The Importance of Digital Accessibility for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities is crucial for today’s businesses.
According to the World Report on Disability published by the WHO and the World Bank, more than 1.3 billion people have some type of disability—16% of the world’s population.
“Disability results from the interaction between individuals with a health condition, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and depression, with personal and environmental factors, including negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation and public buildings, and limited social support.” — World Health Organization
In this context, it is essential that our digital platforms—whether websites, mobile apps, or online services—are designed to ensure accessibility for all users, without exception.
What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility for the inclusion of people with disabilities means adapting websites, applications, and digital content so that everyone can use them, including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
What does this principle apply to?
This principle directly affects:
- Websites and mobile apps.
- E-commerce platforms.
- Digital documents and electronic services.
- Public and semi-public sector institutions, including
- NGOs with public funding or of general interest.
- Religious institutions with social services.
- Foundations and associations.
- Religious, educational, and cultural publishers.
Why is digital accessibility important?
In Spain, 45% of people with disabilities face difficulties using digital devices. However, only 26.95% of websites meet AA accessibility, as required by European regulations, and just 15.70% meet level A. More than 57% are simply not accessible.
The solution: WCAG 2.2
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the W3C, are the international standards that ensure web accessibility.
The WCAG 2.2 version, in effect since October 2023, includes key improvements:
- Better navigation on mobile
- Support for repetitive tasks
- Improved accessibility for people with low vision or cognitive difficulties
The 4 fundamental WCAG principles:
- Perceivable: Information must be perceivable by everyone.
- Operable: It must work with various interaction methods, not just a mouse.
- Understandable: It must be clear and unambiguous.
- Robust: Compatible with current and future assistive technologies.
Levels of conformance:
- A (basic)
- AA (intermediate — the most recommended)
- AAA (maximum)
Accessibility Statement
This is a mandatory document that must be published on every public or institutional website and must indicate:
- The level of accessibility achieved
- Non-accessible content
- Improvements in progress
- Date of review
- An accessible contact to report issues
- Complaint procedure
This document must be based on a professional technical audit and follow official models, such as those proposed by the Web Accessibility Observatory (Spain and the EU).
What does it mean for your organization?
Legal obligation
It’s not just a best practice—it’s a legal requirement.
- In the U.S., the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) applies.
- In Europe, Directive 2019/882 y su transposición en España mediante la Ley 11/2023, en vigor desde el 28 de junio de 2025.
Strategic benefits
- Includes more than 1 billion people with disabilities
- Strengthens your commitment to institutional values and human rights
- Improves user experience and overall usability
- Optimizes SEO
- Increases credibility with donors, partners, and audiences
Practical benefits
Your website will be compatible with:
- Screen readers
- Keyboard navigation
- Screen magnifiers
- Voice recognition tools
An opportunity to communicate better
Adapting your website to accessibility standards is a strategic opportunity. It not only guarantees the right to digital access but also amplifies the reach of your message—especially in contexts like the Jubilee 2025, the Global Compact on Education, or humanitarian aid campaigns.
At La Machi – Communication for Good Causes, we support institutions that want to build a more inclusive, accessible digital environment aligned with their mission.
📩 If you’d like to know more, write to us at [email protected].
