A few months ago I posted some interesting data on the commercial potential of the disabled market in the U.S. I think the next 2-3 years will bring a lot of change and attention to this market and the broader importance of other related segments as 3 major trends come together:
1. Section 508 and Universal Design initiatives expand beyond the Federal government
2. Increasing numbers of aging Baby Boomers going online
3. The 2010 Census
Since 2005, pretty much every Federal agency and all of their departments have made their Web sites Section 508 compliant. In case you’re not up on Section 508 compliance, it basically means that a Web site is built in such a way that it can be used just as easily by someone who is disabled (and their assistance technology like screen readers for the blind) as someone who is not. However, more and more non-Federal entities are embracing the basic tenets of universal design embodied in Section 508 requirements. The ITTATC defines universal design as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. I know we are seeing more and more clients request accessibility as a requirement during Web site redesign projects.
Another big trend that is increasing the market for accessible Web sites is the increase in the aging Baby Boomer population that is going online. In 2006, the leading edge of the Baby Boom generation turns 60. Moreover, 60 million U.S. baby boomers that will use the Internet this year (eMarketer “Baby Boomers and Silver Surfers: Two Generations Online,” Dec 2007) In fact, the over-60 online population will be a large and growing segment , going from 17.7 million Internet users in 2006 to 25.3 million in 2011. Considering that the 2000 U.S. Census found that 41.9% of adults 65 years and older identified themselves as having a disability, there is a growing mass market for accessible Web communications.
Finally, the 2010 Census will undoubtedly bring to the forefront fresh new data on both the disabled and aging populations, as well as their technology usage. What is now a niche area of communications and technology strategy will undoubtedly become a front-page story, with a mass of government and commercial organizations rushing to service this new “demographic” online.
These trends all point to need for organizations to take an integrated approach to their accessibility strategy now, that includes the disabled, the aging market, novice technology users and even non-English speaking audiences. Those organizations that start thinking and planning for this coming “wave” of information supporting the importance of universal design will be positioning to reap the benefits and expand their reach and/or customer-base.
To find out more about universal design and Section 508 compliance, check out a free Webinar by my agency making Web sites Accessible – http://webinar.sensisagency.com