Building an Accessible Future in the Private Sector

Lawsuits and fines: Consumers are willing to take legal action to have their voices heard. In fact, over the last two decades, we've seen many notable private companies, including Domino's, Netflix, and Target, serve as examples of what's at stake if businesses ignore digital accessibility and provide lessons for what not to do.

Financial consequences: Companies must be willing and able to meet these standards to avoid isolating an extensive customer base and losing valuable business. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, this is a risk some organizations can't afford. At the same time, having to go back and retrofit products and services to be accessible rather than building them that way from the start can be costly and time-consuming for a business.

Reputational damage: Customers value inclusivity. If they feel a company is not prioritizing it, they will hold them accountable, often publicly. This goes beyond sharing their bad experiences with their peers; social media has made it possible to share their criticisms widely by posting about them online. This can spread like wildfire, leading to negative publicity and damaging the brand's reputation. So, not only do inaccessible businesses risk alienating those with disabilities, but also their families, friends, and allies.

Enhanced usability: Ensuring accessible products leads to better design and user experience. Companies that identify gaps ultimately create products that cater to specific needs and can provide great experiences not just for disabled users but for all. 

Boosted brand perception: Companies leading the charge on accessibility are viewed as socially responsible and inclusive, attributes that matter to this generation of consumers. Organizations that value cultivating relationships with diverse customer groups often experience stronger customer loyalty. Brands like Apple and Microsoft are shining examples and have long been praised for providing inclusive technology and experiences. Companies that prioritize accessibility have a strategic advantage. These efforts can go a long way in showcasing commitment to inclusivity through innovation and enhanced user experiences.

Financial benefits: Updating websites and digital services comes with a price when treated as an afterthought. Incorporating accessibility from the start can save companies time and resources. Remaining accessible comes with a price tag, but once it becomes standard practice for the organization, it's easier to amortize. In any case, it can pay for itself through all the new business that can be gained.

User research: To understand what enhancements must be made, companies should review existing accessibility concerns and connect with the necessary stakeholder groups to gather feedback and ideas for potential areas for improvement. Analyzing user research helps companies navigate recommendations that can help curb future slip-ups.

Remediation: Once feedback is gathered, it's time to assess the other issues plaguing your organization. Review reports and backlogs that need to be addressed. Companies can implement fixes based on severity and impact by getting a holistic view of everything that needs to be changed. This helps keep track of initiatives and creates a remediation plan for any significant fixes.

Governance: Once the research is gathered and plans are implemented, businesses must create a structure to ensure accessibility is proactively and adequately managed moving forward. Private companies must have the proper foundation to ensure accessibility requirements are met. Most importantly, this has to happen continuously and can't be overlooked. When accessibility is considered from the beginning, it's easier to execute and manage in the long term. Integrate accessibility into your organizational DNA to make accessibility a common practice rather than a chore.