Why Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) matters more than ever this year

Today, May 16th, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).??

GAAD is an international awareness day that inspires education and advocacy around the importance of digital accessibility, helping foster a more equitable digital world for individuals with disabilities.

Here are my top three reasons why GAAD should matter to every organization:

1. First, more than 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. This is a huge addressable market for companies everywhere. The demand for inclusive online spaces will continue to grow exponentially.

Businesses and organizations with accessible apps and websites often enjoy higher traffic and brand recognition, particularly among individuals with disabilities.

2. Second, accessibility does not just benefit individuals with disabilities – it benefits all of us. For example, curb cuts were originally designed to help wheelchair users get onto sidewalks. Now, everyone uses them – skateboarders, supermarket customers with shopping carts, parents pushing baby strollers.?

In the same way, video subtitles help individuals with hearing impairments. They also allow students in libraries or commuters on public transportation to watch and enjoy video content, regardless of their environment.

3. Finally, global regulation is rolling out faster than ever. The US Department of Justice published new rulemaking under ADA Title II just a few weeks ago. The new rule requires state and local government agencies to make their websites and apps accessible using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards within the next three years.

Similarly, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will become effective by June 2025. Like the ADA Title II final rule, the EAA requires businesses to comply with WCAG 2.1. As we count down to the EAA’s enforcement, companies of all sizes and across all industries will be under the microscope. Even businesses outside the EU must align their products and services with the EAA’s accessibility standards to avoid the risk of hefty fines and reputational damage.

How can your business celebrate GAAD this year?

The best place to start in my opinion is building a culture of inclusivity in your workplace. A workplace needs to be inherently inclusive to all disabilities so that accommodations are accessible to everyone. Workplaces should strive to implement accessible design choices such as:?

• Access to an elevator where there are multiple levels
• Open and sufficient workspace for wheelchairs to pass through
• Designated parking spaces

Another key aspect of building a culture of inclusivity is ensuring that your company’s digital presence is accessible. The best place to start? Your website. Your site should follow accessible design principles and conform with WCAG success criteria.

One of my primary motivations at UserWay is to raise awareness of the importance of digital accessibility, and bring more people into the conversation about prioritizing accessibility. At UserWay, we work every day to build better accessibility products and offer more comprehensive solutions for organizations of every size and industry.?

Together, we will create a more inclusive digital sphere where accessibility awareness isn’t just celebrated every May – but is top of mind for the entire year.

Image description for article cover photo: Promotional banner for GAAD article. Main text reads: "Why Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) matters more than ever this year." Above this text are the official UserWay and GAAD logos. On the right side is a headshot of UserWay CEO Allon Mason against a blue and purple gradient background, with a stylized UserWay logo behind him.