In 2024, the digital landscape witnessed significant developments in website accessibility, especially for small businesses. With a rising number of lawsuits and increasing public and legal expectations, digital accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. This post explores the trends, legal stats, and actionable steps small businesses in the United States and Canada should consider.
Surge in Website Accessibility Lawsuits in the United States
The United States saw a marked increase in website accessibility lawsuits in 2024. According to a report by UsableNet, over 4,500 ADA-related web and app accessibility lawsuits were filed—averaging 80 to 100 lawsuits per week. This represents a 42% increase from 2023.
Importantly, 75% of these lawsuits targeted small businesses with annual revenues under $25 million. The most common jurisdictions were New York (65% of cases), California, and Florida. Industries such as Consumer Durables & Apparel, Food & Beverage, and Retailing were among the most frequently targeted.
Legal Landscape in Canada
While Canada does not see the same lawsuit volume as the U.S., the legal framework is evolving. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires businesses—including small ones—to ensure their digital properties are accessible. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and reputational damage.
Businesses across provinces are being encouraged to adopt web accessibility standards, especially as more Canadian consumers and employees demand inclusive digital experiences.
Why Accessibility Matters for Small Businesses
With both regulatory and market pressures increasing, small businesses should prioritize web accessibility for several key reasons:
- Legal Compliance: Meeting standards like WCAG 2.1 can help businesses avoid lawsuits and fines.
- Improved User Experience: Accessible websites serve a wider range of users, including those with visual, auditory, or motor impairments.
- Better SEO: Accessible websites often perform better in search engine rankings, helping attract more organic traffic.
- Brand Reputation: Showing a commitment to inclusivity builds trust and strengthens brand loyalty.
Steps Toward Better Website Accessibility
To reduce legal risk and serve all users effectively, small businesses should consider the following steps:
- Conduct Accessibility Audits: Regularly test your website for accessibility issues using automated tools and manual checks.
- Follow WCAG Guidelines: Ensure your site includes features like keyboard navigation, alt text for images, and sufficient contrast.
- Hire Experts: Work with accessibility consultants or developers who specialize in WCAG compliance. Total WP Support can provide WordPress consulting to get started with your website accessibility efforts.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with new laws and guidelines in the U.S. and Canada to maintain ongoing compliance.
By proactively addressing website accessibility, small businesses can not only stay legally compliant but also improve user experience, build customer trust, and grow their digital reach. In 2024 we saw that accessibility is more than a legal requirement—it’s a smart business move and as we move deeper into 2025 we are continuing to see this uptrend in legal action and the importance of website accessibility continues to grow.
If you have questions about your website accessibility compliance we provide free audits. Please contact us for more information.