Why Digital Accessibility is No Longer Optional for Companies
Digital accessibility ensures that everyone — regardless of ability — can access information, services, and opportunities. From advancing equity to improving user experience, SEO, and regulatory compliance, accessible design benefits both people and business outcomes. As expectations evolve, organizations must ensure their digital content is inclusive, usable, and aligned with global accessibility standards.
AUTHOR: CASSANDRA TAYLORMARCH 25, 2026Why Accessibility Matters
Accessibility is a Human Right
First and foremost, accessibility is a human right. After decades of persistent advocacy by people with disabilities, equal rights are ensured by the following United States policies and International agreements:
1948: United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) — the first international document to outline civil, political, social, and economic rights and freedoms for all people on Earth
1990: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — ensures equal rights for people with disabilities living in the United States, including equal protections around accessibility and accommodation
2006: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) ratification — affirms the human rights established by UDHR apply equally to people with disabilities
Access for All = Independence for All
Accessibility and accommodation are foundational for the independence of people with disabilities. Universal design principles for the built environment, such as including ramps and elevators, allow everyone to equitably interact with the built environment without needing assistance. Individual accommodations further support full participation in society. Such accommodations can include workplace adjustments like specialized keyboards, the option to sit rather than stand, and digital tools such as screen readers that enable people to work, browse the internet, and interact with others.
At some point in life, nearly everyone will experience a temporary or situational disability. Whether a person has a broken arm or leg, impeded speech from a sore throat, difficulty hearing in a noisy room, or extreme fatigue, accessibility and accommodation are important for everyone.
The Curb Cut Effect
Often, an accessibility solution targeting a specific group of people can ultimately end up helping many more people than initially intended. For example, curb cuts for wheelchair users also benefit people pushing strollers, people with difficulty walking, people who use walkers or canes, and people with visual impairments. Other examples of this so-called “curb cut effect” include audio books, electric toothbrushes, and automatic doors. As new solutions and innovations are developed for people with disabilities, the benefits often ripple outward to improve the world for everyone.
Digital Accessibility
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
WCAG was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium to increase web accessibility. WCAG is made up of four foundational principles — specifying that web content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust — and 13 guidelines. It is the web accessibility standard across the world. WCAG applies to websites as well as all other online content, from PDFs to documents, presentations, videos, and social media.
Accessible Documents
Accessible documents are documents that have been made available to those who use assistive technology such as screen readers or text-to-speech readers, expanding the audience of readers able to interact with the document. Many accessible documents are PDFs, but they can also include Microsoft® Word and Google® Docs documents, Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations, or other file types.
Though assistive technology compatibility is the primary objective of an accessible document, factors such as color contrast for people with low vision, use of plain language for people with cognitive disabilities, and keyboard navigation compatibility for people with mobility disabilities are also important considerations.
Other Benefits of Accessibility
Increased Revenue
The Disability Inclusion Imperative from Accenture and Disability:IN® found that companies who lead on key disability inclusion earn “1.6x more revenue, 2.6x more net income, and 2x more economic profit” than others that participated in the survey.
According to the World Health Organization, people with disabilities make up 16% of the world’s population. By excluding this population, companies are losing out on 1.3 billion possible consumers. This group tends to be very loyal to companies with accessible products and approaches, recognizing that the company is striving to be inclusive.
Improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Adding accessibility features also strengthens SEO, as many of the same features that make content accessible also improve how content is processed and indexed by search engines. Metadata, captions, transcripts, and more can be used to identify relevant keywords, boosting search rankings and increasing website traffic. As an added benefit, a more accessible interface and experience can help keep users engaged longer, supporting overall site performance.
Avoided Legal Risk
In the U.S., websites and all content on those websites must comply with ADA regulations and any specific state or city requirements. Government and government funded agencies must meet Section 508 regulations under WCAG 2.0. If requirements are not met, a person has the legal right to sue an organization for failing to meet these standards.
Benefits of Working With Verdani
Verdani’s Communications and Engagement services help organizations effectively communicate sustainability initiatives and performance in ways that are clear, compliant, and accessible to all stakeholders. We create strategic, brand-aligned communications that translate complex ESG data into clear, compelling content that meets evolving regulatory expectations.
Our team develops annual sustainability reports, fund-level investor reports, and engagement materials — all of which can be written and designed to meet accessibility requirements. With experience producing over 150 sustainability reports, we help organizations compile, analyze, and present data in a format that informs and inspires investors, tenants, and other key stakeholders.
Author
cassandra taylor
COMMUNICATIONS DESIGNERCassandra is a Communications Designer specializing in layout design, typography, infographics, and accessible documents. Verdani Partners leverages Cassandra’s expertise to execute client annual reports and other deliverables. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Chapman University, is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies, and is a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
Copyright © 2026 Verdani LLC. All rights reserved. The information contained within this publication was developed using Verdani’s general professional judgment. This publication was prepared without reference to any specific property or scenario and is not intended to substitute for the professional advice of an attorney, engineer, or other climate change professional. Content and data subject to change. Similar outcomes are not guaranteed based on prior results. Neither Verdani LLC nor its employees or agents can be held responsible for the use or misuse of the information contained herein, and Verdani LLC hereby disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of this information, including without limitation, direct, indirect, or consequential damages including personal injury, property loss, loss of revenue, loss of opportunity, or other loss.
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