The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires that digital services and products, including websites and mobile apps, be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. If your business operates in or sells to the EU, you need to understand what this means and how to prepare. In this article, we’ll explore the key requirements of the EAA, who is affected, and practical steps you can take to make your website compliant.
What the EAA Means for Small Businesses
The EAA became law on 28 June 2025 and mandates that new digital offerings must provide accessible design elements such as clear, structured content, intuitive navigation, alternative text for images, subtitles or transcripts for media, and high‑contrast design【90790652485333†L118-L153】. Existing websites have until 28 June 2030 to comply with these standards【90790652485333†L118-L153】. If your company has more than 10 employees or a turnover above €2 million, you’re likely subject to these rules; micro‑enterprises are exempt【90790652485333†L118-L153】. Non‑compliance can lead to significant fines and damage to your reputation.
Key Accessibility Requirements
- Use semantic HTML and proper headings so screen readers can interpret content correctly.
- Provide alternative text for images and descriptive labels for forms.
- Offer captions or transcripts for audio and video content.
- Maintain a sufficient colour contrast ratio between text and background.
- Ensure keyboard navigability and clear focus indicators.
- Avoid time‑outs that discriminate against users who need more time.
Practical Steps to Prepare
Start by auditing your current website using tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues. Fix structural problems in your HTML and ensure your content follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Next, check your contrast ratios and update your stylesheets to meet minimum requirements. You should also add captions or transcripts to media files and test your site using only a keyboard to confirm that all interactive elements are reachable. Finally, consider including an accessibility statement that outlines your commitment and how users can contact you for help.
How The Digital Marketing Lab Can Help
Navigating accessibility rules can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team specialises in creating accessible websites that comply with the EAA and WCAG standards. We can perform a comprehensive audit, redesign your site with best practices in mind, and provide training so your team understands ongoing obligations. To learn more, visit [The Digital Marketing Lab](https://thedigitalmarketinglab.co.uk) for a free accessibility consultation.