Globally, over 1.3 billion people, including 54 million Americans—many of them older individuals—live with disabilities. This demographic reality represents significant market opportunities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, (CRPD), ratified by 192 countries, has created a global framework to promote digital accessibility, which has been widely transposed into national or regional legislation, such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

Yet, many organizations often miss opportunities to leverage existing accessibility features and solutions to comply with key market regulations, enhance user experiences, and boost competitiveness.

The M-Enabling Summit drives accessibility forward by fostering stakeholder collaboration, sharing good practices, showcasing innovations, and advancing inclusive solutions. As the leading global platform for discussing technological advancements, societal trends, and regulatory frameworks, it offers a unique space for professionals, innovators, and advocates to exchange ideas, share good practices, and explore advancements in digital accessibility and inclusive environments.

Market Drivers for Digital Inclusion

Based on current trends and projections for 2025

  • Fast-expanding demographics: 1.3 billion people with disabilities and aging populations worldwide living in increasingly digitalized environments.
  • Competition for personalized user experiences: Accessibility features are a key competitive differentiator, integral to improving overall digital experiences, benefiting all users in diverse contexts and situations.
  • Technological Advancements: Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and machine learning are at the forefront of innovation, driving impactful accessibility solutions such as augmented reality and AI-powered assistive devices.
  • Global Mobile Reach: The projected growth of mobile devices to 18 billion by 2025 highlights opportunities to scale accessibility technologies, particularly in regions dominated by mobile internet use.
  • Remote Work Acceleration: The rise of remote work continues to fuel demand for accessible virtual tools and platforms, making it a critical area for innovation and implementation.
  • Global Connectivity: Increasing internet penetration and affordability of devices are bridging the digital divide, creating opportunities to connect underserved populations and expand accessibility.
  • Accessibility Legislation: Enforceable compliance frameworks, such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), ensure inclusivity and equal access for individuals with disabilities.
  • Public Procurement Rules: Accessibility requirements in public procurement drive widespread adoption of inclusive digital practices, particularly in influential markets like the U.S., EU, Canada, and Australia.
  • Embedded Accessibility Features: Mainstream operating systems now incorporate accessibility tools, enabling developers to create advanced assistive solutions that were once unavailable.
  • Growing Influence of Accessibility Professionals: Accessibility professionals, such as those engaged with the IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals), are increasingly driving technology choices toward compliance with accessibility requirements.