Web Accessibility Standards are Changing – Is Your Website Ready?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark directive designed to break down digital barriers and create an inclusive online world. It sets mandatory accessibility standards for websites, apps, and digital services across industries such as banking, e-commerce, transport, and media.
If your business operates within the EU or serves EU consumers, failing to meet these standards could result in hefty fines, reputational damage, and lost customers.
So, what does this mean for UK businesses, charities, and web designers?
Web Accessibility and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Web accessibility ensures that websites, apps, and digital content can be used by everyone, including people with visual impairments (blindness, low vision, colour blindness), hearing impairments (deafness, hard of hearing), motor disabilities (difficulty using a mouse or keyboard), and cognitive disabilities (dyslexia, ADHD, learning difficulties).
Web Accessibility is guided by the international standard Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium.
By following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2), businesses can create digital experiences that work for all users—which isn’t just the right thing to do, but also great for business. An accessible website improves user experience for everyone, boosts SEO and search rankings, increases conversions and customer retention, reduces legal risks and ensures compliance.
Complying with the European Accessibility Act
While the EAA applies across the EU, it also affects UK businesses that trade in the EU (including e-commerce and service providers), provide services to EU customers, or Work with EU-based public or private organizations. If your business has more than 10 employees and an annual turnover above €2 million, compliance is mandatory. If you run a UK-based small business or charity that serves EU customers, you may also be affected. Even if you’re not legally required to comply, making your website accessible can enhance your reputation, increase customer trust, and open up new opportunities.
Small businesses and charities that are not exempt must align with the EAA’s requirements and ensure their digital platforms meet these accessibility requirements. If you run a small business or charity, you’ll need to make sure your product or service meets level AA of the WCAG 2.2 as a minimum. Various tools and guidelines are available to assist small entities in achieving compliance.
What This Means for Web Designers
If you design websites, accessibility should be a top priority. The EAA enforces compliance with WCAG 2.1 (soon to be 2.2) Level AA standards, which means designers must:
- Use proper alt text for images and media
- Ensure full keyboard navigation (no mouse required)
- Include captions and transcripts for audio/video content
- Choose readable fonts and colour contrasts
- Provide clear, structured content for easy navigation
- Test websites for accessibility using both automated and manual methods
Inclusive design is the future—and businesses that embrace it will gain a competitive advantage.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Ignoring accessibility isn’t just bad practice—it can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. This includes fines between €5,000 and €20,000 per violation, daily penalties up to €1,000 for continued non-compliance, lawsuits and legal costs, as well as loss of customers and reputational damage.
Beyond avoiding legal and financial penalties, investing in accessibility offers many benefits. It expands your audience. There are 135 million disabled individuals in the EU. It improves user experience, SEO, and customer satisfaction, and future-proofs your website against evolving legal requirements.
Web accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity, usability, and good business practice. An accessible website ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with digital content seamlessly. Prioritizing accessibility improves the user experience, boosts search rankings, expands customer reach, and fosters a more inclusive online world.
How to Prepare for the European Accessibility Act
The EAA comes into effect on 28th June 2025, but the sooner you act, the smoother your transition will be.
Audit your website for accessibility barriers, fix any issues that prevent users from navigating your site easily, ensure you follow WCAG 2.2 guidelines for web design best practices, and test your site regularly with accessibility tools and real users.
Need assistance? Grinning Graphics can help.
Conclusion – Web Accessibility and the European Accessibility Act: Make Grinning Graphics Your Web Accessibility Ally
The European Accessibility Act represents a significant step toward a more inclusive digital landscape. Web designers, small businesses, and charities will play important roles in this transformation. By prioritizing accessibility, you will be complying with impending regulations and also contributing to a more equitable society where digital barriers are minimized, and opportunities are accessible to all.
Ensuring compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming—we’re here to help.
At Grinning Graphics, we offer comprehensive web accessibility audits, upgrades, and maintenance services to make sure your website meets WCAG 2.2 and EAA compliance standards, works seamlessly for all users, and helps you avoid legal risks and fines.
Contact us today for an accessibility consultation. Let’s create a more inclusive web, together.
Web accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a step toward a fairer, more inclusive digital world. By making your website accessible, you’re protecting your business and creating a better experience for every visitor.
Make Grinning Graphics your Web Accessibility Ally.
