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❌ You are breaking the law!

  • Writer: Samuel
    Samuel
  • Jul 3
  • 3 min read

In the rush to launch digital products, many companies overlook a crucial aspect of development: accessibility. But accessibility isn’t just about doing the right thing - it’s also the law.


If your web or mobile app isn’t accessible to people with disabilities, you could face lawsuits, government fines, or be barred from doing business with public institutions. In other words, ignoring accessibility is not just unethical — it’s illegal.

Let’s break down what that means.


Arrested for breaking the law!
Arrested for breaking the law!

Accessibility Laws Around the World

1. United States: ADA & Section 508

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including access to websites and mobile apps.

  • Legal precedent has shown that digital services are considered “places of public accommodation.”

  • Section 508 applies to federal agencies and contractors, requiring all ICT (Information and Communications Technology) to be accessible.

Real Case: In 2019, Domino’s Pizza lost a case when a blind user sued them because their app was not screen-reader friendly. The courts ruled in favour of the user.


2. European Union: European Accessibility Act

  • Applies to e-commerce sites, banking apps, public services, and more.

  • Requires compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1/2.2 by June 2025.

  • Non-compliance can lead to fines and market bans.


3. Canada: Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

  • Federal institutions and companies under federal regulation must remove barriers in digital services.

  • Enforcement began in 2021 and includes monetary penalties.


4. UK: Equality Act 2010

  • Requires all services — including websites and apps — to be accessible to people with disabilities.

  • Businesses can face lawsuits and reputational damage for non-compliance.


What Does Non-Compliance Look Like?

If your app:

  • Can’t be navigated with a keyboard,

  • Has poor contrast or missing alt text,

  • Doesn’t work with screen readers,

  • Has interactive elements without visible focus,

  • Requires users to solve visual puzzles to log in...

...then it likely violates multiple WCAG 2.2 criteria and puts your organisation at legal risk.


The Cost of Ignoring Accessibility

  • Lawsuits: Digital accessibility lawsuits under the ADA have skyrocketed — over 4,000 lawsuits filed in the U.S. alone in 2023.

  • Fines: Government entities can fine organisations that fail audits or compliance checks.

  • Lost Customers: Over 1 billion people worldwide have disabilities — ignoring them means excluding a massive user base.

  • Brand Damage: A lawsuit can turn into a PR nightmare and erode trust.


How to Stay Compliant

  1. Follow WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines

  2. Test with assistive technologies (screen readers, keyboard navigation)

  3. Audit regularly using tools like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse

  4. Include accessibility in your dev/design workflows

  5. Train your team on inclusive practices


Accessibility Is a Legal Requirement-Not a Nice-to-Have

Making your digital product accessible is no longer optional. It’s a legal requirement backed by real laws, real lawsuits, and real consequences.

But here’s the good news: accessible design improves usability for everyone — not just people with disabilities. It makes your product better, broader, and more inclusive.

Accessibility isn’t a feature. It’s a fundamental right. And it’s the law.


How can RADAPEX Help?

RADAPEX have successfully supported multiple Organisations to ensure they remain compliant. Contact us to see how we can help as part of your Digital Transformation journey.



 
 
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