The European Accessibility Act Is Coming
What The Accessibility Act Actually Means for Your Website
IWith the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into effect this June, there’s a growing sense of urgency around digital accessibility — and rightly so. But there’s also a lot of confusion. Does it apply to all websites? What needs to be done? And what happens if you’re not ready?
Let’s break it down.
The EAA is aimed at improving access to products and services for people with disabilities across the EU. It covers a wide range of areas — things like online banking, e-commerce, transport ticketing, ATMs, and self-service kiosks. So if your organisation falls into one of those categories, there’s a legal obligation to meet accessibility requirements for both your physical and digital interfaces.
The EAA is aimed at improving access to products and services for people with disabilities across the EU. It covers a wide range of areas — things like online banking, e-commerce, transport ticketing, ATMs, and self-service kiosks. So if your organisation falls into one of those categories, there’s a legal obligation to meet accessibility requirements for both your physical and digital interfaces.
But no, it doesn’t apply to all websites. If you’re running, say, a public-sector body, you’re already covered under a different directive (the Web Accessibility Directive). And if you’re a small business outside of these regulated areas, the EAA may not apply to you directly — at least not yet.
That said, accessibility isn’t just a compliance issue. It’s about making your website or app work better for more people — and that’s something every organisation should be thinking about. The EAA is raising the bar across the board, and the direction of travel is clear: accessible digital experiences are becoming the standard, not the exception.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s what we’d recommend. First, audit your current site for accessibility gaps — things like missing alt text, poor keyboard navigation, or unclear focus states. If you’re working on a new build, involve accessibility from the beginning. It’s a lot harder (and more expensive) to retrofit later. And if you’re in a sector affected by the EAA, make sure you know exactly what’s required of you — the rules aren’t optional.
We’ve worked with public bodies and regulated organisations for years, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that accessibility done well isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating better digital experiences for everyone.
If you’d like help figuring out what the EAA means for your site, or just want a fresh perspective on accessibility, get in touch.