What is the European Accessibility Act and who does it apply to?

The European Accessibility Act is an EU regulation that introduces new accessibility standards for products and services. Its goal is one thing: to make it easier for people with various limitations to function in digital and physical spaces. In practice, this means, among other things, creating websites, applications and sales systems so that they are understandable and convenient for everyone, regardless of their level of proficiency.

While it may seem that the topic mainly concerns offices or large corporations, the reality is different. The regulations will also cover smaller companies, including those operating online. If you offer products or services via the web - it is very possible that you will have to adapt. And it's worth doing not only because you have to, but also because it simply pays off.

What sites and services must meet the new accessibility requirements?

If your website or application supports sales, customer contact or provides content - you are on the list. Indeed, the new requirements apply not only to government portals, but also to commercial sites. Especially those that act as a store, booking system, communication tool or information source.

This means that e-commerce, education platforms, payment systems, online banking or shipping services - all of them will have to meet specific digital accessibility standards. And, importantly, it's not just about the look or structure of the site. It's the whole process that counts: from the first click, to the handling of forms, to the readability of messages.

Examples of regulated products and services

The list is longer than it seems. The European Accessibility Act covers computers, smartphones, payment terminals and ATMs, but also software, mobile applications, e-book readers or e-commerce services, among others. Online ticketing, booking platforms, electronic communication systems and retail banking services are also involved.

If your business relies on any of these areas - it's a good idea to start thinking about accessibility now. Implementing change doesn't have to be difficult, but it does require a thoughtful approach.

What companies need to adapt - not just corporations

The regulations apply not only to big brands with huge budgets. The obligation to comply with the new standards will also extend to smaller companies, distributors, importers, service providers and electronics manufacturers. In fact, if you sell anything online or offer any digital services, you're in the game.

Importantly - micro-enterprises may be partially exempt from some obligations, but that doesn't mean the topic doesn't apply to them. More and more customers are paying attention to accessibility and ease of use. And that means it's worth taking care of these elements not only because of regulations, but also out of pure business strategy.

The European Accessibility Act and the website - what does it mean in practice?

In practice, the idea is to make your site usable not only for those who can see perfectly well and navigate through it without a problem. It must be designed so that people with various limitations - visual, auditory, motor or cognitive - can also use it without frustration. However, this does not mean that it has to be completely rebuilt. Sometimes well-described buttons, logical content structure, color contrasts and correct navigation are enough.

If your site sells something, allows registration, login or sends a newsletter - it should all work in an understandable, intuitive and accessible way. The European Accessibility Act does not impose rigid solutions, but makes it clear that designing only for a select few is a relic.

The role of WCAG 2.1 standards - what do you need to implement?

The WCAG 2.1 standard is a set of guidelines that help make websites more accessible. They were developed by the W3C - and are the basis for many of the provisions in the European Accessibility Act.

In practice, it is about three things: that the user can do something view, understand and handle. 

These principles can be deepened by referring to the four pillars of accessibility that form the foundation of WCAG:

1. perceived - Users must be able to perceive information through the senses available to them. This means, for example, text alternatives to images, transcriptions of recordings, contrasting colors and responsive interface.

2 Functionality - All site functions must be accessible regardless of navigation. Key features are, for example, keyboard operation, avoidance of flashing content, focus visibility and understandable titles and labels.

3. comprehensibility - Both the content and mechanisms of the site should be clear and intuitive. This includes simple language, visual consistency, clear error messages and accessible forms.

4. robustness (compatibility) - The site must work correctly in different browsers and with assistive technologies. It is important to ensure that the HTML code is correct and to include information about the state of the interface.

Implementing these guidelines is often a collaboration of several people - and it's good to know that from the beginning. Content editors play an important role in organizing texts and building a logical hierarchy. But in many cases, you can't do without the support of a programmer either - especially where you need to fill in missing labels in forms, improve code semantics or adjust interface elements. This doesn't mean that everything has to be written from scratch, but sometimes it's worth digging deeper than just the content.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with EAA? Fines, inspections and brand reputation

Failure to comply with the new requirements is not just a regulatory issue. It's a real risk - and on several fronts. An entrepreneur who ignores accessibility rules can expect financial consequences, including administrative fines and restrictions on doing business. Then there's the possibility of complaints from users and scrutiny by relevant institutions.

But there are also less obvious effects. If your site is difficult to use, viewers will simply go elsewhere. And a brand image as inaccessible, exclusionary or outdated can be difficult to rebuild.

