15.05.2025: Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day
A11ySolutions
The Legal Urgency and Strategic Opportunity Behind Digital Accessibility
The countdown has begun.
On June 28, 2025, Spain’s Law 11/2023 takes effect for new products and services, directly transposing the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882).
Coinciding with today’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), A11ySolutions reminds private-sector companies that they must urgently prepare to comply with this legislation. The law requires private-sector businesses—from e-commerce stores to insurers, banking entities, and online travel agencies—to offer accessible digital products and services. Yet most remain unprepared.
This regulatory shift marks a watershed moment. For the first time, digital accessibility transitions from a recommendation to a legal obligation for the private sector, equating to existing requirements for the public sector. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to one million euros and the removal of the right to market non-accessible services.
But reducing digital accessibility to a compliance matter would overlook its true potential. Investing in digital accessibility is, above all, a strategic opportunity to expand market reach, enhance customer experience, differentiate in increasingly competitive sectors, and responsibly address inclusion.
An Underserved Market with High Potential
In the European Union, over 100 million people have some form of disability (Eurostat). In Spain, this figure exceeds 4 million, representing more than 8.5% of the population.
These citizens are also consumers with rights, specific needs, and clear expectations. Lack of accessibility in digital environments often creates entry barriers that exclude them from essential services and products—from banking operations to travel bookings or online shopping.
Contrary to common assumptions, this is an active, connected group with purchasing power. Recent studies show:
People with disabilities spend 30% more on tourism than non-disabled tourists, with an average expenditure per trip of €813.65 vs. €637.60 (Fundación ONCE).
Families with disabled members face an average annual additional cost exceeding €5,000, rising to €30,000 in severe cases (Fundación Adecco, 2023).
According to Nielsen, consumers with disabilities make more store visits and spend more per visit than the average consumer, though total consumption may be limited by structural barriers.
The data suggests a clear conclusion: we face a significant, underserved market with high potential for businesses capable of adapting their digital offerings and experiences to these needs.
What Does Compliance Entail?
Law 11/2023 mandates that new digital products/services launched after June 28, 2025, must be accessible to people with disabilities. This obligation spans multiple sectors:
E-commerce
Banking and insurance
Online transport and travel
E-book readers
Customer service platforms
Mobile apps and software
Communication and telecom services
Technical compliance follows the EN 301 549 standard, integrating WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines and adding specific requirements for hardware, software, digital documents, and other ICT environments.
What Happens for Non-Compliance?
Spain’s penalty framework includes:
Fines up to €90,000 for serious violations.
Fines up to €1,000,000 for very serious violations.
Suspension of public grants or subsidies.
Prohibition to market non-accessible products/services.
Risks extend beyond legal consequences. Reputational damage, customer loss, and the delayed cost of adaptation may have far greater structural impact.
A Profitable Investment: Accessibility as Competitive Advantage
Digital accessibility is not an expense but a strategic investment. Dariana Lago, co-founder of A11ySolutions, summarizes: “Timely adaptation not only avoids penalties—it’s a strategic investment. Digital accessibility improves user experience, expands market potential, strengthens reputation, and positions brands as leaders in social and digital responsibility.”
This is especially relevant in fiercely competitive sectors like e-commerce, digital banking, or online tourism. Here, an accessible user experience can determine whether a customer stays or leaves.
In countries like the UK or US, companies prioritizing accessibility report improved conversion rates, site retention, repeat purchases, and overall customer satisfaction.
Where to Begin?
Companies yet to start adaptation must act urgently. Priority actions include:
Digital accessibility audit: Identify barriers and assess current compliance.
Internal training: Equip design, development, and content teams in accessibility best practices.
Technical adaptation: Modify websites, apps, documents, and platforms to align with EN 301 549.
Establish permanent processes: Accessibility is not a one-off action but a standard integrated into the digital lifecycle.
Specialized digital accessibility consultants can accelerate and ensure this transformation. Their technical, regulatory, and strategic expertise is key to achieving real, sustainable compliance.
Beyond Compliance: A Collective Responsibility
Accessibility is neither purely technical nor legal. It is, above all, an equity issue. In a digitized world, digital inclusion is essential for full participation in economic, cultural, and social life.
Every inaccessible click is a barrier. Every poorly designed interface is an exclusion. And every company that acts is an opportunity to transform this reality.
This May 15th, on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), organizations must ask: Are we building a web truly for everyone? Or are we leaving out millions with talent, ideas, and purchasing power?
The answer will define not only our market position but our contribution to a fairer, more sustainable economy.