What is digital accessibility really good for? Facts and Figures

In an increasingly digital world, the issue of website accessibility is becoming more and more important. A recent study by Capterra shows just how important it is for websites to be accessible to everyone - and the consequences for businesses that ignore this need. As a provider of digital accessibility tools, we at Eye-Able® want to show that accessibility is about more than just meeting legal requirements; it also opens up new opportunities for growth and engagement.

The dramatic consequences of not being accessible

The results of our survey of over 2,700 professionals worldwide, including 250 participants from Germany, reveal a clear trend. One of the key findings from the Capterra study: 74% of respondents said they had lost customers because their websites lacked accessibility features. This highlights the importance of identifying and addressing barriers early on - especially when you consider that digital accessibility is no longer just a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to increase reach and engagement with your target audience.

But it's not just about the risks of having an inaccessible website - it's also about the many positive benefits of having an accessible site. For example, the research also shows that 80% of businesses consider accessibility to be a high priority. And rightly so:

The benefits of an accessible website are...

1.Increased reach through improved SEO performance: An accessible website is a high performing website. Search engines such as Google prefer and reward accessible websites with higher rankings, which increases visibility and reach. According to the Capterra study, 39% of companies that have implemented accessibility features reported an improvement in their SEO performance.

2.   Better customer retention:An accessible, user-friendly website leads to greater satisfaction and user confidence, resulting in more repeat visits. According to the study, 53% of companies reported this effect.

3.   Improved social media performance: Satisfied customers are more likely to share their positive experiences on social media. There is also less negative feedback and complaints from users with disabilities or dissatisfied users who struggle with website layout and usability. 39% of respondents reported improved social media performance.

Digital accessibility is a legal requirement: How prepared are you?

From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will make accessible website design a legal requirement for many businesses and organisations. Preparing for this is still a major issue for many organisations. Just over a third of websites (36%) have already taken steps to comply with the EAA by the deadline. 42% have a plan but have not yet implemented it, while 14% have not taken any concrete steps.

Challenges in implementing digital accessibility

Implementing accessibility in websites and digital services can be a real challenge. Here are the top three most commonly cited issues:

- Complexity of IT and software: Digital accessibility guidelines such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are technically demanding. Correct implementation often requires in-depth knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. In addition, updating existing websites that rely on outdated technologies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Make sure you have a sustainable long-term plan in place that doesn't disrupt your usual workflow.

- Lack of awareness of accessibility needs: Many employees are not fully aware of how disabilities affect the use of digital products. In addition, the size and buying patterns of people with disabilities are often underestimated.

- Difficulties in demonstrating the value of accessibility: The benefits of accessibility, such as improved brand perception or increased customer loyalty, are often long-term and difficult to measure. The investment required for accessibility measures can be difficult to justify to decision-makers because the ROI is not immediately visible in monetary terms.

Key steps in preparing for the EAA

To ensure you're well prepared for the EAA, consider the following actions

- Identify all products and services that will be affected by the EAA.

- Understand the legal requirements and specific national laws.

- Carry out regular accessibility audits.

- Make the necessary technical adjustments to improve accessibility.

- Adapt internal processes and workflows to integrate accessibility from the outset.

- Issue a statement of compliance and document all actions taken.

- Monitor and improve accessibility on an ongoing basis.

My website isn't accessible yet. What can I do?

Don't panic, Eye-Able® is here for you! Our innovative tools make it easy and efficient to implement accessibility. Our solutions provide a quick and accurate way to identify and remove barriers on websites:

• Eye-Able® Audit scans websites for barriers and provides immediate solutions to ensure full accessibility.

• Eye-Able® Report provides a detailed overview of the accessibility status and documents all actions taken.

• Eye-Able® Assist allows users to adapt the website to their needs, improving the user experience for everyone.

Our solutions are developed in close collaboration with relevant institutions and people with disabilities.

AI-powered solutions: The future of accessibility

We are taking digital accessibility to the next level with our AI-driven solutions:

• Eye-Able® Ally is your personal AI-powered digital accessibility expert and advisor. It provides real-time solutions, answers questions and supports you with practical suggestions for improvement.

• Eye-Able® Easy Language AI simplifies complex content, making it easier to understand for everyone, especially people with cognitive disabilities.

• Eye-Able® AI Website Translation automatically translates website content into multiple languages, improving global accessibility.

A long-term gain

Ultimately, digital accessibility is a long-term investment. Companies that embrace accessibility not only strengthen their brand image, but also build a more loyal customer base, increase their reach, and improve their search engine and social media performance.

It's time to embrace accessibility as an opportunity and make the digital world accessible to everyone. Companies that act now will not only be compliant, but will also benefit from a better user experience, more customers and a stronger market position.

The future of digital accessibility

The implementation of accessibility on websites will be legally required by the European Accessibility Act in 2025. However, companies should start taking action now to avoid being left behind. Capterra's research shows that accessible websites are not only a legal requirement, but also a real competitive advantage.

The digital world is for everyone! Take the opportunity to make your website accessible and let's work together for an inclusive digital future. At Eye-Able® we're here to support you with the right tools to make your digital presence accessible to all. It's time to break down barriers and open up the web for everyone!