Digital accessibility remains a crucial aspect of technology, ensuring that digital platforms, products, and services are usable by individuals of all abilities. Despite shifts in federal political policies, many companies continue to recognize the long-term value of digital accessibility for the sake of compliance, innovation, and market growth.
Legal policies and requirements
While federal policies and priorities have shifted, digital accessibility isn’t going anywhere. In a recent guidance issued by the Chief Human Capital Officers Council (CHCOC), they state that “agencies should not terminate or prohibit accessibility or disability-related accommodations, assistance, or other programs” required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which includes Section 508) and other laws.
In addition to federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508, almost all public agencies and those with whom they contact are required by individual state laws to make their websites and content accessible. Many states also have their own antidiscrimination laws which cover digital accessibility as well. Failure to comply has cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in court costs and legal fees for lawsuits under the ADA.
The European Union’s European Accessibility Act (EAA) will also take effect this year. The EAA will require companies doing business in the EU make their digital content accessible, regardless of where the company is located. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) aims to harmonize accessibility laws across EU member states, with a primary focus on digital accessibility, ensuring that key services and products are accessible to all EU citizens, particularly those with disabilities, by 2025. Public sector, banking and transport, e-commerce platforms, and more must comply with accessibility standards by mid 2025.
All of these laws reference Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard by which to measure accessibility compliance.
Organizations Prioritizing Digital Accessibility in 2025
New York City
In 2025, the City of New York is launching a new Digital Accessibility Training program to provide its 300,000+ employees with the skills and knowledge to create accessible digital content. This initiative aims to make critical city information available to all residents, thereby fostering a more inclusive digital environment across all of the city’s online platforms.
BBC
The BBC demonstrates their commitment to accessibility through a dedicated team that ensures all digital products meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards. Millions of users can access their platform, including people with disabilities, due to features such as adjustable font sizes, screen reader compatibility, and video subtitles.
Microsoft
Microsoft continues to champion digital accessibility through its AI-driven assistant, Copilot. Integrated across Microsoft 365, Copilot provides real-time captions and AI-powered assistance, benefiting users with disabilities in workplaces and educational settings. The company’s Xbox Adaptive Controller also remains a model for accessibility in gaming.
Google advances digital accessibility with its AI-driven tools such as Live Caption, Lookout, and TalkBack. These technologies empower individuals with visual, auditory, and motor impairments. Google is also working to ensure that its vendors adhere to inclusive design principles, reinforcing accessibility beyond its own products.
Walmart
Walmart has enhanced its commitment to accessibility by partnering with Aira, a visual interpreting service that helps blind and low-vision shoppers navigate both in-store and online experiences. This move reflects the company’s strategy to ensure digital inclusion across retail and e-commerce.
Benefits of Digital Accessibility
While legal compliance is certainly compelling, the benefits of digital accessibility have positive business implications as well.
Market and Consumer Demand
Consumers and employees increasingly expect accessible digital experiences. Businesses that maintain strong accessibility initiatives enhance customer loyalty, expand market reach, and attract top talent, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.
Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Accessible technology fosters innovation, benefiting not only people with disabilities but also aging populations and users in temporary impairment situations. Companies that invest in accessibility gain a competitive edge in the global market.
Increased Revenue
Digital accessibility can boost revenue by expanding your market. With 26% of adults having some form of disability, making your digital content accessible ensures you’re not excluding this large group. Because search engines like Google work by crawling the text of a website, much like assistive technology, accessible websites also improve your search engine ranking by incorporating features like closed captioning, transcripts, and text for images. These elements increase visibility, attract more traffic, and improve user experience, leading to lower bounce rates and more conversions.
Improved Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Complying with digital accessibility standards enhances your reputation and demonstrates social responsibility. Publishing your accessibility policies signals inclusivity, which appeals to prospective employees, especially as diversity and inclusion have been linked to better business performance. Customers will appreciate your commitment to accessibility, and positive word of mouth from satisfied disabled users can help offset the risk of lawsuits. Additionally, accessibility improvements benefit all users, creating a better overall experience.
Accessibility as a business necessity
Regardless of shifting federal policies, digital accessibility remains a key priority in 2025. Organizations like New York City, Google, Microsoft, and more demonstrate that accessibility is not just a legal and ethical responsibility, but a business necessity. By maintaining their commitment to inclusive digital experiences, they ensure long-term success in an evolving regulatory and technological landscape.
Nina Overdorff
Nina comes to Equidox with years of sales and marketing experience from a variety of industries and holds a BS in Language Arts Education. Nina has a passion for words, storytelling, and information, which she believes everyone should have access to regardless of ability. After spending time as a teacher with a blind student, she became much more aware of the limitations and abilities of web accessibility, and how essential it is to those experiencing disabilities. “Being able to access information equally ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity for education, employment, and success in life.”
Let’s talk!
Speak with an expert to learn how Equidox solutions make PDF accessibility easy.