Why Does Accessibility Matter?

5 minute read

Last updated: Feb 23, 2026

Summary

Accessibility means making sure that everyone, with or without disabilities, can use and benefit from physical spaces, events, and digital content. Accessibility applies in websites, apps, documents, public buildings, and everyday interactions. While accessibility is vital for people with permanent disabilities, it also supports those with temporary injuries like a broken leg. Plus, it helps everyone who faces a situational challenge, such as reading a screen when the sun is shining directly on it.

It supports legal compliance, builds inclusion and equity, and makes things work better for everyone.

Overview

Accessibility ensures that all people can participate in everyday activities. When something is accessible, people with disabilities can use it without facing barriers. When we prioritize accessibility, we make physical spaces easier to navigate, digital content easier to use, and communication easier to understand.

For example, accessibility helps:

People with mobility disabilities
People with vision disabilities
People with cognitive disabilities
People with hearing disabilities
People without disabilities in everyday situations

Examples

People with mobility disabilities:

Using a ramp or elevator instead of stairs
Opening a door with an automatic button
Attending an event with wheelchair-accessible seating
Navigating restrooms designed with enough turning space

People with vision disabilities:

Reading website content with a screen reader
Navigating apps using text descriptions of buttons and images
Crossing streets using audible signals
Locating rooms with Braille signage

People with cognitive disabilities:

Understanding instructions written in plain language
Using visual schedules or checklists to complete tasks
Filling out a form with clear labels and logical flow
Navigating a website with a consistent, predictable layout

People with hearing disabilities:

Watching a video with accurate captions
Following a presentation with real-time transcription
Receiving alerts through visual notifications or vibrations
Understanding announcements presented in text as well as speech

People without disabilities in everyday situations:

Pushing a stroller up a curb ramp
Watching a muted video on public transit with captions
Reading a sign in low light because of good contrast and font size
Finding their way in a noisy environment using visual wayfinding signs

When design is not accessible, people with disabilities are excluded.. They are excluded from daily activities, which can lead to a loss of independence or dignity. These barriers can range from minor inconveniences to preventing access to essential care.

Barriers can include things like:

Steps without a ramp or elevator
Websites that cannot be used with a keyboard or screen reader
Videos without captions
Overly complex language or instructions
Signs that are hard to see or read

Who is Helped

People with permanent disabilities

Accessibility supports people with a wide range of disabilities. These disabilities can be physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health. Many people with disabilities use assistive technology or equipment, such as wheelchairs, screen reader software, hearing aids, or canes.

People with temporary or situational challenges

People with and without disabilities benefit from accessible design. Examples include:

A person with a broken leg using an elevator
A parent pushing a stroller up a ramp
A commuter on a train watching a video on mute using captions
A student reading in a second language who benefits from clear language and structure

Organizations

Accessible organizations build stronger reputations, reach more people, and are better positioned to attract and retain diverse talent. According to a 2018 Accenture study, companies prioritizing disability inclusion saw higher revenue, net income, and profit margins.

Prioritizing accessibility also helps organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations and reduces the risk of unintentional exclusion. Resources like EARN’s guide to accessibility for small businesses can help organizations understand both the business case and legal responsibilities.

Guidelines

Use these guidelines to make accessibility part of everything you do, be it buildings, websites, or documents.

Make Physical Spaces Accessible

Physical accessibility ensures people can enter, move around, and use a space independently and safely.

Examples of actions that support physical accessibility include:

Providing ramps, elevators, and automatic doors
Removing or reducing steps
Ensuring hallways and doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs or mobility devices
Including accessible restrooms
Posting clear signage in large print with good color contrast and Braille
Using non-slip flooring
Minimizing glare off surfaces

See Physical Accessibility (Ta11y) for more guidance.

Make Digital Content Accessible

Digital accessibility means that websites, apps, documents, and digital services are usable by everyone.

Examples of actions that support digital accessibility include:

Using headings and structure to organize content
Writing in plain language
Providing text alternatives for images and media
Ensuring keyboard navigation is possible
Avoiding flashing content
Providing ample time to complete tasks
Using accessible colors, fonts, and spacing

Make Communications Accessible

Clear and inclusive communication helps people understand information.

Examples of actions that support accessible communications include:

Using plain language
Avoiding jargon
Using inclusive language that respects people’s identities and experiences
Captioning videos and providing transcripts for audio content
Describing images and visual content with alternative text (“alt text”)
Offering multiple ways to contact or engage with your organization

See Writing Accessible Content (Ta11y) for more guidance. (Add the hyperlink when available)

Make Policies and Planning Accessible

Policies and planning are more accessible when accessibility is included from the beginning..

Examples of actions that support accessible policies and plans include:

Including accessibility in your organizational values and diversity statements
Budgeting for accessibility improvements in your projects
Including people with disabilities in your planning and feedback processes
Training staff on accessibility best practices

See Disability Inclusion (Ta11y) for more guidance. (Add the hyperlink when available)

Accessibility Check-in

Look at one thing you use, create, or share often. How could it be more accessible? Ask yourself:

Are you considering how someone with a disability might interact with this space, tool, or resource?
Can someone navigate it, understand it, and use it without needing to ask for help?
Is there a way to make it easier to read, hear, or move through?
Have you asked others for feedback—especially people with different access needs?
Are you willing to change your approach when you learn something new?