42 Web Accessibility Statistics for 2025

The Importance of Web Accessibility

Web accessibility is not just ethical—it’s essential for user engagement and legal compliance.

1. 16% of the global population has a disability. Inclusive design is vital to ensure access for over 1 billion people. (World Health Organization)
2. 98% of websites fail to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. Most sites still fall short of accessibility guidelines. (WebAIM)
3. 68% of users with disabilities leave websites due to accessibility barriers. Poor design excludes a significant portion of the audience. (Pew Research Center)
4. 71% of users with disabilities say they would leave a site if it’s not accessible. Accessibility directly impacts user retention. (Click-Away Pound Report)
5. 85% of websites fail to provide adequate keyboard navigation. Many users with mobility impairments rely on keyboard-only interaction. (WebAIM)

Legal and Compliance Statistics

Accessibility is becoming a critical legal requirement for businesses.

1. 4,914 web accessibility lawsuits filed in the U.S. in 2024. Legal actions under the ADA and other laws are on the rise. (UsableNet)
2. 62% of businesses are unaware of accessibility legal requirements. Lack of awareness can lead to costly lawsuits. (Forbes)
3. 94% of lawsuits target retail websites. E-commerce sites are the most common offenders in accessibility violations. (Accessibility.com)
4. ADA compliance reduces the risk of lawsuits by 60%. Proactively addressing accessibility issues is a smart business move. (UsableNet)
5. EU’s Web Accessibility Directive impacts over 1 million websites. Global legislation is increasingly enforcing digital inclusivity. (European Commission)

Benefits of Web Accessibility

Accessible websites provide advantages beyond compliance, improving user experience and business outcomes.

1. Accessible websites see 12% higher traffic. Inclusive design broadens the audience and improves engagement. (Forrester)
2. Improved accessibility boosts SEO by 20%. Features like alt text and proper headings help search engines rank content. (Moz)
3. Companies with accessible websites see a 15% increase in customer satisfaction. Inclusive design fosters positive user experiences. (Statista)
4. 43% of customers with disabilities are more likely to shop on accessible websites. Accessibility builds trust and loyalty. (Click-Away Pound Report)
5. Accessible websites improve conversion rates by 35%. Removing barriers ensures more users can complete desired actions. (HubSpot)

Common Accessibility Barriers

Understanding and addressing barriers is key to creating inclusive digital experiences.

1. 89% of accessibility issues involve poor color contrast. Low contrast makes text unreadable for users with visual impairments. (WebAIM)
2. 70% of websites fail to provide alternative text for images. Missing alt text excludes users relying on screen readers. (W3C)
3. 85% of forms are inaccessible to assistive technologies. Poorly labeled fields and lack of error feedback create significant challenges. (Deque Systems)
4. Videos on 61% of websites lack captions. Missing captions prevent access for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. (WebAIM)
5. 56% of sites have inaccessible navigation menus. Complex menus create difficulties for keyboard-only and screen reader users. (Pew Research Center)

Mobile Web Accessibility Statistics

As mobile usage grows, ensuring accessibility on smaller screens is essential.

1. 58% of global website traffic comes from mobile devices. Mobile-first design must prioritize accessibility. (Statista)
2. 72% of accessibility issues on mobile involve touch targets. Small buttons and links are difficult for users with motor impairments. (Google)
3. Responsive design improves accessibility by 20%. Mobile-friendly layouts enhance usability for all users. (WebAIM)
4. 68% of users with disabilities rely on mobile devices for internet access. Ensuring accessibility on mobile is critical for inclusivity. (Pew Research Center)
5. 41% of mobile apps fail basic accessibility checks. Apps need the same level of attention as websites to meet standards. (Deque Systems)

The Business Case for Accessibility

Accessibility delivers tangible benefits for organizations across industries.

1. Businesses lose $6.9 billion annually due to inaccessible websites. Excluding users with disabilities leads to missed opportunities. (Click-Away Pound Report)
2. Accessible e-commerce sites see 15% higher sales. Removing barriers enables more users to complete purchases. (Statista)
3. 77% of organizations report increased brand reputation after accessibility improvements. Inclusivity strengthens brand trust and perception. (Forbes)
4. Accessibility improvements reduce bounce rates by 30%. Inclusive design keeps users engaged and exploring the site. (HubSpot)
5. 40% of businesses improve customer retention with accessible websites. Satisfied users are more likely to return and recommend. (Deque Systems)

Emerging Trends in Web Accessibility

Innovations and tools are making accessibility easier to achieve in 2025.

1. AI-driven tools automate 60% of accessibility fixes. Technologies like machine learning identify and resolve common issues. (Gartner)
2. Voice search adoption grows by 20% annually. Ensuring websites are voice-search-friendly improves accessibility. (ComScore)
3. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) usage increases by 35%. ARIA roles and attributes enhance screen reader compatibility. (W3C)
4. Dark mode support improves accessibility for 48% of users. Low-light settings reduce strain and enhance usability. (UX Design Institute)
5. Accessibility overlays adopted by 25% of websites. These tools provide real-time adjustments for individual needs. (WebAIM)