With the upcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA) set to take effect in 2025, businesses operating in the EU must ensure their digital platforms meet accessibility standards. But where do you start? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA provide the foundation for making your website accessible to users of all abilities.
What are the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA?
Lets start with a topic we’ve already covered in previous articles; the overlap between good UX design and accessible design. To put this simply, building a more accessible experience also means implementing principles of universal design that improve usability for all of your users. A streamlined and clear user pathway helps to accomplish both of these goals simultaneously, as users are connected immediately with the information most useful to their visit. A rational and logical information architecture and display of content helps you build an experience that no only improves the user experience, but also directly helps disabled users engage with your organisation. A great “real world” analogy is that of curb ramps, which are initially installed for wheelchair users, but greatly appreciated by those using bicycles, prams, and shopping carts.
Accessibility and sustainability
WCAG is an internationally recognised set of recommendations for improving web accessibility. The WCAG 2.1 AA standard covers a wide range of accessibility barriers, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. It includes key principles such as perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness, ensuring that websites are navigable and usable for everyone, including those relying on assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard-only navigation. By reaching this standard, your organisation can ensure that every user can access and use your digital content.
WCAG and the European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark regulation designed to enhance digital inclusivity across Europe. Businesses that fail to comply risk legal and financial repercussions, as well as damage to their brand reputation. While the act applies to various digital services and products, it directly impacts websites, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps. Although the specific requirements of the EAA differ from one country to another, following WCAG 2.1 AA is the simplest and most effective way to align with these new legal requirements and ensure compliance before the deadline of June 28th, 2025.
Is my website accessible? Web accessibility testing
If you’re unsure whether your site meets accessibility standards, now is a great time to test your website for accessibility. Web accessibility testing involves a mix of automated tools and manual audits to identify and fix issues that could hinder users with disabilities. Some key areas to examine include:
- Keyboard Navigation: Can users navigate without a mouse?
- Alternative Text for Images: Do images have descriptive alt text?
- Colour Contrast: Is there sufficient contrast for readability?
- Form Usability: Are form fields labeled clearly and easy to complete?
The next step
At AccessPoint, we specialise in helping businesses meet digital accessibility requirements. Whether you need an accessibility audit, immediate remediation, or ongoing guidance, we can ensure your site is fully compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA and ready for the European Accessibility Act. Contact us today to take the next steps toward building an inclusive and compliant digital experience for all of your users.