Digital Accessibility in 2025: Get your business ready

Digital Accessibility is becoming increasingly important

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into effect in 2025, digital accessibility will soon be a legal requirement for many businesses. But what exactly does this mean? Which companies need to comply? And how can you already start taking steps to make your digital platforms accessible? In this blog post, you’ll discover everything you need to know.

The European Accessibility Act: What is it and why does it matter?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European directive that will take effect in 2025, requiring companies to make their digital products and services accessible. The goal? To remove digital barriers for people with disabilities and create a more inclusive online environment.

Why is this so important? Around 80 million people in Europe live with a disability, and they face daily challenges in digital interactions. But accessibility isn't just relevant for them — websites and apps that follow accessibility guidelines offer a better user experience for everyone. Plus, well-structured, accessible websites are rewarded by search engines with higher rankings, while companies that fail to comply risk legal consequences, including fines.

Who needs to comply?

The impact of the EAA extends further than you might think. Companies across various sectors will be required to follow the guidelines. Think about e-commerce businesses that need to make their platforms accessible, or the financial sector, where online banking and payment solutions must be user-friendly for all. Public services must ensure their websites and online forms meet accessibility standards, and software companies must make sure their digital tools work seamlessly with assistive technologies.

In short: if your business offers digital products or services within the EU, you must comply with the EAA.

What needs to be accessible?

The law covers a wide range of digital elements, including websites, mobile applications, and online documents such as PDFs and e-books. It also applies to digital payment systems, streaming services, and self-service terminals like ticket machines. This means businesses must provide video subtitles, ensure compatibility with screen readers, and design easily navigable interfaces. The WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) serve as the key standard.

The core principles of digital accessibility

To meet the requirements, digital platforms must align with four fundamental principles:

• Perceivable: Ensure that important content is always accessible — for example, by providing text alternatives for images and subtitles for videos.

• Operable: Make navigation possible without a mouse, so users with disabilities aren't hindered by complex interactions.

• Understandable: Use simple language, predictable structures, and clear instructions to ensure a smooth experience for all users.

• Robust: Make sure your website or app functions well with assistive technologies like screen readers.

Why investing in digital accessibility is a smart move

Digital accessibility is much more than a legal obligation — it can also drive business growth. An accessible website or app means a broader reach, a better user experience, and higher conversion rates. Accessible websites are better indexed by search engines, boosting your SEO performance. Plus, companies that embrace accessibility strengthen their brand reputation and demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and innovation.

What you can start doing today

You don't have to wait to take action. Here are some concrete steps you can start implementing right now:

• Analyze your website with tools like Google Lighthouse, Axe, or WAVE to identify accessibility issues.

• Add alternative text to images and provide subtitles for videos.

• Check that your website has sufficient color contrast and is readable for users with visual impairments.

• Test whether your website functions properly without a mouse — all features should be accessible via keyboard.

• Avoid complicated jargon and keep your language clear and understandable.

• Implement ARIA landmarks to enhance assistive technology performance.

• Ensure your entire team — developers, designers, and content managers — is informed about accessibility guidelines from the start.

Get your business ready for 2025

The European Accessibility Act 2025 is a major step toward a more inclusive digital future. By investing in accessibility now, you won’t just comply with the law — you'll also boost customer satisfaction, SEO, and conversion rates.

🔍 Need help implementing digital accessibility? Our ICT consultancy team is ready to support you!