By Eve Hill

In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, technology plays a pivotal role in how we live, work, communicate, and learn. But not everyone experiences technology the same way. While technology has unlocked many opportunities, it has also introduced challenges, including for individuals with disabilities.

It’s essential that we prioritize accessible technology to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to digital tools and platforms. Accessibility in technology is not only a legal obligation—it is a moral responsibility. True accessibility ensures that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than creating barriers that divide those who can participate from those who cannot.

With over 1.3 billion people globally living with some form of disability, representing about 16% of the global population, the need for accessible technology has never been more urgent. When designed properly, accessible technology fosters inclusion, enhances user experience, and unlocks new market opportunities. Digital accessibility is not just smart tech—it’s good business. Furthermore, it is critical for ensuring equity, independence, and privacy for people with disabilities.

Despite the growing importance of accessibility, research from WebAIM (2024) shows that of the top 1 million websites, 95.9% still have accessibility barriers—although this is an improvement from 97.8% five years ago. So, why is accessibility not yet the standard in the tech industry?

One key obstacle is lack of awareness. Many developers and designers don’t realize the vast range of disabilities that need to be considered in digital design, or they may see accessibility as an added cost or a time-consuming extra. In many cases, it is considered a niche concern, not an essential part of the design process.

Another challenge is the fast pace of technological change. As we continue to innovate with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, we must ensure that these innovations are built with accessibility in mind from the outset. Unfortunately, as new technologies race to market, accessibility often gets overlooked.

However, these challenges can and must be addressed. Digital accessibility is a human right and a civil right. In the U.S., laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require that state and local governments, public accommodations, and employers ensure their digital communications are accessible. Recent updates to regulations from the Department of Justice emphasize that accessibility must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, Level AA. Additionally, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that entities receiving federal funding must provide accessible digital communications, and Section 508 requires federal agencies to comply with WCAG 2.0 for their digital technologies.

Despite the legal requirements, achieving digital accessibility doesn’t happen automatically. It requires careful planning, design, and implementation. While it may seem challenging at first, making accessibility a routine part of the process will help create a culture of inclusion within organizations.

The potential of technology to transform lives is enormous—if it is accessible to everyone. As we move further into a digital-first world, we all have a role to play in ensuring that no one is left behind. Whether you are a developer, designer, policy-maker, or a technology user, there are opportunities to support accessible practices. Advocate for inclusion in your workplace, raise awareness in your community, and support policies that ensure equitable access to digital tools.

Together, we can build a world where technology empowers everyone, regardless of ability.

Inclusivity Strategic Consulting helps organizations develop and implement internal policies, procedures, and accountability mechanisms that ensures digital accessibility from the start and sustains it over time. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your accessibility goals.

About Inclusivity Strategic Consulting:

Inclusivity Strategic Consulting works to help government and private entities navigate a clear path to web accessibility to best serve all of their audiences and minimize potential liability. Inclusivity can help organizations adopt policies and procedures, priorities, and contractual requirements to make their websites and mobile apps accessible and keep them accessible into the future. Inclusivity is part of Brown, Goldstein & Levy, a leading civil rights law firm with offices in Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C.