2025 is a year of disruption and change – change in how we work and learn, digital dependence, face-to-face interactions and investor uncertainty. Corporate responsibility includes a balance of market fluctuations, marketing approach and investor support. Making sure that everybody has access to the same consumer or user experience needs to be part of this corporate responsibility and cultural strategy. Business leaders play a key role in this transformation. They have the ability to humanize the data research while addressing tangible issues that both benefit and improve consumers ability to participate and engage with your company. It means being accountable to a company’s stakeholders, investors, and the public to provide accessibility for everyone. A company with a strong commitment to address opportunity and corporate governance will be more conscious of their economic, social and environmental impacts on society.
The benefits of corporate social responsibility and accessibility for all
There is a plethora of benefits to developing and maintaining corporate social responsibility, from increased revenue to an enhanced brand reputation. Similarly, accessibility also provides benefits for companies that take the extra step to ensure that their communications are available to individuals and investors with disabilities.
Accessibility allows for positive experiences and interactions with your prospects and customers and could turn them into brand ambassadors for your company if they witness your commitment to meet their needs.
Enhanced digital strategy
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance is nothing new for the financial services industry. For example, ATMs generally include braille on keypads for visually impaired or handicap accessible buildings, but financial institutions are finding themselves under the microscope when it comes to ADA compliance lawsuits for their digital postings on their websites. If your investor demographics are over 30 years old – including Gen Y, Gen X and Baby Boomers, chances are very high that you have investors with disabilities. Your future plans should include:
- ICT: Information Communication Technology is any digital file used to communicate from one person to another.
- AT: Assistive technology allows for tools to aid in vision, hearing, mobility, neurological, and cognitive assistance. For example, text-to-speech, screen readers, magnifiers, special keyboards, etc.
- Accessible PDFs and universal design of documents gives everyone the ability to understand what is being presented within the environment that they find most comfortable.
- Allows for assistive technology interaction so that customers can understand the information without needing to utilize a call center and potentially disclosing their disability.
Leading the pack in ADA compliance
Accessibility standards have historically been a focus of companies that have federally funded programs because of the regulations and compliance regulated by the US Access Board and Section 508. Companies have a two-year deadline that is outlined in the April 2024 Federal Register for compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guideline 2.1, AA success criteria. Making today’s environment ADA important for all companies, regardless of industry, to make accessibility a priority. It involves tagging and remediating your PDFs or making sure your website is fully compliant
Adapt and accept new reality
Some companies focus their attention on the marketing mix and social media footprint. Others focus on their culture, product and customer base. When you think of your customer strategies, engagement, lead conversion and marketing productivity, don’t underestimate the power of accessibility. It can enhance your brand and company image while promoting a culture of corporate responsibility.
How Toppan Merrill can help
At Toppan Merrill, we are engaged with regulatory disclosure, regulated communication companies, and corporations. We can help you get started by remediating documents that provide that assistance to everyone.
We are differentiated by our credentials not only through our tenured expertise but also our industry-focused support teams that can simplify the process while controlling costs. Our operational team will take care of the technical components where accuracy is critical in ensuring your documents are ADA-compliant. Our service team guides the direction and coordination of efforts and always keeps your company goals in mind.
