Web Accessibility is More Important Than Ever: Prepare for the EU’s New Legislation in 2025
Web Accessibility is no longer just an ethical choice; it’s a necessity for businesses. In 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into effect, requiring a wide range of digital products and services, including websites and apps, to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
This legislative change marks a significant milestone in efforts to create a more inclusive digital world. But what does it mean for your business, and why is it so important to act now? Let’s dive into the benefits of updating your site to be web accessible and understand the background behind the new legislation.
A more inclusive user experience
One of the most obvious benefits of making your website accessible is that it enables more people to use it. Web accessibility is about removing barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing information and services online. This includes everything from ensuring your site can be navigated by keyboard to providing text alternatives for images and videos for users who are blind or have low vision.
When you make your website more accessible, you also improve the user experience for everyone. For example, clear, consistent navigation elements and well-structured content can help all users find what they’re looking for faster and more efficiently. This can lead to higher user engagement, longer visit times, and potentially increased conversions.
The background and purpose of the legislation
The upcoming EU legislation is the result of many years of work to promote equal access to information and services online. The legislation is based on the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an international standard for web accessibility developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The purpose of the law is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to access information and services.
The EU has set a deadline of 2025 to allow businesses time to make the necessary changes and ensure that their websites and apps comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This includes requirements to make websites and mobile applications more navigable, understandable, and robust for all users.
Exemptions for small businesses
It’s important to note that there are certain exemptions in the EAA for small businesses. Companies with fewer than 10 employees or an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros are exempt from the requirements of this legislation. However, all businesses, regardless of size, are encouraged to strive for accessibility to ensure their services are inclusive and accessible to all users.
Competitive advantages of web accessibility
Making your website accessible can also give your business a competitive edge. Companies that take the initiative to implement accessibility solutions early can stand out from competitors and gain a positive reputation as responsible and inclusive players. Moreover, web accessibility opens the door to a broader customer base. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. By making your website accessible, you can reach these potential customers who might otherwise have difficulty using your site.
Economic benefits
It can improve your SEO, as many accessibility measures, such as using proper HTML tags and alt text for images, also make your site more search-engine friendly.
Accessible websites also tend to have lower bounce rates because they are easier for everyone to navigate and use. This can lead to higher conversion rates and better customer loyalty. Overall, investing in web accessibility can result in increased revenue and customer satisfaction.
Social responsibility and brand reputation
Prioritizing web accessibility is also a demonstration of corporate social responsibility. It sends a strong message that your business values all customers, regardless of their abilities. This can strengthen your brand and foster loyalty among customers who view your business as inclusive and forward-thinking.
Collaborate with a web developer specialized in accessibility
Navigating the technical and design requirements needed to meet accessibility standards can be challenging. That’s why it can be a good idea to collaborate with a web developer who specializes in web accessibility. An expert can help conduct a thorough accessibility assessment, update your code, and implement the necessary changes to ensure your website complies with the legislation.
A professional web developer can also train your team and ensure that accessibility principles become an integrated part of your company’s digital strategy. By investing in expertise in this area, you can be confident that your business is well-prepared to meet upcoming legal requirements and reap the many benefits of an accessible website.
Web accessibility isn’t just an EU requirement; it’s an opportunity for businesses to improve their online presence and reach a broader customer base. By making your website accessible, you invest in a better user experience, higher customer satisfaction, and a stronger brand. With the new legislation taking effect in 2025, there’s no better time to start than now. Make web accessibility a priority and collaborate with an expert to ensure your business is ready for the future and contributes to a more inclusive digital world.
