FAQs
How many people are affected by inaccessible websites?
More than 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. When websites are inaccessible, individuals encounter barriers that limit their ability to shop, work, learn, and access essential services online. Businesses that do not address accessibility miss out on a large and valuable audience.
Is it illegal for a website to not be accessible?
In many regions the answer is yes. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in the EU require digital services to meet accessibility requirements. Non-compliance can result in lawsuits, financial penalties, and compulsory remediation.
For more on how regulations, procurement rules and compliance obligations interact, see our Procurement & Compliance guidance.
What happens if my website is not ADA compliant?
Failure to comply with the ADA can lead to lawsuits, settlements, and reputational harm. Businesses may be required to invest heavily in urgent website fixes as well as cover legal costs. Many high-profile cases have shown that ignoring accessibility is far more expensive than proactive compliance.
Is it cheaper to build accessibility in from the start?
Yes. Designing with accessibility in mind from the beginning is more cost-effective than retrofitting later. Early planning reduces development time, avoids disruptive redesigns, and ensures long-term compliance with accessibility requirements. For examples of scalable design systems that are built for inclusivity from the ground up, our Design System Assessments work provides a good framework.