There are three main arguments to why accessibility is important: because it’s ethically right, because it’s the law, and because it’s business savvy.
Ethics
When you make inaccessible work, you are denying access to people based on their disability. This can be not only hurtful, but inconvenient, making everyday life more difficult because you do not know whether you will be able to access the information and accommodations you need. Inaccessibility instantly makes someone feel unwelcome.
Legal
In the US, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act says that government institutions and organizations must meet accessibility guidelines. 1990’s Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that public and commercial facilities are accessible to everyone, and outlines exactly how to meet specific support needs. Not meeting standards can result in a lawsuit.
Business
Accessible work often overlaps with best practices, and adapts more easily to new technology and standards. Considering 1 in 5 Americans have a disability, inaccessible businesses could exclude 1 out of 5 potential customers. As WebAIM puts it, “There are 49 million Americans with disabilities. They control an estimated $175 billion in discretionary income. Of the 69.6 million families in the United States, 20.3 million have at least one member with a disability.”
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