Digital accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s a legal, ethical, and commercial necessity.
As more services and content migrate online, businesses must make sure that all users – including those with disabilities – can access and interact with digital platforms without barriers.
This is where accessibility compliance comes into play.
At its core, accessibility compliance means adhering to standards and legal frameworks designed to make digital content usable for everyone, regardless of ability.
These standards support individuals who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard navigation, but they also enhance the overall user experience and prioritize inclusivity.
The problem is that, for many organizations, navigating the complexities of accessibility laws and implementing practical compliance strategies can feel overwhelming. There is a world of acronyms to contend with (WCAG, ADA, and EAA, anyone?), and with the list of requirements growing, it’s easy to get lost.
In this article, we’re going to break it all down: what accessibility compliance means, why it matters, and how your organization can achieve and maintain it – while minimizing risk and creating a better web for all.
Accessibility compliance means that you’re making sure that digital products – such as websites, mobile apps, and online documents – are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Specifically, it means aligning your digital assets with established accessibility standards and legal requirements so that no user is excluded due to visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, or other impairments.
The most widely recognized benchmark for accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG outlines principles for making web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (the POUR principles). These guidelines help developers and content creators build more inclusive experiences, with levels of compliance ranging from A (basic) to AAA (the highest standard).
Beyond WCAG, organizations must also consider jurisdiction-specific laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S., the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in the EU, and Section 508 for U.S. federal agencies. These regulations may carry legal consequences if not followed.
Compliance doesn’t just involve code. It includes accessible design choices, like using the best fonts for accessibility and appropriate color contrast, and providing alt text for images and text-to-speech support.
Remember, accessibility compliance is a legal requirement and a commitment to inclusive digital experiences.
Accessibility compliance isn’t just about ticking legal boxes – it’s about guaranteeing equitable digital access for all users, regardless of ability.
The internet is a vital space for communication, commerce, education, and civic participation. So when digital platforms exclude people with disabilities, they don’t just limit access, they make space for inequality.
From an ethical standpoint, accessibility is fundamental to digital inclusion. Making your website or app usable for someone who relies on a screen reader, voice navigation, or a keyboard interface reflects a commitment to inclusive design and equal opportunity.
The business case is just as compelling. Accessible websites benefit from better user experience, improved navigation, and broader audience reach. They’re also more SEO-friendly, as many accessibility best practices – like semantic HTML and alt text – support search engine indexing.
Plus, accessibility compliance can open the door to government contracts and partnerships that require WCAG or Section 508 adherence.
Then there’s the legal dimension. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage. High-profile cases involving companies like Domino’s, Netflix, and Target have shown that courts are increasingly siding with users who face digital barriers.
For all these reasons, accessibility compliance is a strategic priority – not just a technical requirement.
Before you can get on the way to accessibility compliance, you need to understand the legal landscape.
Below is an overview of the most influential laws and frameworks that may apply to your organization.
The ADA is a civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. While it doesn’t explicitly reference websites, U.S. courts increasingly interpret digital spaces as “places of public accommodation,” meaning websites and apps must be accessible under ADA Title III.
Failing to comply can lead to costly lawsuits, particularly if your website serves the public. Businesses of all sizes have faced legal action, from global brands to local restaurants – don’t become one of them!
We’ve already dipped into WCAG, but let’s explore it in more detail.
Developed by the W3C, WCAG is not a law but serves as the de facto global standard for digital accessibility.
Its three compliance levels – A, AA, and AAA – provide increasing levels of accessibility. As a frame of reference, most legal frameworks recommend or require conformance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
The European Accessibility Act is a landmark directive that standardizes accessibility rules across the EU. It applies to websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, ticketing services, ATMs, and more – but importantly, only B2C businesses, who have to comply by June 28, 2025.
This federal law mandates that all U.S. government agencies – and any organizations doing business with them – make sure their electronic and information technology is accessible.
NOTE: Section 508 explicitly references WCAG compliance, so keep that in mind.
Accessibility compliance isn’t limited to public institutions or tech giants. A wide range of organizations – across sectors and sizes – may be legally or ethically required to meet accessibility standards.
