November 25, 2024 | Conny Misseeuw, Lead Designer and Thomas Ledoux, Lead Software Engineer at The Reference
By 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will redefine digital inclusion across the EU. This is not just about ticking boxes for compliance—it is about embracing a stronger, more inclusive digital future.
Every user deserves seamless access, and EAA is your gateway to provide just that. It represents a movement towards a more empathetic, human-centric approach to design, where every individual’s needs are considered and addressed.
EEA is a law applicable to the European Union for all digital products. WCAG, however, is an international standard focusing mainly on website accessibility.
WCAG has been around for a long time (WCAG 1.0 was first published in 1999) and has known many evolutions and versions. Now it is no longer just a recommendation. Under EEA law the EU requires all member states to comply with the WCAG 2.1 level AA standard.
My role as a web designer used to be focused on aesthetics and functionality. However, understanding the depth of the EAA standards has broadened my perspective. These new regulations encompass detailed requirements such as line-height optimization, the layout of active states, and precise sizing and spacing of clickable areas, sparking a comprehensive enhancement of how we approach web design.
While performing an accessibility audit for WCAG compliance, we uncovered numerous 'low-hanging fruits' — such as enhanced CSS for optimal font type, size, and wrap balance; improved color contrast; more clearly structured whitespace; and redefined clickability of elements.
With these straightforward adjustments, the website's accessibility improved significantly, illustrating the tangible benefits of informed, targeted enhancements. Moreover, integrating AI to generate alt tags for images within your Content Management System (CMS) or commerce platform fortifies our commitment to making sure your digital platforms are top-notch.
Navigating the requirements of the EAA and building WCAG compliance into your digital products demands a structured approach, consisting of at least 3 elements:
This structured strategy enables us to embed accessibility seamlessly into our workflow when building applications.
Ignoring the requirements of the EAA not only risks legal repercussions but also leads to isolating a considerable segment of the market: individuals with disabilities. This not only reflects poorly on a brand’s commitment to inclusivity but also translates into tangible business losses. This could potentially lead to financial penalties, diminished customer trust, and reputational damage—high stakes for any business operating in the European market.
Furthermore, non-compliance can also hinder your website's visibility in search engines. Adhering to these guidelines can boost your SEO ranking by making it easier for search engines to crawl and index your content, ensuring better online visibility and a more inclusive experience for all users.
We are dedicated to helping brands navigate the complexities of EAA And WCAG compliance. By initiating with a comprehensive audit, implementing short-term enhancements, and developing a long-term strategy, we prepare brands to not just meet but excel in adhering to these new standards.
Our agency's approach involves a collaborative effort among Front-End developers, UX designers and SEO experts to ensure accessibility is a foundational aspect of all digital offerings. We also have automated testing in place that runs during our development process, followed by thorough manual testing to ensure compliance.
While the path to full EAA compliance may seem challenging, with the right support, significant accessibility improvements are within reach.
Start today with evaluating your digital platforms. Together, we can make sure your journey towards EAA compliance not only meets the necessary standards but also sets new benchmarks in digital inclusivity and enhances user experience for everyone.
Prepare for the future by ensuring your brand meets accessibility standards and is WCAG compliant. Enhance your digital inclusivity - Get in touch with us, we would love to help you face your digital challenges.
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