Website Accessibility in the EU: What Now? Staying Compliant Post-EAA Deadline
Accessibility Compliance in 2025:
You can still catch up and improve usability
Yes, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline has come and gone (June 28, 2025). And yes, your website should already be compliant. But if it’s not? You’re not alone – and you’re not doomed.
Let’s get practical and on why it is important and how to identify some common accessibility issues.
So, What Happens Now?
If your site isn’t accessible yet and you sell products or services via digital means in the EU, here’s the reality:
- Fines are real – up to €250,000 or more depending on the country.
- Public shaming is a thing – some regulators publish non-compliant businesses.
- Service suspension – yep, they can shut you down until you fix it.
But honestly? The bigger risk is reputational. Accessibility isn’t just a legal checkbox – it’s about showing up for everyone. And if your site’s a pain to use, people will bounce. Simple.
Already Compliant? Good. Now Keep It That Way.
Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a mindset. A habit. A regular check-in.
Here’s how to assess and maintain your site’s accessibility.
How to Assess and Prepare Your Website for Accessibility
The EAA sets out clear guidelines to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. Below are the key areas to focus on, plus tools to help you stay compliant.
Users should be able to perceive and understand the content on your site.
| Perceivable | ||
| Text Alternatives | Captions and Audio Descriptions | Adaptable Content |
| Make sure to provide text alternatives for non-text content, like images and videos. This helps users who rely on screen readers. | Ensure your videos have captions and audio descriptions. This makes your content accessible to users with hearing impairments. |
Design your content so it can be presented in different ways without losing information. This helps users with various disabilities access your content. |
Users should be able to interact with and navigate your site easily.
| Operable | |||
| Keyboard Accessibility | Time Management | Seizure Prevention | Navigation Aids |
| Ensure all functionalities are accessible via keyboard. This is crucial for users who cannot use a mouse. | Give users enough time to read and use content. Avoid time limits that could rush users. | Avoid content that causes seizures, like flashing lights. This is important for users with epilepsy. |
Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine their location on your site. Clear navigation helps everyone, especially those with cognitive disabilities. |
Users should be able to comprehend and use your site’s interface.
| Understandable | ||
| Readable Text | Predictable Behaviour | Input Assistance |
| Make your text readable and understandable. Use simple language and clear fonts. | Ensure your web pages behave in expected ways. Consistency helps users know what to expect. | Help users avoid and correct mistakes. This can be through error messages or helpful tips. |
Your site should work with current and future assistive technologies.
| Robust | |
| Compatibility | Standards Compliance |
|
Ensure your content is compatible with current and future user tools, including assistive technologies. This means using standard HTML and ARIA specifications. |
Follow web standards to ensure your site works well with various devices and technologies. |
Tools to Assess Accessibility
Regular checks are essential – especially after design or content updates. Leverage tools that are available include:
| Perceivable & Operable | Understandable & Robust |
|---|---|
| WAVE, Accessibility Checker, a11y Colour Contrast Validator, WAVE Browser Extension, NVDA, Keyboard Accessibility Checker | Lynx Browser, WAVE, Colorblindly, Accessibility Checker, W3C Markup Validation Service, Bureau of Internet Accessibility’s Free Website Analysis |
Core Web Vitals Matter Too
Google’s Core Web Vitals aren’t strictly accessibility metrics, but they improve user experience – which helps everyone.
- LCP (Largest Contentful Paint): Fast load times.
- CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift): Stable layouts.
- INP (Interaction to Next Paint): Responsive interactions.
Combine these with accessibility tools for a well-rounded approach.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance – it’s about being a decent digital citizen.
It’s about making sure everyone can use your site, regardless of ability.
And yes, it’s good for business too.
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Drop me a line to discuss your SEO, Online Visibility and Digital Marketing aspirations. Contact Kezia