PSA: Risk of EU Fines for Non-Compliance with Accessible Design Standards

Ensuring Compliance: A Guide to Web Accessibility and the European Accessibility Act

Starting in 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will become mandatory for businesses with over ten employees and a turnover exceeding 2 million. Failure to comply could lead to significant fines, varying by EU country.

Your digital presence, including websites and apps, must align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide criteria for making digital content accessible to a broad range of users, including those with disabilities. Moreover, adherence to EAA standards is essential for securing public sector contracts, as the EU mandates accessibility compliance in procurement processes. Embracing the EAA isn't just about legal compliance; it's a commitment to inclusivity and enhancing user experience. This approach helps avoid legal issues, broadens your market reach, and underscores your dedication to corporate social responsibility. This effort is crucial, as 20% of the population benefits from accessible web design, representing 20% of market power.

Accessibility tools:

• W3C
• The Ally Project
• Accessibility Not-Checklist
• Access Guide
• Harvard University
• Stark Accessibility Tools
• Adee
• WAVE
• Whocanuse
• Sa11y
• Accessiblemetrics

Sources: European Committee for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion, W3C, AbleDocs, ux.by.felix, edf-feph organization, and ETS. This is not legal advice, and you should consult a lawyer; I’m just a founder with a design background who’s passionate about accessibility 😅

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