In many jurisdictions, public bodies must follow strict accessibility laws. For example, Section 508 mandates compliance for U.S. federal agencies, while the EU Web Accessibility Directive enforces similar requirements for public sector websites and mobile apps in Europe.
Private companies are increasingly held accountable, too. In the U.S., businesses that offer “places of public accommodation” online – like e-commerce stores, banking platforms, and streaming services – are expected to meet ADA accessibility requirements.
In the EU, the upcoming European Accessibility Act extends those obligations to B2C businesses offering digital services across member states.
But even if you’re not legally required to comply today, market forces and ethical expectations are driving widespread adoption. Enterprise partners, government contracts, and savvy consumers now expect inclusive digital experiences.
Whether you’re a startup, a SaaS provider, a digital agency, or a municipality, if your platform serves the public – it should be accessible.
Despite the clear benefits and legal mandates, many organizations still struggle to achieve accessibility compliance. These challenges often stem from a combination of technical complexity, resource constraints, and a lack of internal awareness.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the barriers.
Many teams are simply unaware of their accessibility obligations or assume that they are only relevant to public-sector entities.
Others may recognize the need but lack the in-house expertise to implement standards like WCAG effectively.
Accessibility improvements are sometimes viewed as expensive or disruptive – especially when retrofitting legacy systems. But postponing compliance can be even more costly in the long run due to legal exposure and rework.
Older websites and applications often rely on inaccessible design patterns, non-semantic code, or proprietary platforms that make compliance difficult. Fixing these issues may require a phased approach, starting with quick wins and having a long-term strategic plan.
Without clear workflows for testing, maintaining, and updating accessibility features, compliance efforts can be patchy or unsustainable over time.
Understanding these common barriers is the first step toward overcoming them – and building a roadmap to sustainable, inclusive design.
Achieving accessibility compliance isn’t a one-time fix – it’s an ongoing process that blends design, development, content strategy, and legal awareness.
Here’s a step-by-step framework to help your organization get started and stay compliant.
Start by evaluating your current digital assets – websites, mobile apps, PDFs, and customer portals.
Use both automated tools and manual testing to identify issues related to (not an exhaustive list):
It’s important that you determine which legal frameworks apply to your organization.
For example:
Though it can seem daunting, the earlier you identify this, the better, so you can get started.
Remember, not all issues carry the same weight.
Prioritize critical barriers first – especially those that prevent access to core services or information. Implement low-hanging fixes immediately while developing a longer-term remediation roadmap.
You can easily bake accessibility into your design and development processes by:
Accessibility isn’t static. Create internal documentation, assign ownership, and revisit compliance regularly – especially when launching new features or redesigns.
You can try an array of automated and manual testing techniques, such as:
These tools can quickly identify many common WCAG violations:
You may want to try out some manual testing techniques, just to see how your accessibility fares in real life.
You can try:
Go beyond checklists and experience your platform like a real user would.
Simulating or using actual text-to-speech tools, alternative input devices, or speech recognition software can reveal usability gaps that others miss.
Failing to meet accessibility compliance standards can result in serious legal and financial consequences – especially as global enforcement tightens.
In the United States, lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have surged in recent years.
These cases often target websites and mobile apps that are inaccessible to users with disabilities. Courts have consistently ruled in favor of plaintiffs, even when businesses claimed they weren’t aware of their obligations. Settlements and court rulings can cost companies tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention reputational harm.
In the European Union, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduces structured enforcement mechanisms. Non-compliance can result in regulatory investigations, market withdrawal of non-conforming products, and substantial fines.
With the compliance deadline set for June 2025, regulators are preparing to clamp down on any businesses who aren’t ready.
Countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK also have strict accessibility mandates, and penalties vary depending on jurisdiction and sector.
Inaction is not a neutral choice – it poses clear legal and commercial risks. Proactive compliance is a shield against litigation and a path to a more inclusive brand experience.
Accessibility compliance is no longer optional – it’s essential. Whether you’re driven by ethical responsibility, legal risk, or business opportunity, building accessible digital experiences is the right move for your organization and your users.
From understanding global regulations like the ADA, WCAG, and EAA, to embedding inclusive design and adopting the right testing tools, compliance can seem complex. But it doesn’t have to be.
With the right strategy, partners, and mindset, accessibility becomes a powerful driver of innovation, trust, and brand reputation.