Yes to Access

In India’s rapidly evolving economy, accessibility is shifting from a corporate social responsibility checkbox to a strategic business imperative. With over 70 million people with disabilities—nearly 6% of the population—companies that embrace accessibility are discovering not just moral fulfillment, but measurable competitive advantages.

The Untapped Market Opportunity
India’s disability market represents a consumer segment with substantial purchasing power that remains largely underserved. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has raised awareness, but the economic opportunity extends far beyond compliance. When Flipkart and Amazon India improved their app accessibility features, they didn’t just serve existing customers with disability better —they unlocked an entirely new user base, including elderly users and those with temporary impairments.

Consider the numbers: accessible design benefits approximately 15-20% of any population when you factor in elderly users, people with temporary disabilities, and those in situational limitations (like viewing a screen in bright sunlight). In India’s digital economy, this translates to hundreds of millions of potential customers.

 Innovation Through Inclusive Design
Indian companies are discovering that designing for accessibility drives broader innovation. When Tata Consultancy Services implemented accessibility features in their products, they found that voice navigation and simplified interfaces improved user experience for everyone, not just users with disabilities. The “curb-cut effect”—where accommodations for disabilities benefit all users—is particularly relevant in India’s diverse market with varying literacy levels and technological familiarity.

Voice-based interfaces, initially designed for visually impaired users, have become mainstream in India’s multilingual landscape. Regional language support, large touch targets, and simplified navigation—all accessibility features—now serve users across rural and urban divides.

 Talent Acquisition and Retention

Progressive Indian companies are tapping into a highly skilled, motivated talent pool. Organizations like Accenture India, IBM, and SAP Labs India have demonstrated that hiring people with disabilities strengthens workplace culture and innovation. Studies show that inclusive workplaces experience lower attrition rates and higher employee engagement scores.

The cost of workplace accommodations is often negligible—many disabilities require zero infrastructure investment, especially in digital work environments. Meanwhile, the benefits include fresh perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and fierce loyalty from employees who find organizations willing to invest in their success.

Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates that government establishments and educational institutions meet accessibility standards. While enforcement is still evolving, proactive companies are staying ahead of regulatory requirements. As India’s legal framework strengthens, companies that have already embedded accessibility into their operations will avoid costly retrofitting and potential litigation.

Public sector undertakings and companies bidding for government contracts increasingly face accessibility requirements. Building accessibility into products and services from the ground up positions companies favorably for these opportunities.

 Brand Reputation and Social Impact

In an era where consumers—particularly millennials and Gen Z—align purchasing decisions with values, accessibility leadership enhances brand reputation. Companies like Mahindra & Mahindra and Wipro have leveraged their accessibility initiatives in employer branding and corporate communications, attracting both customers and talent who value inclusive practices.

Social media amplifies both positive and negative accessibility experiences. A single viral story about an accessible or inaccessible experience can significantly impact brand perception in India’s hyperconnected market.

The Path Forward

The business case for accessibility in India is compelling, but implementation requires commitment. Start with:

Digital accessibility: Ensure websites and apps meet WCAG and IS 17802 standards

Physical infrastructure: Make offices, retail spaces, and facilities accessible

Product design: Incorporate universal design principles from inception

Hiring practices: Actively recruit and support employees with disabilities

Vendor partnerships: Work with accessibility consultants and disability-led organizations and various companies involved in  manufacturing accessibility products

India stands at a critical juncture. As the world’s most populous nation with a booming digital economy, the companies that embrace accessibility now will not only capture market share but will also shape a more inclusive economic future. The question isn’t whether businesses can afford to prioritize accessibility—it’s whether they can afford not to.

The most successful Indian companies of the next decade will be those that recognize accessibility not as an accommodation, but as an accelerator of innovation, market reach, and sustainable growth.