Why accessibility matters in 2024

Build inclusive and accessible baseline thinking for content creation and business strategy

It's the right thing to do

Designing content with inclusion and accessibility in mind promotes positive experiences and use cases for everyone interacting with your company. Plus it avoids lawsuits.

Web accessibility as a human right

Access to the internet is today so fundamental to participation in human society that the UN's human rights council released a statement in 2016 "stressing the importance of applying a comprehensive human rights-based approach when providing and expanding access to the Internet and for the Internet to be open, accessible, and nurtured".

"Brain-friendly" content benefits us all

Designing for inclusivity provides better experiences for us all. If you, as an able-bodied person, break your arm or get an eye infection, you might suddenly be grateful for the flexibility at the heart of accessible design to continue with activities you otherwise take for granted, like writing an email, or reading a research report.

The business risks of inaccessibility

The number of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits related to website accessibility nearly tripled from 2017 to 2018, surpassing 2,200. Leading pizza chain Domino's is currently in legal battles over the accessibility of its website to visually impaired people after the Supreme Court rejected the company's appeal for the case to be thrown out. A similar case cost retail chain Target a fine of $6 million in class damages back in 2008.

What is ADA compliance?

ADA compliance refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act [also known as ADA] Standards for Accessible Design, which states that all electronic and information technology must be accessible to people with disabilities.

Turtl content is hosted online, therefore it must be ADA compliant.

Companies in America as well as international businesses frequently use ADA compliance checklists, whether they are legally obliged to or not, as it ensures individuals with disabilities are not excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently because of their disability when accessible online content is readily achievable.

What does ADA or WCAG mean for your company?

What is it?	ADA (or American Disabilities Act) is a civil rights law that prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities in all areas of life, including with electronic and information technology.	508 refers to a federal law that requires federal agencies to maintain and use information and communications technology that people with disabilities can use.	WCAG is the most recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - a standard set of guidelines for creating an accessible website for people with disabilities.
Who is affected?	Local and state governments, Nonprofits, Businesses.	Federal agencies and departments.	Anyone can optionally implement it.
How is non-compliance handled?	Financial fines that increase for each occurrence, plus federal funding revoked.	Formal complaints or civil lawsuits.	N/A
So what's the difference?	Applies to the public and private sector.	Applies only to federal agencies/departments.	Serves as a reference for ADA or 508 compliance.