Digital accessibility means designing and building websites so that everyone can use them — including people with visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.
In practice, accessibility ensures that individuals who rely on assistive technology — such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice control, or other adaptive tools — can browse, read, and interact with your website without barriers.
Making your website accessible benefits both your users and your business:
Digital accessibility is a federal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits businesses from excluding individuals with disabilities.
Although the ADA was originally written for physical spaces, courts and regulators now interpret it to apply to digital spaces as well — including websites and mobile apps. If your business serves the public, your website is considered part of that public experience and must be accessible.
Accessibility laws apply broadly to nearly every business that offers goods or services to the public, including:
If your website represents a public-facing business, it is expected to provide equal access. Ensuring accessibility not only meets legal expectations — it demonstrates your commitment to inclusion and a better customer experience.
Digital accessibility issues are now one of the most active areas of litigation for small and medium-sized businesses.
Industry reporting estimates that in 2023 alone, approximately 250,000 accessibility-related demand letters were sent to businesses. This demonstrates a clear trend: companies of every size are being pressured to ensure their websites are accessible.
Most businesses trying to become accessible turn to one of three common approaches: WCAG guidelines, accessibility widgets, or private development. Each has limitations.
WCAG is the global accessibility standard. However:
Widgets and overlays promise quick compliance, but:
Widgets create the appearance of accessibility, not actual accessibility.
Hiring private developers can improve accessibility, but:
While private development can help, it does not provide long-term protection or support.
To make accessibility practical for modern businesses, DAPEN.org created WBAG, the first accessibility framework designed exclusively for website builders such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and Webflow.
WBAG translates complex standards into clear, actionable steps that align with how modern websites are actually built. It allows businesses and designers to achieve accessible, user-friendly websites without needing advanced technical expertise.
Digital accessibility is now an essential part of operating a responsible, public-facing business. WBAG provides the first accessibility framework created for website builders, and WBAG Certification extends that framework into full Digital Accessibility Protection.
Every website should meet accessibility standards that support both users and businesses. With WBAG, accessibility becomes achievable, verifiable, and supported.
Make your website accessible. Protect your business. Promote inclusion.
