In today’s digital-first world, ensuring your SaaS (Software as a Service) platform is accessible isn’t just good business practice—it’s increasingly a legal requirement. With global legislation evolving and legal cases mounting, understanding the complex landscape of accessibility compliance has become essential for SaaS providers.
Why SaaS Accessibility Compliance Matters
Accessibility in software means designing products that people with disabilities can use effectively. For SaaS companies, this translates to creating interfaces, features, and content that accommodate users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Beyond the ethical imperative—which opens your product to the approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide living with significant disabilities—there are compelling business and legal reasons to prioritize accessibility:
- Market expansion: Access to the $13 trillion global spending power of people with disabilities
- Improved usability: Features that help users with disabilities often improve the experience for everyone
- Legal risk mitigation: Protection against costly lawsuits and compliance violations
- Brand reputation: Demonstration of corporate social responsibility
Key Accessibility Regulations Affecting SaaS Companies
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
While the ADA was enacted in 1990—before the modern internet—courts have increasingly interpreted Title III of the ADA to apply to digital spaces, including SaaS applications.
Key points for SaaS providers:
- The ADA applies to “places of public accommodation,” which multiple court rulings have extended to include websites and web applications
- No explicit technical standards are specified in the law itself
- The Department of Justice has consistently held the position that the ADA covers digital accessibility
- Notable cases like Robles v. Domino’s Pizza have reinforced that digital services must be accessible
According to UsableNet’s 2023 ADA Digital Accessibility Lawsuit Report, web and mobile app accessibility lawsuits continue to rise, with over 4,000 federal cases filed in 2023 alone.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The EAA represents Europe’s comprehensive approach to digital accessibility, with far-reaching implications for SaaS providers serving European markets.
Key points for SaaS providers:
- Full enforcement begins June 28, 2025
- Applies to products and services placed on the EU market after that date
- Covers “services providing access to audiovisual media services” which includes many SaaS platforms
- Requires conformance with specified accessibility requirements
Unlike the ADA, the EAA explicitly references technical standards, making compliance paths clearer but no less demanding.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
While WCAG is not legislation itself, it serves as the technical standard referenced by most accessibility laws worldwide, including the EAA and many ADA legal interpretations.
WCAG basics for SaaS providers:
- Current version is WCAG 2.1, with WCAG 2.2 released in 2023
- Organized around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)
- Three compliance levels: A (minimum), AA (standard), and AAA (enhanced)
- Level AA is generally considered the legal standard in most jurisdictions
The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative maintains WCAG and provides extensive resources for implementation.
Other Relevant Regulations
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
For SaaS providers working with U.S. federal agencies:
- Requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible
- Applies to products bought by federal agencies, creating procurement requirements
- Updated in 2017 to incorporate WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards
Country-Specific Legislation
Many countries have enacted their own digital accessibility regulations:
- Canada: Accessible Canada Act
- United Kingdom: Equality Act 2010
- Australia: Disability Discrimination Act
- Israel: Website Accessibility Regulations under the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law
Practical Steps to Achieve Compliance
1. Understand WCAG Requirements
Since most legal standards reference WCAG, understanding these guidelines is essential:
- Review the WCAG 2.1 guidelines
- Focus initially on Level A and AA requirements
- Pay special attention to keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and color contrast
2. Conduct an Accessibility Audit
- Use automated testing tools like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse
- Complement with manual testing by accessibility experts
- Include testing with actual assistive technologies like screen readers
3. Create an Accessibility Roadmap
- Prioritize critical issues that present barriers to basic functionality
- Develop a phased approach to addressing all identified issues
- Establish timelines that acknowledge both urgency and resource constraints
4. Implement Accessibility Features
Common areas requiring attention in SaaS applications:
- Form accessibility: Proper labels, error identification, and keyboard navigation
- Dynamic content: Making AJAX updates and real-time changes perceivable to assistive technology
- Multimedia: Providing captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions
- Responsive design: Ensuring accessibility at all viewport sizes
- Documentation: Creating accessible user guides and support materials
5. Develop an Accessibility Statement
- Publicly document your commitment to accessibility
- Outline standards you’re striving to meet
- Provide contact information for accessibility support
- Be transparent about known limitations and remediation plans
See our guide to creating an Accessibility Statement.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
The financial implications of neglecting accessibility can be substantial:
- Legal damages: Settlements in ADA web accessibility cases frequently range from $5,000 to $50,000
- Legal fees: Defense costs can easily exceed $100,000, regardless of outcome
- Remediation under pressure: Implementing accessibility as part of a settlement agreement is typically more expensive than proactive compliance
- Lost business: Particularly for B2B SaaS providers, as enterprise clients increasingly include accessibility requirements in procurement processes
Building Accessibility into Your Development Process
Rather than treating accessibility as a one-time project, successful SaaS providers integrate it throughout their development lifecycle:
- Design phase: Include accessibility considerations in wireframes and mockups
- Development: Use accessible coding patterns and component libraries
- QA testing: Incorporate accessibility testing into regular quality assurance
- Release management: Include accessibility criteria in release checklists
- Ongoing monitoring: Use tools to continuously monitor accessibility compliance
Conclusion
As digital accessibility regulations continue to evolve and enforcement increases, SaaS providers cannot afford to view accessibility as optional. By understanding the legal landscape, implementing WCAG standards, and embedding accessibility into organizational processes, companies can not only mitigate legal risks but also expand their market reach and enhance their overall user experience.
The path to full compliance may seem daunting, but approached systematically and with commitment, it becomes an achievable goal that delivers significant business value. Most importantly, it ensures that your SaaS platform fulfills the fundamental purpose of technology: to empower all users, regardless of ability.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about accessibility compliance and should not be construed as legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult with a qualified legal professional.