What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.

As we enter 2025, the world continues to embrace the rapid evolution of technology. Digital platforms have become integral to people’s daily lives, whether they’re accessing information, shopping online, or staying connected with loved ones.

However, for millions of people with disabilities, navigating the digital world remains a significant challenge. This new year offers an opportunity to reflect on how we can make our digital spaces more inclusive.

Let’s make digital accessibility a priority in 2025.

Significant reasons behind the rising importance of digital accessibility!

Digital accessibility ensures that websites, apps, and other digital tools are usable by everyone, including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. It’s not just a moral responsibility but also a legal one in many countries. More importantly, accessibility benefits everyone. For instance:

• Improved user experience: Features like closed captions, voice commands, and keyboard navigation improve usability for all users.
• Wider reach: An accessible website can reach a broader audience, including aging populations or individuals in low-bandwidth areas.
• Enhanced SEO: Accessibility improvements like alt text for images and clear structure can boost search engine rankings.

Prioritizing digital accessibility – Mantra for business success!

As a user, I should never have to devote a millisecond of thought to whether things are clickable or not.

Making digital accessibility a priority doesn’t require a complete overhaul but a commitment to thoughtful design and inclusion. Here is how to start:

• Understand accessibility standards

  The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the gold standard for digital accessibility. It is important to familiarize teams with its basic principles, such as perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR). Aim to meet at least WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.

  Interestingly, WCAG standards are accepted and applied by many of the other countries as well.

• Audit the brand’s digital presence

  Conduct an accessibility audit of websites, apps, and digital content. Use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse to identify issues, and partner with experts to address complex challenges.

  Involve people with disabilities in usability testing. Their insights can reveal barriers that might not be anticipated by brands. However, the information can be a real game-changer because businesses can leverage it to create inclusive solutions.

  2025 will require more real yet impactful actions to fill the gap between users and digital content. Thus, focus more on resolving challenges encountered by real users and inspire others to do the same.

• Design with accessibility in mind

  Incorporate accessibility into the design phase rather than treating it as an afterthought. Use high-contrast colors, ensure keyboard navigation, and provide text alternatives for images and multimedia.

  It’s always a wise choice to implement best practices from the beginning. However, remediating and maintaining existing digital products is no more optional now.

• Plan to utilize AI correctly

  AI is here to make transformations and 2025 will demand more from it. Artificial Intelligence gains its true power from the organizational data collected. And to leverage AI fully, organizing and utilizing this data is important. In 2025, the success of AI initiatives will depend on the quality of data they rely on.

  Thus, ensure the collection of clean and comprehensive user data to plan effective digital marketing strategies and achieve accessibility goals.

• Invest in training

  Educate the team about accessibility best practices. From developers to content creators, everyone should understand their role in creating inclusive digital experiences.

  If digital accessibility is crucial for an organization, they must invest in the right kind of training programs for their resources. It is crucial to understand that every resolution requires decisive actions to create meaningful changes.

• Commit to continuous improvement

  Accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. Regularly review and update the digital assets to ensure compliance with evolving standards and technologies.

  Keep updating with new enhancements coming in the web development platform to ensure the complete functionality of a digital asset. There are platforms such as Drupal with built-in accessibility features. If possible, switch to these efficient technologies and offer a frictionless experience to all users.

  Explore our PDF remediation services to ensure your PDF complies with accessibility standards such as ADA, WCAG 2.2, Section 508, PDF/A and PDF/UA guidelines and standards.

• Think about cybersecurity

  Previous years have taught that cybersecurity is one of the topmost requirements for digital assets, and when it comes to accessibility, it has no alternative. Organizations face expensive consequences if they neglect the security aspect of their digital assets.

  Moreover, now new regulations like updates to HIPAA’s cybersecurity, outline the need for proactive measurements specifically in healthcare industry. Other than that, PCI DSS, GDPR, etc. are some regulations for various industries to adhere to ensure secured websites and applications. Thus, partner with trusted web development vendors and implement all steps to ensure digital security.

The business case for accessibility

Beyond ethical considerations, digital accessibility makes good business sense. According to the World Bank, approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. Ignoring this demographic means excluding millions of potential customers.

Moreover, businesses that prioritize accessibility often see improved brand loyalty and reputation. By incorporating high impact digital accessibility practices, it is possible for organizations to position themselves in an era of innovation, agility, and resilience.

Resolution for everyone

Whether any size of business, a web developer, or a digital content creator, making digital accessibility a priority should be their agenda for 2025. By fostering inclusivity, they are not just adhering to legal requirements – they are building a digital world where everyone can thrive.

This new year, organizations should pledge to create a more accessible internet. After all, when technology is inclusive, it becomes a powerful tool for empowerment and equality. Let’s make 2025 the year that bridges the digital divide.

In a nutshell,

As we embrace new opportunities in 2025, let’s remember that digital accessibility is not just a resolution – it’s a responsibility. By taking meaningful steps toward inclusivity, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Our sincere efforts can mark this as the year of accessibility, innovation, and equity.

Ready to make digital accessibility a priority in 2025? With All in One Accessibility, creating an inclusive website is easier than ever! Enhance user experience, improve WCAG compliance, and reach a wider audience effortlessly. Start the year with a commitment to accessibility! Reach out [email protected] for more information.