Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2024
In today’s digital age, accessibility is no longer a nicety – it’s a necessity. On Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), we recognize the persistent barriers faced by over one billion people with disabilities worldwide who struggle to access information and engage with online platforms.
A recent report by WebAIM revealed some startling statistics: a staggering 95.9% of all homepages analyzed had accessibility issues according to WCAG 2 guidelines. This represents a slight improvement from 2023, but the overall picture remains concerning. The average homepage contained a concerning 56.8 errors, a 13% increase from the previous year.
The good news is that these barriers can be overcome. By implementing accessibility best practices, businesses can create inclusive digital experiences that benefit everyone. The recent adoption of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) further underscores the growing importance of digital accessibility. The EAA establishes a common set of accessibility rules for private sector companies, promoting greater access for consumers while streamlining compliance for businesses across the European Union.
Additionally, the much-anticipated update to the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – WCAG 2.2 – was released in October 2023. WCAG 2.2 builds on the previous version by further improving accessibility guidance for users with cognitive or learning disabilities, users with low vision, and users with disabilities on mobile devices.
Blog: The European Accessibility Act: What it Means for Your Business
Until now, the EU private sector has been largely unregulated when it comes to accessibility. This has changed with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and companies in the EU, as well as those in the UK and other regions that serve and sell to citizens in the EU, need to take note. The EAA was adopted by EU member states on June 28, 2022, with enforcement beginning in July 2025, making accessibility a direct and urgent issue for commercial enterprises to address.
In this post, we answer key questions about the applicability of the EAA, what businesses need to be aware of, and the benefits that will make this legislation a boon both for people with disabilities and the businesses that serve them.
Read the Blog: The European Accessibility Act: What it Means for Your Business
Blog: WCAG 2.2 Compliance: What You Need to Know
The W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard for digital accessibility, cited in accessibility regulations around the world. With a major update to the guidelines – WCAG 2.2 – launched on October 5, 2023, companies need to be prepared.
Indeed, any organization who considers inclusion to be an important aspect of doing business - or has websites subject to global regulations - such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), European Accessibility Act (EAA), or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) - will want to be aware of this update to ensure the compliance of all existing and future digital content.
Check out our blog post for the latest on WCAG 2.2 and what you need to do to comply.
eBook: The State of Website Accessibility 2024
The State of Website Accessibility 2024, produced by London Research in partnership with Crownpeak, explores how organizations are planning on meeting new accessibility regulations, what the benefits of working with an accessibility partner are, the drivers of web accessibility investment and more.
eBook: Web Accessibility Buyer’s Guide
The Web Accessibility Buyer's Guide highlights a global market of one billion people with disabilities, with a spending power of more than $13 trillion in annual disposable income.
A new report from London Research in partnership with Crownpeak helps you understand the benefits of better digital accessibility, with detailed advice about how you can find the right partner for your organization.
Need help with your accessibility initiatives?
Have questions about digital accessibility, or ready to dive in and get started? Whatever your accessibility challenges, we’re here to help.