Spotlight on Web Accessibility: Why Compliance is More Important Than Ever

As web accessibility standards face greater enforcement, ensuring your site’s compliance in 2025 not only helps avoid legal risks but also expands your audience, improves SEO, and enhances user experience.

Compliance is More Important Than Ever

As 2024 comes to a close, we know you’re already planning ahead—making decisions on budgets, strategies, and where to invest resources for the coming year. While many priorities vie for your attention, one critical area that shouldn’t be overlooked is accessibility compliance for your website.

If you haven’t already taken steps to ensure your site meets the legal standards, now is the time to plan for it in 2025. In the article below, we’ll explore some of the key reasons why compliance is more important than ever, and some simple steps you can take to make sure your website meets accessibility standards.

The Legal Landscape: Compliance Is Non-Negotiable

Accessibility compliance isn’t just about doing what’s right—it’s the law. Several key regulations apply to organizations that receive government funding:

• Section 508 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensure institutions that receive public funds (including schools and universities) must provide equal access to individuals with disabilities.

• ADA Compliance mandates that all public-facing websites be accessible to those with disabilities.

In 2023 alone, 2,281 website accessibility lawsuits were filed, many against companies that had previously been sued for non-compliance. This data underscores the legal risks and increasing scrutiny for businesses failing to meet accessibility standards. Web accessibility not only mitigates legal exposure but also enhances user experience for a diverse audience.

The Strategic Benefits of Accessibility Compliance

Beyond mitigating legal risks, making your website accessible demonstrates a commitment to serving people of all abilities and offers clear strategic benefits.

• SEO Benefits: According to SEMRUSH, accessible websites see a 12% average increase in overall traffic. Accessible sites also improve engagement metrics such as bounce rates, dwell times, and click-through rates—key factors in improving your search engine rankings and driving organic growth.

• Expanding Your Market: Accessibility isn't just about compliance; it’s an opportunity for business growth. By making your website accessible, you open your business to the 26% of the population with disabilities, representing over $1 trillion in discretionary income. These individuals are potential loyal customers, and accessible websites make it easier for them to engage with your business.