Legal Risks of Website Inaccessibility
Website accessibility is not just a best practice—it’s a legal requirement in many countries. Failing to ensure your website is accessible to people with disabilities can expose your business to significant legal risks.
What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means designing and developing your website so that people with disabilities—such as visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments—can access and interact with your content. This includes features like screen reader compatibility, proper color contrast, keyboard navigation, and text alternatives for images.
Legal Requirements
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been interpreted to apply to websites as “places of public accommodation.” This means that businesses must ensure their websites are accessible or risk legal action. Other countries, including Canada (AODA), the UK (Equality Act 2010), and those in the EU (European Accessibility Act), have similar legislation.
Common Legal Risks
Lawsuits and Legal Claims
Thousands of ADA-based website accessibility lawsuits are filed every year, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, and education. Businesses may be sued for discrimination if their websites are not usable by people with disabilities.Fines and Penalties
Depending on the jurisdiction, non-compliance can result in hefty fines. For example, in Ontario, Canada, organizations can face fines of up to $100,000 per day for failing to meet accessibility standards.Reputational Damage
A lawsuit or public complaint can harm your brand reputation. Inaccessible websites signal a lack of inclusivity, which may drive away customers and partners who value diversity and equal access.Loss of Customers
If a website isn’t usable by people with disabilities, you could be missing out on a significant portion of the market. Accessibility improves the user experience for everyone—not just those with disabilities.
What You Can Do
Follow WCAG Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard for web accessibility. Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is often the minimum requirement to reduce legal risk.Conduct Accessibility Audits
Regularly test your website for accessibility issues using tools and real-user testing to identify and fix barriers.Provide an Accessibility Statement
An accessibility statement shows your commitment to inclusivity and outlines what steps you’re taking to comply with legal standards.