - - - ![Predictions of Trends in Digital  Accessibility for 2021](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/823018.smushcdn.com1622763wp-contentuploads2020052020-Webinar_5-14_Website-e1590096897454.jpg) This blog follows my post on our 2020 digital accessibility lawsuit report, "[A Record-Breaking Year](https://blog.usablenet.com/a-record-breaking-year-for-ada-digital-accessibility-lawsuits)."   Here I consider what those 2020 app and web accessibility trends will have on the future. Below are my predictions for digital accessibility in 2021.    ## 1. ADA lawsuits and demand letters will continue ADA based lawsuits increased 23% in 2020 to 3500 cases. The practical effect of more lawsuits is more awareness of digital accessibility and more investment.      The other area of legal action is demand letters. It is hard to gauge the volume, but we know they are in the thousands.     Based on conversations with ADA defense law firms, most handle claim letters without plaintiffs filing lawsuits. Claim letters, like lawsuits, drive companies to focus on digital accessibility.    [More than 3,000 lawsuits in 2020](https://blog.usablenet.com/a-record-breaking-year-for-ada-digital-accessibility-lawsuits)shows that plaintiffs and plaintiff firms are very active. Fees can motivate plaintiff firms to file lawsuits. Most companies settle instead of fighting in court.   There are [millions of companies](https://webaim.org/projects/million/) who have not done the hard work of digital accessibility. The majority of web sites and app have easy-to-find WCAG violations making it easy for plaintiffs to build a digital accessibility case.    Finally the failure of the proposed Online Accessibility Act Bill there is not immediate change to the legal landscape and could encourage more plaintiff firms to join the small group of leading firms.   ## 2. Pressure on agencies to Deliver App and web accessibility  Many companies that receive a lawsuit outsource their website build. These legal actions will ensure accessibility. Companies will add [WCAG clauses](https://blog.usablenet.com/5-steps-to-creating-an-accessibility-clause-for-vendor-contracts) to contracts with digital agencies and vendors.    Yet, this is not enough. ADA requires the property owner to be aware and responsible for disability access. Companies should monitor accessibility on an ongoing basis.     Digital agencies may also see the [revenue advantages in adding accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-digital-accessibility-increases-value-for-your-agency)to their services.     Lawsuits and demand letters state what a company or their agency should be doing to for basic accessibility.   1. ADA legal cases often state a [blind user](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-increased-demand-for-user-testing-from-the-disability-community) could not complete key tasks like check out for retail. 2. Plaintiff firm will run [automated](https://blog.usablenet.com/do-ada-web-testing-tools-help-or-hurt-accessibility) or [manual tests](https://blog.usablenet.com/quick-guide-to-manual-accessibility-testing-and-why-its-important) and claim that the website or app has WCAG violation. 3. A lawsuit will question a company’s lack of accessibility policy if [an accessibility statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/when-and-how-to-write-an-accessibility-statement-and-policy-blog) is not posted.   Setting up [testing, monitoring and remediation](https://info.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-your-roadmap) around these actions can reduce a company’s risk and help teams prioritize.   [![→ Read how to build a complete Accessibility Testing Program in our free guide. ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/6922792a-d0e2-49cc-8b05-64deb9a47db0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/6922792a-d0e2-49cc-8b05-64deb9a47db0)   User testing and monitoring can be powerful to defend claims. Documentation from digital agencies or internal teams of these activities can provide greater defense against litigation.    ## 3. More Effort to bring guidance for digital to the ADA The lack of specificity for digital accessibility drives many ADA lawsuits.   Unlike a wheelchair ramp violation, there are no clear standards for digital accessibility in the ADA. Resulting in a digital claim being hard to dismiss at an early stage. A lawsuit often needs to proceed to later stages before a defense can argue it made “adequate accommodation.”   Plaintiff firms often offer settlements in amounts large enough for them to profit but less than it would cost to litigate to these later stages.   Clarifying the standard for digital accessibility sounds easy. But, it could create issues if not done well.   The most recent proposed legislation bill failed in early Jan 20201 called the “[Online Accessibility Act”.](https://blog.usablenet.com/proposed-online-accessibility-act-three-key-takeaways) in part due to lack of support from accessibility advocates. The new legislation would have added a title IV to the ADA, creating a specific set of standards and conditions for web and other digital channels.   