Accessibility isn’t compliance - it’s smart business

Elizabeth Shea, August 15, 2025

I often hear people complain that worrying about accessibility and accommodations can be very costly and problematic for the business community. In fact, the opposite is often true: when done right, accessibility initiatives drive innovation, strengthen culture, and open doors to new markets.

But how?

That’s where a Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO) comes in. A CAO ensures that accessibility is embedded in every aspect of the business—from digital platforms to physical spaces, from employee experience to customer engagement. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about unlocking value.

Accessibility means:
- Reaching a broader customer base
- Reducing legal and reputational risk
- Building products and services that serve everyone
- Creating workplaces where all talent can thrive

Not every organization can (or should) start with a full-time CAO. But the work can absolutely be done fractionally—bringing senior-level expertise to align strategy, operations, and culture around accessibility in a cost-effective way.

Accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It’s a business advantage.