The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a directive introduced by the European Union to improve accessibility across digital services and products for people with disabilities. From 28 June 2025, any organisation offering services or products to EU customers must meet strict accessibility standards. This includes websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, ticketing systems, and digital documents.
The act mandates compliance with the internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Businesses failing to meet these requirements may face legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
Why The Act Matters
The Act has far-reaching implications. It represents a shift in policy where accessibility is no longer optional. Organisations that operate online and serve customers in the EU must ensure their digital services are fully accessible. This includes:
Failing to comply may result in serious consequences. However, meeting these standards brings positive outcomes, including improved usability, increased reach, and better customer retention.
The need for accessibility in digital services continues to grow. With an ageing population and more users accessing the internet through different devices and assistive technologies, it is essential that digital content works for everyone. Accessibility is not only a legal requirement, it is also a moral and commercial imperative.
Any business or organisation that provides services within the EU must comply, regardless of whether they are physically based in the EU. This applies to:
Website accessibility is now a legal obligation under the act. A simple accessibility audit is often the first step in identifying existing barriers and creating a roadmap for compliance.
This includes everything from retail platforms to digital subscription services. Even organisations with limited EU engagement must review their digital footprint to determine exposure. If customers or users in the EU can access a website or app, it falls under the scope of the legislation.
For example, a UK-based education platform offering online courses in English might assume it is exempt. However, if those courses are purchased by students living in Germany, France, or Spain, the service is subject to the act. Likewise, a small e-commerce store based in Manchester selling artisan crafts might receive orders from customers in Belgium or Italy, and must also comply.
Post-Brexit, many UK businesses assumed that EU laws no longer affect them. However, the EAA applies based on access, not location. If a digital service is available to someone in an EU country, it must comply.
This means any UK organisation that sells goods, delivers online services, or provides digital content to EU users is directly impacted. It includes:
Even if a site is written in English only, it may still draw EU traffic. Without the right protections in place, businesses may be exposed to legal and financial risks.
Website accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can navigate and use online services independently. This includes users with:
Accessible websites use correct semantic HTML, logical page structure, readable fonts, consistent navigation, descriptive link text, and sufficient colour contrast. These principles benefit all users, not just disabled ones.
By investing in website accessibility, businesses create a better experience for everyone. A well-structured site reduces confusion, lowers bounce rates, and improves conversion. Accessible design also improves device compatibility, helping users on mobile phones, tablets, and assistive tech.
An accessibility audit is a systematic review of your website or digital platform to assess whether it meets recognised standards. It typically involves:
An accessibility audit results in a report highlighting key issues, recommended changes, and priorities for improvement. It is a crucial part of achieving compliance under the EAA.
Audits can vary in scope depending on the complexity of the site. A typical audit covers templates, forms, interactive content, and downloadable resources. The final report provides a clear breakdown of urgent, moderate, and low-priority issues. This allows internal teams to tackle the most impactful fixes first.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard for digital accessibility. The EAA requires that websites and digital content meet WCAG Level AA at a minimum.
Website WCAG compliance covers four key principles:
These principles support people with a wide range of access needs. WCAG also includes success criteria that help developers and designers evaluate accessibility during and after development.
Many businesses choose to work with external specialists who understand how to apply Website WCAG to real-world projects. This is especially important when adapting legacy systems or platforms with complex functionality.
Complying with the European Accessibility Act brings benefits beyond legal protection:
Accessible design is not just about disability inclusion. It reflects good business practice, improved user experience, and higher overall quality.
An accessible website also improves engagement. Clear structure, readable text, and predictable navigation help users stay longer and find what they need. These outcomes translate into stronger brand loyalty and increased return on investment.
In the education sector, accessibility allows all learners to access materials without barriers. In the travel and tourism industry, it ensures booking and navigation systems are inclusive. For financial services, it helps customers manage accounts securely and independently.
Many organisations fall into the trap of thinking accessibility can be solved with a quick fix. Common mistakes include:
These approaches not only fail to achieve compliance but may also increase legal exposure. The European Accessibility Act requires meaningful, demonstrable progress toward digital accessibility. That means real changes to how content is created, tested, and maintained.
Automated tools can help detect basic errors, but they cannot tell you whether a screen reader user can successfully fill in a form or whether a menu is logical to navigate with a keyboard. That is why manual testing, especially by disabled users, is essential.
Manual testing uncovers:
Including disabled users in the testing process ensures that accessibility is measured by experience, not just code. This approach provides honest insight and gives businesses a chance to fix issues before they result in complaints or penalties.
Publishing a public accessibility statement shows that your organisation takes compliance seriously. It is not a legal disclaimer, but a commitment to transparency and progress.
A strong statement includes:
This document reassures users, regulators, and partners that accessibility is on your agenda. It also provides a buffer in the event of a complaint by showing that action is being taken.
For organisations unsure where to begin, the following steps can help:
This structured approach helps ensure that your efforts are aligned with the legal requirements of the EAA.
Start by identifying the digital assets that fall under the act. This might include your main website, customer portals, booking tools, or mobile apps. Each asset should be assessed and addressed according to its usage and risk.
We provide detailed accessibility audits that include manual testing by disabled users. Our team identifies issues that automated tools miss and provides a clear, prioritised action plan.
We also offer support with publishing accessibility statements and guiding internal teams through remediation. This includes follow-up testing, PDF accessibility checks, and reviewing updates for ongoing compliance.
If you need to achieve digital accessibility compliance for your website or digital platform, we are here to help. Our service is built around clarity, compassion, and a practical roadmap that gets results.
You do not have to face this challenge alone. With the right guidance and support, your business can meet its legal obligations, improve digital access, and demonstrate leadership on inclusion.