Well-groomed accessibility is not just about compliance. It's also about showing that you take all your customers seriously. And that's something that really counts.

How to prepare a site for the requirements of the European Accessibility Act?

Preparing a site for accessibility requirements is not a sprint, but a process worth planning well. It's best to approach it step by step - without panic, but with care. You start by looking at what's working, what needs to be improved, and where barriers might appear. Then you move on to implementing changes and testing. 

Just remember - time is running out. The European Accessibility Act will take effect as early as June 28, 2025., and it can take several weeks (or months) to fully customize a site, especially if it requires code changes. The sooner you start, the more peace of mind you'll have later.

Accessibility audit - where to start?

Before you start changing something, it's good to know what actually needs improvement. An accessibility audit is your first diagnostic tool. You don't need to hire a whole team right away - you can check many things yourself.

For starters, it's worth it:

• Examine color contrast - Doesn't the text blend with the background?
  
• Check the operation of the site without a mouse - Is it possible to navigate with the keyboard?
  
• Use an automated audit tool, such as Lighthouse or WAVE
  
• Take a look at forms and labels - Does each field have a description?
  
• Open the site on your phone and tablet - accessibility is also responsiveness
  

Such analysis gives you a picture of the situation and helps you set priorities. If something is limping badly, it's worth engaging specialists to look at the project with a more technical eye.

Design with all users in mind

This is not about creating "special versions" of the site. It's about allowing everyone to use it on their own terms. 

It is worth taking care of:

• Clear layout of content - logical hierarchy of headings and simple language
  
• Designations for interactive elements - buttons, links, menus
  
• Alternative texts for images and icons
  
• Proper font sizes and spaces between elements
  
• Avoiding "click here" messages without context
  

You don't have to sacrifice aesthetics. Rather, the idea is that appearance should go hand in hand with usability. And it is possible to combine the two.

Tools, checklists and help from an interactive agency

Well-chosen tools can save a ton of time. You don't have to look for a needle in a haystack - there are ready-made solutions that will tell you what to improve.

Worth testing:

• Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools) - Google's free tool that analyzes availability and performance
• WAVE - will show accessibility errors visually, without technical jargon
• axe DevTools - browser extension, great for developers
• Google Search Console - will check if your website loads correctly on different devices
• Color Contrast Analyser - Indispensable for checking the contrast of text against the background.
  

On top of that, you can use ready-made checklists (e.g., based on WCAG 2.1), which will guide you step by step through the most important points. And if you don't have the time or want to make sure everything works as expected - working with an interactive agency will be a hit. 

Why it's worth it. Business benefits of digital accessibility

Making your site accessible is not only a responsibility, but also an investment in growth. Instead of looking at it as a cost, it's worth looking at the bigger picture: more users, better brand perception, more trust. And while not everything can be converted into numbers right away, the effects can really be seen over time. Especially on the Internet, where every detail can determine whether someone stays on the site or leaves it.

Wider reach and better SEO

Sites that comply with accessibility rules are better indexed by search engines. Why? Because Google's robots, like users, like clear layouts, image descriptions, clear headings and correctly labeled content. In addition, accessibility increases usability - and that means lower rejection rates and more time spent on the site.

But that's not all. With accessibility, you also reach people who couldn't use your site before. And that's a tangible advantage - especially in competitive industries.

Social responsibility and brand enhancement

By showing that you care about accessibility, you also show that you care about people. It's a message that resonates much more strongly than many advertisements. Users notice things like this and appreciate brands that do more than just "meet requirements."

This builds trust and attachment to the company. Especially if accessibility becomes part of its identity, rather than a one-off action. In the long run, such an image attracts not only customers, but also partners and employees who want to be part of something meaningful.

European Accessibility Act - summary

Although the European Accessibility Act will take effect on June 28, 2025, it is worth knowing that not all sites need to be ready for that day. If your website was published before this date, you still have one year to bring it into compliance with the new requirements. However, new sites published after June 28, 2025, must immediately meet all accessibility standards.

Digital accessibility is no longer just a good habit - it is a real obligation that is beginning to have concrete legal and business significance. The European Accessibility Act poses new challenges for companies, but at the same time offers an opportunity for growth, greater reach and better customer relations.

Whether you're running an elaborate online store, a service site or a simple landing page, it's worth taking a look at accessibility now, before someone else does it for you. A well-designed website isn't just about regulatory compliance - it's also a sign that you're treating all users equally. And it's something you remember for a long time.