Why Web Accessibility Guidelines Matter — and How Talentus Global Helps Businesses Meet Them
In today’s digital economy, accessibility is no longer optional; it’s essential. Yet, an astonishing 98% of websites don’t comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
However, such a gap does not affect only people with disabilities; brand reputation, user experience, and business growth are also at stake. For organizations striving toward inclusive digital experiences, accessibility has grown into both a moral responsibility and a strategic advantage in recent times.
The Real Cost of Inaccessibility
About 16% of the world’s population, or well over 1.3 billion people, are living with some form of disability. That is more than $6.9 trillion in annual disposable income. Yet, the majority of all digital products, apps, and websites continue to be inaccessible or impossible to use when relying on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive technologies.
The result? A direct loss of opportunity.
- An estimated $225 billion is lost annually by businesses that exclude people with disabilities.
- 71% of users with accessibility needs leave websites with barriers.
- 83% only shop on sites they know are accessible.
- And 86% would spend more if there were fewer barriers to use.
In other words, when a website isn’t accessible, people don’t adapt — they leave. And most never come back.
This isn’t just a question of ethics or inclusion; this is about meeting your customers where they are. For companies that invest in accessibility, the benefits are already very real: up to 30% increases in online sales, better SEO rankings, stronger customer loyalty, and improved overall user experience.
Accessibility Is Now a Legal Obligation
Beyond user experience, accessibility has become a global compliance issue.
Around the world, governments and regulatory bodies have a clear message: accessibility in the digital world is not an option, but a statutory obligation.
- United States (ADA): The Department of Justice has verified that websites are places of public accommodation. Under new rules, state and local governments, or Title II entities, will need to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA by 2026 or 2027, depending on the population. Also, private businesses, or Title III entities, do not have explicit technical rules; however, courts overwhelmingly expect WCAG conformance.
- Ontario, Canada-AODA: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires organizations that employ more than 20 individuals to file compliance reports regarding accessibility. Fines for non-compliance can reach as much as $75,000 per violation.
Meanwhile, the number of accessibility lawsuits has been increasing by an average of 13% per year since 2019. In 2022 alone, there were over 4,400 lawsuits filed in the U.S., representing a 75% increase in just two years.
For businesses, the message is clear: accessibility compliance isn’t a competitive advantage anymore; it’s the new baseline for operation in digital markets.
Accessibility = Better Business
Accessibility helps everyone, not only people with disabilities. If a website is easier to navigate, better structured, and more readable, every visitor is helped, from a new customer scrolling on their phone to a senior citizen using a larger screen or a busy professional employing voice input.
Moreover, accessible websites:
- Rank higher on Google because accessibility often intersects with best practices for search engine optimization: descriptive alt text, semantic HTML readable structure.
- Improve brand trust and public perception: customers appreciate companies that show they truly care about inclusivity.
- Lessen bounce rates and increase conversion by eliminating friction points in the user journey.
In short: accessibility drives usability, and usability drives results.
How Talentus Global Helps Businesses Achieve WCAG Compliance
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance; rather, at Talentus Global, it’s an opportunity to build better digital experiences for everyone.
Our team guides companies in designing, developing, and maintaining digital solutions that fully comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards —the current global benchmark for accessibility.
Here’s how we help organizations make accessibility part of their digital DNA:
Accessibility-first design means we build and test interfaces that work seamlessly with assistive technologies, from screen readers to voice navigation, so every interaction is intuitive and inclusive.
Compliance Integration: Whether your business operates under ADA, AODA, or EAA regulations, we align your digital ecosystem with the right accessibility requirements, reducing legal risks and ensuring global readiness.
Retrofitting & Auditing: For existing platforms, we perform accessibility audits and remediation for your websites, portals, and applications to make them accessible as per WCAG standards without disrupting your current operations.
Future-Proof Development: We weave the best practices of accessibility into your long-term digital strategy so that your organization remains compliant as guidelines evolve, including WCAG 2.2 and 3.0.
By focusing on accessibility from the very beginning, we help companies create digital environments that not only meet regulations but also welcome everyone, improving user engagement and retention, hence overall business performance.
Previous blog: How Nearshoring Transforms Digital Strategy and ROI
The Future of Accessibility
Inclusive design will define the next generation of customer experience, as AI, automation, and digital transformation speed forward. Accessibility is no longer just a niche concern; it is a measure of a brand’s digital maturity and responsibility.
At Talentus Global, we are committed to helping organizations make accessibility an integral part of their technology strategy so that innovation serves all.
