Who Needs To Care

Who Needs to Think About Accessibility?

Website accessibility is often associated with large institutions, but in practice, it affects a wide range of organizations.

As expectations around digital access continue to evolve, more businesses and public entities are taking a closer look at how accessibility applies to their websites and online services.

Public Sector Organizations

State and local government entities are generally held to the most clearly defined accessibility expectations.This includes:

  • Cities and towns
  • Public schools and universities
  • Police and fire departments
  • Libraries and public agencies

These organizations provide services to the public and are expected to ensure that those services—including digital services—are accessible.

Responsive website design displayed across desktop mobile devices indoors

Businesses That Serve the Public

Accessibility is also relevant for many private-sector organizations, particularly those that provide services to the public.This may include:
  • Retail businesses and e-commerce websites
  • Healthcare providers
  • Financial institutions
  • Restaurants and hospitality businesses
  • Professional services
In many cases, websites are considered part of how these services are delivered.

Organizations with Online Services or Transactions

Websites that allow users to:
  • Make purchases
  • Schedule appointments
  • Submit forms
  • Access account information
may face greater expectations around accessibility, since these functions are central to how users interact with the organization.

Nonprofits and Community Organizations

Nonprofits, associations, and community-based organizations may also consider accessibility, particularly if they:
  • Provide public-facing information
  • Offer services or programs
  • Accept donations online
Accessibility can play a role in ensuring that these services are available to a broader audience.

Smaller Local Businesses

For smaller businesses, accessibility can be less clearly defined but still relevant.

Even if a business operates locally or has a limited online presence, its website may still be viewed as part of its public-facing services.

As a result, some smaller organizations are choosing to take a proactive approach to accessibility, even where requirements are not always clearly defined.

A Changing Landscape

Accessibility expectations are not static. They continue to evolve based on:

  • Legal developments
  • Regulatory guidance
  • Industry practices
  • Increased public awareness

Because of this, organizations that previously did not consider accessibility may now find it worthwhile to review their websites and digital content.

A Practical Perspective

Rather than asking whether accessibility applies in a strict yes-or-no sense, many organizations approach the question in terms of:

  • Risk awareness
  • User experience
  • Long-term usability
  • Organizational responsibility

This perspective allows for a more flexible and realistic approach as expectations continue to develop.

Important Note

This page provides general information about how accessibility may apply to different types of organizations. It is not legal advice and should not be interpreted as a definitive statement of legal requirements.