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The clock is ticking. By June 2025, web accessibility won’t just be good practice—it will become a legal requirement across the European Union. This means that every website, mobile app, and digital platform must comply with the European Accessibility Act.
The goal is to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, have equal access to digital content. For businesses, this is a game-changer. If your online presence isn’t ready, now is the time to act.
The New Reality of Digital Accessibility
Web accessibility is about ensuring that your digital content works for everyone. This includes people who use a screen reader, navigate solely by keyboard, or deal with visual impairments like color blindness. It’s not just about meeting a legal standard—it’s about inclusivity.
More people benefit from accessible design than many realize, including those with temporary disabilities, such as a broken arm, or older adults with reduced vision. An accessible website opens the door to a wider audience and offers a seamless experience to all.
Why Meeting the 2025 Web Accessibility Deadline Matters
But what’s at stake if your site isn’t accessible by the 2025 deadline? The consequences go beyond the potential for fines and penalties.
Businesses that don’t comply may lose valuable business opportunities by limiting their audience. Inaccessible websites also risk damaging their brand’s reputation, especially in today’s world, where inclusivity is increasingly valued.
In fact, approximately 16 percent of the global population lives with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization. Ignoring accessibility means excluding a significant and diverse audience, and as web accessibility becomes a legal requirement, non-compliance could lead to lawsuits or complaints.
However, focusing solely on compliance misses the bigger picture. Accessibility isn’t just a box to check—it can be a powerful driver of growth and customer loyalty. When businesses embrace accessibility, they often find it opens up new opportunities.
Inaccessible websites exclude potential customers, but accessible ones can attract and retain users with disabilities, who are likely to appreciate and return to websites that cater to their needs.
The Business Case for Accessibility
You might wonder what the return on investment is for web accessibility. Beyond being an ethical or legal obligation, accessibility is a smart business strategy:
- By making your site accessible, you’re tapping into a market that many competitors overlook. This creates a loyal customer base, as users with disabilities are more likely to return to a website that meets their needs.
- Simplifying your site’s structure for accessibility often results in a cleaner and more intuitive user experience for everyone.
- Furthermore, an accessible site tends to load faster and perform better on mobile devices, which benefits users with slower internet connections or less advanced technology.
Web accessibility also offers clear SEO benefits:
- Search engines favor well-structured, accessible websites.
- By implementing accessibility best practices—such as using clear headings, alt text for images, and descriptive links—your site becomes more visible in search results.
- The better your SEO, the more traffic your site will attract, ultimately boosting your online presence and business performance.
Key Practical Steps to Ensure Web Accessibility
So, how do you ensure your website is compliant by the 2025 deadline? It starts with a clear and logical structure:
- Every page should have a logical flow of information, with intuitive navigation paths that allow users to easily find what they’re looking for.
- ARIA labels should define key sections like menus, footers, and sidebars, making navigation easier for screen readers.
- In terms of design, your visual choices should cater to all users, ensuring a high contrast between text and backgrounds. For instance, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for readability.
- Avoid relying solely on color to communicate information, and instead, use text labels, patterns, or shapes.
Your content also needs to be accessible:
- For images, meaningful alt text should describe their content for visually impaired users.
- Video content should have captions and transcripts to accommodate users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Additionally, choose readable fonts and sizes, with ample spacing between lines and paragraphs to enhance readability.
On the technical side:
- Your site should be structured in a way that screen readers can easily interpret.
- Keyboard navigation is essential, allowing users to navigate your site without needing a mouse.
- Forms should be simple to complete, with clear instructions, proper labels, and helpful error messages to guide users through any issues they may encounter.
Your Next Steps for a More Accessible Website
To start, conduct an audit of your current site using tools like WAVE or Axe, which can help identify areas that need improvement.
Once you’ve pinpointed these areas, create an action plan. Prioritize critical changes, and address other areas in phases. While some fixes may be quick wins, others might require more time and development resources
It’s important to remember that accessibility is a team effort. Developers, content creators, designers, and marketers all play a role, so invest in training to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Find the Right Partner for Web Accessibility
You don’t have to tackle accessibility on your own. Partnering with an experienced digital agency like Enmedia can make the process smoother.
When choosing a partner, look for a team with proven accessibility expertise and a track record of success. Accessibility is about more than just code—it’s about understanding how real users interact with your site. Your partner should also provide ongoing support, as accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and updates.
Start Today: Prepare for 2025 Web Accessibility Standards
The 2025 deadline may seem far away, but achieving full compliance takes time. Starting now gives you the opportunity to plan ahead, spread out the work, and avoid the stress of last-minute changes. By taking action early, you can manage timelines better, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality outcomes.
If you’re ready to make your site accessible, Enmedia is here to help. Whether you’re building a new site or upgrading an existing one, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure your site is inclusive, functional, and compliant.
Contact us today for a free accessibility consultation, and let’s take the first step toward a more inclusive digital future.