From obligation to profit: accessible B2B software as a game changer
Inclusion and equality are no longer topics for the future – they are part of everyday life today. Accessibility is becoming increasingly important, especially in software development. While accessible solutions are widely accepted in the B2C sector and public institutions, the B2B sector often lags behind. Yet accessible software offers not only ethical advantages, but also tangible business opportunities.
Status quo and legal framework
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have established themselves worldwide as the standard for digital accessibility. In Germany, these guidelines must be implemented by June 2025 as part of the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). Public institutions are already setting a good example – even the Tagesschau news programme offers its news in simple language. Section 164(4) of Social Code IX also enshrines the right to a barrier-free workplace for people with severe disabilities. However, many companies in the B2B sector remain passive – despite the existing legal requirements and increasingly stringent laws in Europe. There is still a widespread belief that accessibility does not bring any real added value. But is that really true?
Economic opportunities through accessible software
Accessible software opens up access to new markets. In Germany, this affects:
- Around 1.2 million people with severe visual impairments who rely on assistive technology such as screen readers.
- Approximately 7.8 million people with severe disabilities, 11% of whom have motor impairments and require special input aids.
- 6.2 million people who rely on simple language or read-aloud functions.
- Around 8 million older employees who could benefit from accessibility tools.
These figures illustrate that people with accessibility requirements are by no means a small marginal group, but rather make up a significant portion of the population. In addition, there are people who are temporarily dependent on accessibility, for example after a stroke. Experts estimate that a large proportion of these people are able to work and are therefore entitled to an accessible workplace in accordance with Section 164 of the German Social Code (SGB IX).
Companies that consider accessibility from the outset avoid expensive retroactive adjustments – especially if legal requirements in Europe are further tightened in the future. Accessible systems also reduce training costs, facilitate reintegration and promote the hiring of people with disabilities. This increases the talent pool and reduces recruitment costs.
The ‘State of Digital Accessibility Report 2023’ shows that 73% of companies demand accessibility when purchasing software. Those who focus on accessibility now secure a clear competitive advantage. And don't forget: websites that are not accessible lose revenue. Users with accessibility needs leave 69% of non-accessible websites without comment. In the B2C sector alone, this caused losses of around £17 billion in the United Kingdom in 2019. The B2B sector also suffers significant losses in this area.
How companies can promote accessibility
To integrate accessibility in the long term, companies should take the following steps:
- Consider regulatory requirements such as the BFSG and WCAG as minimum requirements.
- Address the issue from the outset and raise awareness among all stakeholders.
- Conduct accessibility audits to identify weaknesses.
- Seek expert advice to implement solutions that are both effective and technically feasible.
Conclusion
Accessible B2B software is more than just a legal obligation. It offers tangible economic benefits, from opening up new markets to reducing costs and gaining competitive advantages. Those who focus on accessibility now not only strengthen their responsibility, but also their market position. In an increasingly inclusive world, accessible software is a strategic investment in the future.
Our experts are happy to assist you in all phases of your project to successfully master these challenges.
