The European Accessibility Act isn’t just another piece of legislation. It’s designed to make the digital world more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can use websites, apps, and online services. So, whether you’re designing a new website or maintaining an old one, you’ll need to make some changes to stay compliant.
Is the EAA a new law?
No, this isn’t a new thing. The European Accessibility Act was actually passed back in 2019, and member states have been implementing it since then. It all comes into force on 28th June 2025.
Why Should You Care About the European Accessibility Act?
It’s not just about following rules. Being accessible is good for business. By making your website easier for everyone to use, you’ll reach more customers, improve user experience, and boost your brand’s reputation. Plus, as the EAA will be enforced with potential fines and legal penalties, staying compliant could save you from costly consequences.
So, how can you get your website ready for the 2025 deadline without feeling overwhelmed? Let’s break it down into some simple steps that anyone can follow.
1. The basics: What does Accessibility mean?
At its core, accessibility is about making sure that everyone—regardless of disability—can use your website. This means considering people with visual impairments, mobility issues, cognitive disabilities, or hearing impairments. Sounds complicated? Not really! Think of it this way: you’re building your website so it works for everyone.
A good starting point is to look at the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). These guidelines give you practical advice on making your website easier for people with disabilities to use. Don’t worry—you don’t need to memorize them! We’ll cover a few simple changes you can make to follow the rules.
2. Start with simple fixes anyone can do
You don’t need to be an expert in accessibility to start making changes. Here are some easy steps you can take right away:
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Use descriptive text for images: Adding alternative (alt) text to your images ensures that people using screen readers can understand what’s on the page. Alt text is simply a short description of the image—nothing fancy. For example, if you have a picture of a coffee cup, your alt text might say “A steaming cup of coffee on a wooden table.”
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Test your colors for contrast: Not everyone sees colors the same way. Make sure the text on your website is easy to read by using colors that stand out from the background. You can use free tools like color contrast checker to make sure you’re following the guidelines.
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Make your links clear: Instead of using vague link text like “click here,” be more descriptive. For example, say “Download our pricing guide” or “Learn more about our services.” This helps everyone, but especially those using assistive technology to navigate your site.
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Ensure your website is navigable by keyboard: Some people can’t use a mouse and navigate websites using just a keyboard. You can test this by trying to use the Tab key to move through your site. If you can’t access all areas (like menus or forms), you’ll need to make changes.
3. Pick the right themes and plugins (it’s easier than you think!)
If you’re using WordPress, one of the simplest ways to ensure your site is accessible is by choosing a theme that’s designed with accessibility in mind. You don’t need to code or redesign anything—just pick a theme that’s built to meet accessibility standards.
On Envato market, you can find WordPress themes that have been specifically designed to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. These themes come with features like:
- High contrast colors
- Accessible navigation menus
- Built-in keyboard navigation support
- Screen reader-friendly designs
Need a little extra help? You can also find plugins like WordPress Accessibility Plugin – Readabler, which automatically fix common issues like missing alt text or hard-to-read text. They simplify the whole process, meaning you don’t need to be a developer to get things right.
4. Test your website’s accessibility (yes, there are tools for that!)
The best way to know if your website is accessible? Test it. Luckily, there are free tools that do most of the heavy lifting for you:
- WAVE: This free tool checks your website for accessibility issues and gives you suggestions on what to fix.
- Axe Accessibility Checker: A browser extension that scans your site for accessibility issues.
- Keyboard Navigation Test: Simply try using your site with only the keyboard (use the Tab key) to make sure all important areas are accessible.
Running these tests regularly ensures that your site stays compliant and user-friendly.
5. Why compliance benefits Your business
The EAA isn’t just about following the law; it’s about making your website a better place for everyone. Here’s why accessibility matters for your business:
- Wider audience: By making your site accessible, you’re opening it up to millions of potential customers who might have had trouble using it before.
- Better SEO: Accessible websites often rank better on search engines because features like alt text and clear navigation also improve search engine optimization (SEO).
- Improved user experience: Accessibility features like easy-to-read fonts and clear links make your site more user-friendly for everyone—not just those with disabilities.
- Avoid legal risks: With fines and penalties on the line, ensuring compliance will save you from unnecessary legal trouble.
Conclusion: Start small, make big changes
Preparing for the European Accessibility Act doesn’t have to be difficult. By taking a few simple steps—like adding alt text, choosing accessible web themes from Envato, and running accessibility tests—you’ll be on your way to building an inclusive, compliant website.
By making these changes now, you’ll not only meet the 2025 deadline but also show your customers that you care about creating a web experience that’s open to everyone. Explore all the accessible design resources on Envato Elements today and start making your website more inclusive for all!
