The Cost of Inaccessibility

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3 piles of coins gradually decreasing

In the evolving landscape of digital publishing, the push for accessibility in ebooks is often cited as an ethical must have. By focusing on accessibility, publishers are fulfilling their obligation to provide equal access to content for everyone. But it is also true to say that publishers who overlook ebook accessibility do so at their own peril, facing significant financial penalties and irreversible damage to their brand reputation.

In today’s market, the cost of inaccessibility can have real-world consequences. 

Legal Considerations

The legal landscape surrounding digital accessibility has developed in many areas.  

 In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) suggests that inaccessible ebooks can lead to costly lawsuits. Some landmark cases have seen companies pay significant sums to resolve accessibility-related claims. 

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), imposes mandatory accessibility requirements for a wide range of digital products and services, including ebooks, sold within the European Union. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines, depending on the specific country’s enforcement.  

Similarly, Canada’s Accessible Canada Act (ADA) poses large penalties for accessibility failures, with some provincial acts, like Ontario’s AODA, imposing even steeper daily fines for corporations. 

These examples represent a growing wave of legal challenges that publishers must consider moving forward. The costs involved can include settlements, fines, legal fees, court costs, and the substantial time and resources needed to manage all of this. Proactive investment in accessibility can save publishers in the long run. 

The Business Case

Inaccessible ebooks effectively mean that publishers are actively excluding a significant portion of the global population. People with disabilities, along with their families and friends, represent a massive market segment with spending power. When ebooks are inaccessible, it naturally leads to lost sales and a reduced market share.  

Consumers tend to prioritize brands that suit their needs and requirements. Companies that neglect accessibility are not only failing to tap into a valuable market but are also potentially pushing these readers towards publishers who offer a better user experience. 

By making ebooks accessible, publishers offer their content to a broader audience, which leads, ultimately, to a healthier bottom line and a longer lifespan for the book . The business case is clear. 

Negative Effects on Brand Image

Another cost of inaccessibility is the damage to a publisher’s reputation. In today’s world, news of inaccessible products spreads rapidly through social media, advocacy groups, and online reviews. This damage can show up by: 

  • Negative Public Reputation: Being deemed as exclusive or discriminatory can severely impact brand image. 
  • Loss of Trust: Readers, particularly those who rely on accessible formats, develop a sense of trust and loyalty with publishers who consistently deliver inclusive content. Conversely, a lack of accessibility can shatter these relationships and consequent sales. 
  • Difficulty in Collaborative Partnerships: As accessibility becomes a greater focus for libraries, educational institutions, and other content distributors, publishers with a poor accessibility track record may find it harder to forge lucrative partnerships. 

Publishers who embrace “born accessible” workflows not only prevent legal and financial situations but also develop a positive brand image, developing loyalty and expanding their  market. Investment in accessibility isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about building for the future by laying the foundations today.

The DAISY Consortium is here to help you navigate your accessibility journey and to help you avoid the damaging effects that inaccessibility can have. Contact us to discuss how we can help and to learn about the free tools and solutions that are on offer.