Growth, growth, growth?
Businesses love talking about growth. They want more users, more customers, more revenue. Until it comes to accessibility – for some reason then they are happy to lose potentially millions of customers?
Let’s put some numbers on it. In the UK alone, the ‘Purple Pound’ (the spending power of disabled people) is worth £274 billion per year. Globally, that number climbs into trillions. And yet, most companies are leaving money on the table because their products, websites, or services aren’t accessible.
Facts
- 75% of disabled people and their families have walked away from a business due to poor accessibility. That’s lost revenue – pure and simple.
- The spending power of disabled people, their friends, and families is over $13 trillion globally. Companies that don’t consider accessibility are cutting themselves off from a huge market.
- Legal risks are rising. Accessibility lawsuits are increasing, especially in the US, where brands like Domino’s have been sued for having inaccessible websites. This year the EAA will also come into force and organisations that serve the EU are going to have to seriously up their game.
But really it’s not about avoiding lawsuits or ticking compliance boxes. It’s about making your business more successful. Companies that invest in accessibility don’t just avoid fines; they get more customers, better brand loyalty, and improved user experiences for everyone.
The bottom line? Exclusion is expensive. Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good business.