As global regulations tighten, findings provide most comprehensive overview of how organizations in the U.S. and Europe are navigating digital accessibilityÂ
ARLINGTON, Va. – Nov. 14, 2024 – Level Access, the leading provider of digital accessibility solutions, in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict) and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), today released its Sixth Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report. With responses from more than 1,400 professionals across industries—and for the first time, including more than 500 decision makers from the European market—this latest report serves as the most comprehensive overview of how organizations around the world are approaching digital accessibility. It also offers critical insights into the factors driving successful digital accessibility programs, demonstrates the connection between digital accessibility and improved business outcomes, and illuminates the barriers organizations face when implementing digital accessibility at scale.
“We’re incredibly excited about this year’s findings, not only because they reveal widespread adoption of digital accessibility—with modern organizations in both the U.S. and Europe understanding its importance—but also validate that there’s a direct connection between digital accessibility and positive business outcomes. Business leaders are overwhelmingly acknowledging accessibility’s role in improved customer acquisition, customer satisfaction, and revenue,” said Ian Lowe, Chief Marketing Officer, Level Access.
According to the Sixth Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report, 89% of professionals say digital accessibility is a competitive advantage for their organization, 81% say digital accessibility has contributed to improved customer acquisition, 87% say it has contributed to improved customer satisfaction, and 75% say it has contributed to improved revenue.
Additional key findings from the 2024-2025 report include:
- Adoption of accessibility is widespread in the U.S. and Europe: More than 80% of all respondents say their organization has a digital accessibility policy, up from 72% in 2023. Notably, 86% of professionals in Europe report their organization has a policy, indicating that digital accessibility is now a mainstream consideration within the European market.
- Urgency around European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance is lacking: While 73% of all respondents, including those in the U.S. and Europe, are aware that the EAA applies to their organization, only 55% have begun taking action to ensure compliance with the law’s robust requirements (which extend beyond policy adoption). With enforcement beginning in June 2025 for any organization that has customers in the European Union (EU)—regardless of where they’re based—this discrepancy may indicate a gap between awareness and action, with organizations insufficiently prepared to meet the EAA compliance deadline.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation drive efficiency: Nearly 80% of respondents say that AI tools are an important factor in their purchasing decisions when buying new digital accessibility tools. And almost 90% say automated remediation—technology that finds and addresses common accessibility errors for the end user—can improve the efficiency of their programs.
- Accessibility is a growing requirement in digital product procurement: Additionally, 74% report that their organization requires documented proof of accessibility most or all of the time when purchasing digital products—an increase from 58% in 2023 that underscores the growing role of accessibility in business-to-business (B2B) digital product sales.
- Three key elements drive successful programs—policy, budget, and accountability: Respondents at organizations with an accessibility policy, dedicated budget, and accountable party—pillars of strong program governance—are 75% more likely to say executives are “highly supportive” of digital accessibility than those with some, but not all, of these elements. They’re also nearly 20% more likely to say digital accessibility has helped mitigate legal risk, and more than 70% more likely to say digital accessibility helped improve revenue.
- Challenges with portfolio management, competing priorities present barriers to progress: Respondents say that difficulty managing a portfolio of digital assets is the number-one challenge they face, followed by competing priorities and insufficient time to address accessibility issues.
“Digital experiences are becoming more complex, standards and regulations continue to evolve, and organizations are managing increasingly robust portfolios. Because of this, many struggle to sustain digital accessibility at scale,” added Lowe. “However, I believe our research can serve as a roadmap to success, with insights into how governance, executive support, training, and proactivity provide the foundation for impactful, ongoing digital accessibility practices.”
“This year’s report paints the most detailed picture yet of how organizations across markets and industries are navigating the current digital accessibility landscape—and the benefits they’re experiencing as a result,” said Christopher M. Lee, PhD, CEO of G3ict. “We hope the findings inspire organizations to prioritize accessibility not just as a regulatory necessity but as a strategic business advantage.”
Request the Sixth Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report.
For additional insights, register for Level Access’s November 20, 2024 webinar, “The State of Digital Accessibility: Analysis, Insights, and Action Items for 2025.”
Methodology
Level Access commissioned independent market research specialist Vanson Bourne to undertake the quantitative research on which the Sixth Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report is based. In July and August 2024, the study surveyed 1,403 professionals, including respondents from the U.S. and Europe, across industries ranging from information technology (IT) and financial services to healthcare and retail. Respondents held various roles, including executive leadership, design, development, and legal counsel.
About Level Access
Level Access has an unparalleled history in helping customers achieve and maintain compliance with the full scope of accessible technology regulations and standards including the ADA, WCAG, CVAA, AODA, EU directives on digital accessibility, and Section 508. Delivered through a comprehensive suite of software, expert services, and training, the company’s solution ensures customers’ websites, desktop and mobile applications, embedded software, gaming software, digital products, and electronic documents are accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit www.levelaccess.com.
About G3ict and IAAP
The Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict) is a nonprofit organization formed by leading industries, disability advocacy groups, and public organizations in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs to address the inequality and lack of accessible products and services for persons with disabilities. For more information about G3ict, please visit www.g3ict.org.
The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), a division of G3ict, has a mission to define, promote, improve, and diversify the accessibility profession globally. IAAP equips organizations to build a skilled workforce and develop accessibility maturity by providing certifications, professional education, solution-based tools, and subject matter expertise. For more information about IAAP, visit www.accessibilityassociation.org.
Media Contact
Ana Love
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ana.love@anthonybarnum.com
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