The proposed Online Accessibility Act Bill suggested the standard should be WCAG 2.0 AA. The failed bill proposed giving companies a “safe harbor” period to remediate via submission of issues to the DOJ, which many felt to be un-practical for the DOJ to track and enforce.   There are many reasons [why this bill did not make it into law](https://www.lflegal.com/2020/10/ada-backlash/#What8217s-wrong-with-this-bill). But any future efforts to add technical specification to the ADA will struggle with defining which standards to follow.   The devil will be in the detail.    - [WCAG is already at 2.1, not 2.0](https://blog.usablenet.com/what-is-wcag-2.1-and-why-you-should-adopt-it-asap). There will be at 2.2 during 2021. There is a major update planned in 2023 for WCAG 3.0. With WCAG 3.0, the WC will stand for Web Consortium and not Web Content, to reflect the broader nature of digital. - Defining compliance with the ADA that all agree on will be a challenge. The WCAG focuses on passing [success criteria](https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/) (38 for WCAG 2.0 AA). Violations, or even missing alternative text off one image, can mean you don't conform to the WCAG and thus ADA.     [![→ Want to learn how to achieve ADA Compliance? Read our ultimate guide.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/2b1e7230-3e56-4c92-beab-7c405bf2cad6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/2b1e7230-3e56-4c92-beab-7c405bf2cad6)   Digital accessibility is Good for your Brand   Companies should make their digital properties accessible. Designing for accessibility and inclusion [builds your brand.](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-designing-your-website-for-accessibility-and-inclusion-builds-your-brand) The social and [business benefits](https://blog.usablenet.com/business-case-for-web-accessibility-in-2020) are many.    2020 lockdowns confirmed the importance of the online world. Digital is the "new normal" for work, education, finance, food, health and other parts of life.   We should all work to ensure this powerful new digital world benefits everyone. To learn more about inclusive design and other web and app accessibility topics, read my [Roadmap to Digital Inclusion](https://info.usablenet.com/web-and-app-accessibility?__hstc=233546881.25484412c3db136354d46abf59af2195.1605020687236.1605020687236.1605020687236.1&__hssc=233546881.1.1605020687237&__hsfp=1163454252).   ## Additional 2020 recaps and 2021 predictions worth reading [UX Collective - 2021 Accessibility Predictions](https://uxdesign.cc/2021-accessibility-predictions-b92ff660c8bd) [Access Defense - 2020 ADA and FHA Retrospective](http://accessdefense.com/?p=5644) [Accessibility.com - Hot Tech Trends 2021: But Are They Accessible?](https://www.accessibility.com/blog/hot-tech-trends-2021-but-are-they-accessible?utm_content=150030232&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lis-eaPzTbYl_j) [Mobile App Accessibility ADA Lawsuits will Trend Up in 2021](https://medium.com/@krisrivenburgh/mobile-app-accessibility-ada-lawsuits-will-trend-up-in-2021-f9c2bfebcdab)   [![Free Guide: Web and App Accessibility: Your Roadmap to Digital Inclusion Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/7c76253c-5e33-4575-9def-1035d5a99f6a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/7c76253c-5e33-4575-9def-1035d5a99f6a)   ![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 ![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 ![The Economics of ADA Website Claims — A Defense Attorney's Perspective](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/1200%20x%20630%20-%20%20The%20Economics%20of%20ADA%20Website%20Claims%20-%20A%20Defense%20Attorneys%20Perspective.png) [The Economics of ADA Website Claims — A Defense Attorney's Perspective](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-economics-of-ada-website-claims-a-defense-attorneys-perspective) May 5, 2026 ![When One ADA Claim Becomes Three](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/1200%20x%20630%20-%20When%20One%20ADA%20Claim%20Becomes%20Three.png) [When One ADA Claim Becomes Three](https://blog.usablenet.com/when-one-ada-claim-becomes-three) Apr 28, 2026 ![Why Settling One ADA Claim Doesn't Prevent the Next](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Why%20Settling%20One%20ADA%20Claim%20Doesn%E2%80%99t%20Prevent%20the%20Next%20-%202.png) [Why Settling One ADA Claim Doesn't Prevent the Next](https://blog.usablenet.com/why-settling-one-ada-claim-doesnt-prevent-the-next) Apr 21, 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? 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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" : "Jason Taylor, Chief Innovation Strategist", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jason-taylor" }, "dateModified" : "2023-08-09T18:21:42.964Z", "datePublished" : "2021-01-05T14:19:25.000Z", "headline" : "Predictions of Trends in Digital  Accessibility for 2021", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/823018.smushcdn.com1622763wp-contentuploads2020052020-Webinar_5-14_Website-e1590096897454.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/the-top-2021-trends-for-digital-accessibility", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ```