By June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will make it mandatory for websites and mobile apps in many industries to meet accessibility standards. This legislation isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or background, can access digital services. For businesses, this means addressing barriers that might exclude potential users. Whether you run an e-commerce store, provide financial services, or manage public resources, digital accessibility is essential.
Why Accessibility is Crucial for Your Business
The 2025 deadline is fast approaching, but accessibility isn’t just a box to check—it’s an opportunity to enhance user experiences and improve your digital reach. In Europe alone, one in five people lives with a disability, while many others benefit from clearer, more navigable online platforms, such as seniors and non-native speakers.
The benefits of an accessible website go beyond inclusion:
- Reach a Broader Audience
Inclusive design benefits not just people with disabilities but also seniors, non-native speakers, and individuals with temporary impairments. By making your services accessible, you open your doors to millions of potential customers. - Enhance User Experience
Features like keyboard navigation, clear layouts, and text-to-speech compatibility improve usability for everyone, leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention. - Boost SEO and Online Visibility
Accessible websites adhere to best practices favored by search engines, improving your rankings and driving more traffic. - Mitigate Legal and Financial Risks
Non-compliance with the EAA could result in fines, lawsuits, and reputational harm. By acting early, you avoid scrambling to meet the deadline and ensure a smooth transition.
What Does the European Accessibility Act Require?
The EAA builds on existing guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), focusing on creating accessible digital experiences for people with disabilities. Key areas of compliance include:
- Making navigation possible with a keyboard or assistive devices.
- Ensuring compatibility with screen readers.
- Providing sufficient contrast between text and backgrounds.
- Offering clear and consistent layouts to aid usability for all.
A Real-World Example: The Municipality of Oss
The Municipality of Oss provides a compelling example of what accessible design can achieve. Faced with outdated digital channels, the municipality undertook a complete website overhaul to ensure all residents—regardless of age, digital skills, or impairments—could easily access essential services.
Key improvements included:
- Keyboard Accessibility: Ensured users could navigate the website entirely via keyboard.
- Screen Reader Optimization: Made all content compatible with assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech tools.
- Clear Navigation and Search: Simplified the structure and added filters to help users quickly find relevant information.
These changes not only enhanced the user experience but also reduced reliance on in-person visits and phone calls, saving time and resources for both residents and the municipality.
Why You Must Act Now
The June 2025 deadline may seem distant, but achieving compliance with the EAA is a complex process. Waiting too long could leave you rushing to make critical changes, increasing costs and risking errors.
Here’s why starting now matters:
- Assessment Takes Time: An accessibility audit will identify compliance gaps, but implementing changes requires careful planning and testing.
- Stakeholder Involvement is Essential: Accessibility affects every aspect of your digital presence, requiring collaboration across teams.
- Early Adoption Pays Off: Beyond compliance, adopting accessibility early positions your business as a leader in inclusivity and innovation.
Take the First Step
Start preparing for the European Accessibility Act by scheduling an accessibility audit. This assessment will pinpoint areas for improvement and provide a roadmap to full compliance. Our team has extensive experience in this area, as demonstrated by our successful collaboration with the Municipality of Oss.
Want to Learn More?
Explore how we helped Oss create a more inclusive digital presence in our case study.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your accessibility audit today to ensure your business is ready for 2025 and beyond. Book Your Accessibility Audit Now!
