The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and ensuring accessibility for all users is becoming a fundamental aspect of modern websites. In 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into effect, introducing new requirements for website and online shop operators. What changes will it bring, and how can businesses prepare?
New Legislation and Who It Affects
The European Accessibility Act establishes rules for digital services and products to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and older citizens. This law applies to websites, mobile applications, and electronic services and will be enforced starting June 28, 2025.
Who is affected by the law?
- Online shops with an annual revenue exceeding 2 million euros.
- Providers of digital services, including online banking, booking systems, and streaming services.
- All websites in the public sector.
Who is exempt from the law?
- Small businesses (micro-enterprises) with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue below 2 million euros.
- Websites and apps that were not created or funded by the service provider before June 2025.
How to Ensure Website Accessibility?
Accessibility Requirements
The key principles are perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness, aligned with WCAG 2.1 standards:
- Alternative text for images.
- Keyboard-only navigation capability.
- Sufficient contrast between text and background.
- Options for text enlargement and color adjustments.
Solution Analysis: All in One Accessibility
To comply with regulations, the All in One Accessibility plugin provides an AI-powered solution for automated website accessibility.
Features and Benefits:
- Compliance with international standards: WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, ADA, Section 508, EAA EN 301 549.
- Quick deployment without coding skills.
- Automatic detection and correction of common accessibility issues.
- 23 features in the free version, including text enlargement, color blindness mode, and contrast adjustments.
Drawbacks:
- Automation may not cover all specific user needs.
- More complex websites may require additional manual adjustments.
Recommendations for Web Developers
- Implement WCAG standards during website development.
- Use testing tools such as Wave or Lighthouse to check accessibility compliance.
- Combine automated tools like All in One Accessibility with manual testing.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act introduces significant changes for digital providers. Websites and online shops should prepare in advance to avoid penalties and enhance the user experience for all visitors. Automated tools like All in One Accessibility can assist, but manual checks remain essential.
Early adoption of accessibility measures not only ensures legal compliance but also improves SEO rankings, increases user conversions, and enhances website accessibility for all audiences.