The countdown to the European Accessibility Act (EAA) enforcement has begun. For organisations operating in the digital space, compliance is no longer a future concern but a present priority. The question is not whether to act, but where to begin.
Here’s the steps you need to take to become compliant with this new regulatory framework.
1. Address high-impact user barriers
The most efficient approach to accessibility compliance starts with identifying and eliminating the issues that create the most significant friction for users. These include inaccessible navigation structures, unreadable text contrast, missing image alt text and interactive elements that are unusable via keyboard. These are major blockers for users relying on assistive technologies, and need to be addressed early in the process.
Resolving these issues first not only improves compliance, it enhances the experience for all users. Firms that prioritise screen reader compatibility, logical content order and clearly labelled form fields will see an immediate uplift in usability.
2. Audit and test early
Digital accessibility cannot be retrofitted efficiently. Organisations that invest early in accessibility audits and real-user testing are far better positioned to meet EAA requirements in time. Internal audits are a starting point. Third-party assessments provide deeper insights, especially when combined with testing by users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation.
Testing should be built into design and development workflows. By identifying issues before they reach production, teams can resolve them faster and at lower cost. Accessibility should be a shared responsibility across disciplines, not a specialist concern tagged on at the end.
3. Prioritise core user journeys
Compliance is comprehensive, but prioritisation is essential. Start with the journeys most critical to your users and business. For most firms, this means focusing on the accessibility of account registration, purchasing, login and support features.
An inaccessible payment process or unreadable error message at login is not just a usability problem, it’s a commercial and reputational risk. Fixing these flows first secures the highest return on accessibility investment and ensures business continuity under the EAA.
4. Build a sustainable framework
Meeting the EAA is not a one-time fix. Firms must treat accessibility as an ongoing discipline. That means investing in training, setting internal accessibility standards and embedding inclusive design practices. It also means selecting tools and partners who share your commitment to accessibility.
Embedding these processes now sets the foundation for long-term compliance. More importantly, it reinforces a mature digital strategy grounded in inclusion and sustainability.
Act now
The firms who lead in accessibility will meet regulatory requirements, build better products, reach wider audiences, and reduce risk across the board.
AccessPoint helps organisations prepare for the EAA with pragmatic, actionable support. Get in touch with our team today, and receive immediate accessibility support across your digital platforms.