Three Insights That Will Shape Accessibility Strategy in 2026

Author: Level Access

Digital accessibility isn’t an optional investment—it’s key to driving growth and mitigating risk. Here’s what leaders need to know to stay ahead in 2026.

The digital accessibility landscape is rapidly evolving. Global regulations are tightening, and artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating how organizations build and maintain accessible experiences. Understanding this shifting environment is essential to future-proofing your program.

Based on a survey of more than 1,600 digital experience professionals across the U.S. and Europe, the Seventh Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report: 2025–2026 provides the most comprehensive perspective yet on how organizations approach accessibility—and the results they’re achieving.

This blog offers a snapshot of key findings from our research.

Accessibility is a business imperative—not just a compliance requirement.

Organizations are increasingly recognizing that digital accessibility is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a competitive edge. In fact, 89% of professionals say accessibility is a competitive advantage. Our survey respondents widely report that accessibility drives measurable results, including improved customer satisfaction, stronger brand reputation, and revenue gains.

In short, accessibility is becoming synonymous with growth, innovation, and customer trust. And as they recognize its value, organizations are increasingly treating accessibility as a core part of their operations, backed by resources and governance. This year, 77% of respondents report that their organizations have a policy, budget, and accountable party for digital accessibility—three key markers of program maturity—up from 73% in 2024.

AI unlocks scale, especially for mature programs.

AI is reshaping accessibility work, enabling teams to work faster, more intentionally, and at a greater scale. AI-powered tools can now streamline issue detection and accelerate remediation; for example, by transforming lengthy audit reports into actionable takeaways. And intelligent solutions for builders have the potential to help teams shift from reactive fixes to proactive, embedded practices.

Our research reveals that organizations are embracing the advantages of AI. A substantial 82% of respondents say they’re incorporating AI tools into their accessibility strategies, with a large majority also considering AI capabilities when purchasing new digital accessibility solutions.

Notably, AI adoption is highest among organizations that already have some of the most important building blocks of accessibility in place—a defined policy, dedicated budget, and accountable leadership.

Why? Mature programs are focused on scaling impact, not just initiating it—and AI tools enable accessibility teams to accomplish more without additional resources. Mature programs are also more likely to have governance structures that ensure AI is used responsibly and strategically.

Leadership and learning are pillars of progress.

While intelligent tools are transforming accessibility operations, technology alone is not enough. Sustainable progress depends on executive leadership and continuous learning across teams.

Executive support is integral to impact.

Executive backing for accessibility not only helps teams secure funding, but also creates visibility and accountability. Respondents at organizations with “highly supportive” executives are 31% less likely to say they face budget constraints, 20% less likely to anticipate legal action, and nearly seven times as likely to link accessibility to improved revenue.

High-quality training drives proactivity and cultural change.

While executive engagement provides accessibility teams with resources and strategic direction, training plays a pivotal role in embedding accessibility into organizational processes and culture—driving real results:

• 95% of respondents at organizations with “highly effective” training say they address accessibility proactively, with 98% saying that accessibility is part of their corporate culture.
• Respondents with “highly effective” training are 29% more likely to link accessibility to improved user experience and 3.5 times as likely to report revenue benefits tied to accessibility.

Practical, role-specific training ensures accessibility knowledge permeates every function, from design and development to content and compliance. Together with strong leadership, education helps make accessibility a shared, sustainable discipline.

Explore the full report.

Want to learn how leading organizations are turning accessibility into a growth engine?

The Seventh Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report: 2025-2026 goes beyond the highlights shared here. Inside, you’ll discover:

• How organizations across the U.S. and Europe perform across key dimensions of accessibility maturity.
• The most common challenges accessibility teams face and how leaders are overcoming them.
• What differentiates the most impactful programs, from governance frameworks to cultural integration.

Explore the full report and get the insight you need to build a program that delivers measurable, lasting impact. You can also download a shareable executive summary here.

From compliance to competitive advantage

Once viewed primarily as a regulatory requirement, digital accessibility is now recognized as a core business capability—one that fuels innovation, strengthens reputation, and drives customer loyalty.

The findings from this year’s report underscore that sustainable success rests on three pillars:

• Governance that formalizes accountability and process.
• Technology that helps teams scale efficiently.
• Leadership and learning that build culture and capability.

At Level Access, we help organizations bring these elements together. Our Hybrid Intelligence solution combines an integrated platform, AI agents, and human expertise to helps teams build—and scale—programs that deliver measurable results.

Whether your goal is to reduce risk, improve user experience, or strengthen brand trust, we provide the tools and the partnership you need to make accessibility a lasting advantage. Ready to get started? Contact our team today.