Web Accessibility: How the European Accessibility Act Will Transform Digital Presence for All
The digital revolution has transformed the way we live, work and connect. But for millions of people with disabilities, the online world remains a challenging landscape to navigate. Simple tasks like buying products to booking meals, flights and tickets can become a significant challenge.
When nearly 96% of homepages are inaccessible, there needs to be a call to action for change. This has arrived in the form of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). By June 2025, the UK has committed to ensuring all websites, both public and private, adhere to this landmark legislation.
But what does this mean for organisations, and why should they care?
Understanding the European Accessibility Act
The EAA is a legislative measure to improve the accessibility of products and services across the European Union. This includes digital platforms such as websites and mobile applications.
The Act mandates that these digital products must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust for all users, including those with disabilities. It applies to any business in the private or public sector that:
- Has at least 10 staff
- Has a turnover above €2 million
- Trades in the EU
The EAA delineates a broad range of accessibility requirements for websites - most notably, that they’re compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers or captions.
The UK has recognised the importance of these standards and is committed to implementing them. This move not only aligns with global best practices but also underscores the UK's dedication to digital inclusion.
The impact on UK businesses
With the June 2025 deadline looming, the impact the EAA is having on UK businesses is significant. There are over 5.3 million companies in the UK, but a 2024 study by WebAIM reveals that 95.9% of homepages fail to meet WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.
Companies are simply miles behind where they need to be in terms of website accessibility. A monumental task lies ahead for them; millions of websites will need to undergo evaluations and potentially extensive modifications to meet the EAA standards by the deadline.
Action required: Steps to ensure compliance
To adhere to the EAA, businesses and organisations must start their journey towards web accessibility now. They can begin by:
1. Conducting accessibility audits of all websites and digital content using automated tools and manual testing methods. Identifying existing barriers is crucial to developing an effective action plan
2. Developing an accessibility roadmap based on audit results, outlining necessary changes, timelines and responsibilities. This roadmap should prioritise critical issues that significantly impact user experience
3. Collaborating with experts, stakeholders and individuals with disabilities, using their insights and experiences to guide the development of more inclusive digital solutions
4. Implementing accessibility features like alternative text for images, keyboard navigability and screen readers. WebAIM’s study found that low contrast text and alt text were the top two WCAG failure types, affecting 81% and 54.5% of websites, respectively
Central to this initiative is the recognition that accessibility isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. Regular testing and updates are crucial for maintaining compliance over a website’s lifetime, and these updates must be informed by user feedback.
Training staff on accessibility principles and practices is equally important. An organisational culture that values and understands accessibility will ensure long-term adherence to the EAA.
Consequences of non-compliance
Failing to meet the EAA standards carries significant consequences, the most obvious being legal repercussions. Non-compliant organisations can expect fines and legal actions, damaging their reputation and financial standing.
Beyond legal consequences, and perhaps even more damaging to their reputation, non-compliant organisations risk being seen as a company without a conscience. Digital exclusion alienates a significant portion of the population - nearly 13.5 million disabled people live in the UK, and 73% of them experience barriers on 25% of websites they visit.
Excluding these users from digital services not only denies them equal opportunities, it also disregards their potential as customers.
It’s important to remember that web accessibility enhances the user experience for everyone. Accessible design leads to cleaner and faster websites, benefitting all users. It also improves search engine optimisation (SEO), broadening reach and visibility. Non-compliance means falling behind in these crucial areas, leading to decreased website traffic and higher bounce rates.
A moral and business imperative
Web accessibility shouldn’t just be seen as a legal obligation; it’s a moral and business imperative. Digital inclusion fosters innovation, enhances brand reputation and opens up new markets. It’s about creating a digital world where everyone can participate.
The commitment to the EAA presents an opportunity for UK organisations to lead by example. By embracing accessibility, they can demonstrate their dedication to equality and social responsibility. This journey may be challenging, but the rewards are profound: a more inclusive society, a broader customer base and a digital landscape that reflects the diversity of its users.
As the deadline approaches, the question is not whether to comply with the EAA, but how swiftly and effectively UK businesses can transform their digital presence for the better. The future of the web is accessible, and it’s a future we must all work towards.
