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Using makeup shouldn’t require an Olympic medal in hand gymnastics
Sometimes just trying to open the packaging that makeup comes in is enough to cause frustration. Not to mention the fine motor coordination needed to hold the various tubes and wands and brushes while applying. It’s a struggle. But for millions of people with dexterity challenges, it’s a barrier. Here at Access Design Studio, we spend our days wrangling code to make the digital world a friendlier, more inclusive place. As a Certified B Corp, equal access is basically baked into our DNA. So when we see a massive brand bring that exact same energy to the physical world, we applaud. Looking at you, Selena Gomez and Rare Beauty. The Best Kind of Viral Selena originally designed Rare Beauty’s packaging to accommodate her own dexterity challenges from Lupus. She ditched the slippery plastics for soft-touch, matte finishes. She topped liquid wands with flattened spheres that actually give you something to
Beyond Resolutions: Why 2025 is the Year to Invest in Website Accessibility
As businesses prepare for a new year filled with ambitious goals and fresh initiatives, one priority deserves a permanent spot at the top of every strategy list: Website Accessibility. Beyond being a buzzword or a checkbox on compliance forms, website accessibility represents a powerful opportunity to drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. In 2025, website accessibility isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have. From evolving legal requirements to undeniable market advantages, prioritizing website accessibility isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about building smarter, stronger businesses that thrive in a rapidly changing world. Let’s explore why 2025 is the year for businesses to fully embrace website accessibility and the benefits that come with it. The Legal Landscape: Website Accessibility Compliance is Non-Negotiable Website Accessibility laws are becoming stricter worldwide, and governments are holding businesses accountable for creating inclusive digital spaces. Regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United
Busting Website Accessibility Myths: Part 1
Let’s be real: Most people think website accessibility is a boring “check-the-box” legal chore. They’re wrong. In fact, the myths floating around the digital space are actually preventing some of the world’s best mission-driven brands from reaching the people who need them most. We’re here to bust the ghost stories and get back to what matters—equal access for everyone. Myth #1: “Our target audience doesn’t have disabilities.” This is the big one. And it’s a total fabrication. Roughly 25% of adults in the U.S. live with some form of disability and have a frustrating experience using the web. Think: ADHD, dyslexia, autism, epilepsy, colorblindness, low vision, deafness and more. If you think a quarter of your potential supporters don’t exist, you’re not just missing out on impact; you’re leaving your community behind. Accessibility isn’t for a “niche” group—it’s for humans. Myth #2: “Ok, maybe some people with disabilities use our
Busting Website Accessibility Myths: Part 2
If you missed our brilliant Part 1 of Busting Website Accessibility Myths, do check it out. Here, we carry on with 4 more website accessibility myths to bust. Myth #5: “Overlays and ‘AI widgets’ make my site compliant.” Those little “dudes in a circle” icons you see in the corner of websites? They are a ratty band-aid, not a cure—and sometimes, they’re the band-aid that rips the skin off. Many screen reader users find these overlays intrusive or glitchy. Real accessibility happens in the code, not in a third-party plugin that tries to “mask” the problems. Myth #6: “Accessibility widgets are a ‘legal shield’ against lawsuits.” This is perhaps the most dangerous, and expensive in the form of a lawsuit, myth of all. Many companies buy these widgets thinking they are an insurance policy. They see the “ADA Compliant” badge in the marketing and think they’re safe from a “shakedown.”
Accessibility Lawsuits: It’s Not Just a “Trend” Anymore.
Digital accessibility isn’t a footnote. It’s a civil right. And if the latest data from our friends at UsableNet tells us anything, it’s that the legal landscape is moving faster than ever. We know you care about doing the right thing. But let’s look at why doing the right thing is also the smartest move for your business in 2026. The Numbers Are Talking (And They’re Loud) In 2025, we saw over 5,000 ADA digital accessibility lawsuits filed. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a message. While New York, Florida, and California remain the “hotspots,” the legal reach is expanding. If a user in any state can’t navigate your site, the courts are increasingly saying: “That’s not okay.” Physical presence doesn’t matter anymore; your digital storefront is your front door. The “Widget” Myth is Officially Busted Can we talk about overlays for a second? Those “one-line-of-code” accessibility widgets? They aren’t
It’s Official! Access Design Studio is now a Certified B Corp™
“We are a global movement working to benefit people and the planet.” –B Corp A Milestone for Digital Inclusion At Access Design Studio, our mission has always been clear: to create equal access to the web. We believe that an inclusive digital world is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Today, we are proud to share that our commitment to social and environmental impact has been verified—Access Design Studio is now a Certified B Corporation. What it Means to be a B Corp™ B Corp Certification isn’t just a badge; it’s a commitment to a different way of doing business. B Corps are companies verified by B Lab™ to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. For us, this certification is a natural extension of our work in web accessibility. Just as we strive to remove barriers for people with disabilities online, B Corp standards challenge