Organizations embark on digital accessibility for different reasons. We can think of these reasons as models. The Altruistic Model of Organizational Access, which we’re going to discuss here, is one model. There are two others:
Other Organizational Models of Digital Access
- Legal/Compliance Organizational Model of Digital Access: This looks at accessibility from the regulatory standpoint. An organization enters into this model to mitigate legal risk, manage legal complaints, and comply with government regulations. Accessibility doesn’t sustain under this model when the legal action is resolved, and priorities shift elsewhere.
- ROI Organizational Model of Digital Access: Considers the return on investment that including people with disabilities brings. Accessibility doesn’t sustain under this model when leadership lacks confidence in the data, or there is a lack of data, demonstrating the return.
This discussion of the Altruistic Model is a companion to the A Unified Organizational Model of Digital Access blog; however, it is also intended to stand alone. Let’s dive in.
The Impact of Altruisum
Making sure everyone is included is always the right thing to do. We all learned this when we were young. As a business, this notion can have a profound impact on the organization, its employees, and how the market views the business.
The impact on business goes beyond the anecdotal. There are several studies that show inclusive business is better business. For example, a 2025 study analyzed 2022 U.S. Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey data and found that DEIA programs – including accessibility – had a positive effect on employee satisfaction. Employees with disabilities showed a significant increase in satisfaction. Often, this impact is not understood by everyone, which is one reason this model is brittle.
Market Perception
The perception of the business extends far beyond the company’s walls and is keenly noticed by the market. When organizations prioritize digital accessibility, it creates higher trust, stronger loyalty, and an increased willingness to purchase. On the flip side, when people feel excluded, it has a negative impact. The Acquia 2024 Consumer Perspective on Digital Accessibility Report, a global survey of 1,265 users with disabilities, showed that:
- 62% would consider switching to a competitor with better accessibility
- 51% would actively seek alternative accessible options
- 42% would discontinue using the brand’s services
- 31% would tell friends/family, and 20% would post on social media, amplifying reputational damage
This all points to a feeling of injustice that comes from not being included, and it demonstrates that the feeling extends well beyond the excluded group, creating a ripple effect negatively impacting the market’s perception of the brand. Often, this impact, both positive and negative, is not understood by everyone, which is one reason this model is brittle.
Trailblazing
Moreover, when an organization embeds inclusion into its culture, it inevitably becomes an industry trailblazer for inclusion, further enhancing brand perception and reaching new audiences. It also positions the organization as a leader in its field. Through this leadership by example, it raises the standards and ethos in the field, creating a rising-tide-lifts-all-ships effect that everyone benefits from.
Why the Altruistic Model Falters
- Revenue-based activities become a priority, and accessibility is incorrectly seen as a nice-to-have.
- Changes in leadership or ownership deprioritize accessibility because they don’t understand the value.
- Attrition affects the employees or leadership who held accessibility as an organizational principle.
While we’ve dug into studies and the effects on business, it’s important to remember that this model is about humans doing the right thing and treating other humans with decency and respect.
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