Let’s be real—making your website accessible isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also smart business.
Digital accessibility means designing websites, apps, and digital tools so everyone—including people with disabilities—can use them. And while that sounds like a no-brainer from a moral standpoint, here’s the kicker: accessibility directly affects your bottom line.
If you’re still unsure whether investing in accessible design is worth it, these stats might change your mind.
1. 1 in 4 Adults in the U.S. Has a Disability
According to the CDC, 26% of U.S. adults live with a disability. That’s over 61 million people. If your digital experiences aren’t accessible, you could be shutting the door on a huge number of potential customers.
Think about it: Would you turn away 1 in 4 customers who walk into your store? Probably not.
2. The Disability Market Has Over $2.6 Trillion in Buying Power in North America
New research from the Return on Disability Group (2024) shows that people with disabilities and their families control more than $2.6 trillion in disposable income in North America alone. Globally, that number exceeds $18 trillion.
Let that sink in.
We’re talking about one of the largest untapped consumer markets in the world. If your website or digital experience isn’t accessible, you’re potentially missing out on a massive slice of that spending power.
3. 69% of Users with Access Needs Will Leave an Inaccessible Website
A 2024 survey by WebAIM revealed that nearly 7 out of 10 users with disabilities will abandon a website if it’s hard to use or navigate.
And here’s the thing: They won’t just leave. They’ll remember. You’re not just losing a sale—you might be losing brand trust for good.
4. Accessibility Improves SEO and Mobile Usability
Google rewards accessibility. Features like semantic HTML, alt text, proper heading structure, and keyboard navigation don’t just help screen reader users—they also help Google index your site more effectively.
Plus, accessible websites are more usable on mobile devices, which matters since nearly 62% of web traffic now comes from phones and tablets.
5. Legal Risk Is Still High: Over 4,000 ADA Website Lawsuits Filed in 2024
Let’s talk about the legal side of accessibility for a second—because ignoring it can get expensive.
In 2024, more than 4,000 ADA-based digital accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S., according to Accessibility.Works. That includes lawsuits targeting websites, mobile apps, and other digital platforms that didn’t meet accessibility standards.
Interestingly, a separate report by ADA Title III News notes that 2,452 of those lawsuits were filed in federal court, which is down 13% from 2023. But that doesn’t mean companies are off the hook—more cases are simply being filed in state courts, especially in New York and California.
The takeaway? Accessibility-related lawsuits are still happening at a high rate. If your digital experiences don’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your business could be at risk.
Bonus: Accessible Design Benefits Everyone
Accessibility features like high contrast, clear navigation, and video captions improve the experience for all users—not just those with disabilities.
Ever used voice commands while cooking? Or captions while watching a video in a noisy cafe? Then you’ve benefited from accessibility too.
Bottom Line: Accessibility Is a Win-Win
Whether it’s gaining more customers, boosting your SEO, improving UX, or reducing legal risk, accessibility is good for business—plain and simple.
If your website or digital product isn’t accessible yet (or you don’t know), now’s the time to start. You don’t have to do it alone. Our team can help you audit, fix, and maintain accessibility so your business is inclusive to everyone—and ready for growth.
Let’s talk accessibility. Contact us today for a free consultation.
