What is SaaS Accessibility?

SaaS accessibility is the practice of designing web-based applications so that people with disabilities can use them; the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set out how. When you have users with hearing, visual, physical, or cognitive impairments, it is important to include these features so that disabled individuals can use and understand the software.

In the SaaS digital landscape, software providers need to offer equal opportunities and ensure inclusivity, regardless of abilities.

In many cases, the company’s software needs to be compliant with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations. This depends on whether it’s considered a “place of public accommodation.” Such a business must meet the conditions of the ADA mandates, which state that it cannot discriminate based on disability. Therefore, ensuring accessibility within the software is required.

Keep in mind that your company may not need to comply with all ADA requirements. If that is the case, choosing to follow accessibility requirements demonstrates ethical business practices.

The ADA requirements for SaaS are general: the law does not provide an explicit web standard for businesses, although businesses available to the general public should ensure that their product is accessible (DOJ).

While Title II applies to government entities and not businesses, SaaS provided to government bodies is covered under the act: all web content, including third-party solutions such as payment gateways, should generally be compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA; for entities with 50,000 or more residents, from April 26, 2027 (ADA.gov). In all cases, ensure that you accommodate communication for those with disabilities.

While compliance is meeting the ADA’s minimum legal requirements, accessibility is considered a broader goal. Focus on designing inclusive experiences for disabled people. While both are important, SaaS accessibility means providing disabled users with a positive experience.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, otherwise known as WCAG, are made up of the four main principles below, which also guide accessibility in UX design.

• Understandable: All content should be simple, with an interface that allows users to easily comprehend everything.
• Perceivable: Both information and interface elements need to be presented in forms that users can perceive.
• Operable: Users can interact with the interface (navigation, forms, etc.)
• Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

WCAG and ADA compliance are on the same page, but they are not the same thing. Technical guidelines are very detailed in WCAG. The ADA is much broader and focuses on both effective communication and non-discrimination.

Outside the US, the European Accessibility Act has been in effect in Europe since 28 June 2025 for various consumer digital goods and services in the areas of e-commerce and banking (Bird & Bird). This act also applies to entities providing services located outside the EU if the services are provided in-scope in the EU, except for microenterprises providing in-scope services (CCPC).