Why Digital Accessibility Matters for Military Nonprofits

Jennifer Duncan
Dec 3, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 11

In the nonprofit world, every voice matters, every story has meaning, and every individual deserves equal access to information and opportunities. Yet, many organizations unknowingly create digital and physical barriers that prevent people with disabilities—especially veterans—from fully engaging with their mission.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about inclusion, connection, and delivering on your commitment to serve all members of your community. If your nonprofit supports veterans, service members, or military families, ensuring full accessibility across your digital content, events, and outreach efforts isn’t optional—it’s essential.The Reality: Accessibility Gaps in Veteran Nonprofit Engagement

Over 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability—and among them are 4.7 million veterans with service-connected disabilities including PTSD, vision or hearing impairments, and mobility limitations.

If your website, reports, events, or social media aren’t accessible, you could be unintentionally excluding the very community you aim to serve.

Common Accessibility Barriers

Websites that can’t be navigated using a keyboard or screen reader
PDFs that are scanned images instead of searchable text
Videos without captions or transcripts
Event registration pages that don’t work with assistive technology
Social media posts missing alternative (alt) text
Materials that don’t meet Section 508 or ADA standards

These issues create unnecessary obstacles for veterans and their families—hindering access to support, resources, and connection.

The Benefits of Accessibility for Veteran Nonprofits

Accessibility removes barriers—but more than that, it builds trust and deepens impact.

Here’s how accessible practices strengthen your mission:

Stronger Engagement: Inclusive content ensures veterans, families, and volunteers can fully participate.
Increased Donations: Funders are more likely to support organizations that prioritize inclusion and compliance.
Higher Attendance: Accessible events, both virtual and in-person, welcome broader audiences.
Legal Compliance: Meeting Section 508 and ADA standards minimizes legal risk and shows integrity.

Where to Start: Practical Steps Toward Accessibility

Website & Digital Content

Your website is the first impression for many. Make sure it’s accessible by:

Following WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines
Enabling screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation
Using descriptive alt text for images
Structuring content with proper headings and lists

Accessible Reports & PDFs

Many veteran nonprofits distribute materials digitally—ensure they’re usable:

Avoid scanned-only PDFs
Use tags for headings and reading order
Provide alt text for charts and visuals

Social Media & Email

Digital outreach should reach everyone:

Use alt text on images
Write hashtags in CamelCase (#SupportOurVets)
Use high-contrast visuals and readable fonts
Provide plain-text versions of emails

Event Accessibility

Whether it’s a webinar, fundraiser, or memorial event:

Offer live captions and ASL interpretation
Use accessible registration forms and platforms
Share slides and transcripts in advance
Ensure event visuals meet contrast and font size guidelines

Accessibility Builds Your Brand and Mission Impact

When your nonprofit demonstrates a commitment to accessibility:

You build trust with the veteran community
You expand your reach and engagement
You stand out to partners and funders who prioritize equity and inclusion

Partner With Us to Strengthen Your Organization’s Accessibility & Impact

Ensuring accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive, engaging, and impactful experience for all members, partners, and event attendees.

By partnering with Accessify Media LLC, you gain:

Expert guidance in making your nonprofit’s branding and content fully accessible and Section 508 compliant.
Seamless integration of accessibility into your digital strategy.
Higher engagement, stronger member retention, and a more inclusive reputation.
A competitive edge in hosting inclusive events and conferences.

Let’s work together to expand your reach, improve accessibility, and build a stronger military nonprofit.