By June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into full effect — and if your organisation operates in the EU, your website and digital services must comply. As a creative agency working with mission-driven organisations to enhance the accessibility & sustainability of websites, our CEO has written a summary of what this Act means for your organisation:
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is EU legislation designed to make key products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. It sets harmonised accessibility standards across all member states, ensuring a consistent experience — and legal expectation — for both consumers and businesses.
What Does This Mean for Websites?
Under the Act, websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, banking, and digital content must be:
- Perceivable: Content should be easy to see and hear
- Operable: Interfaces must be usable with a keyboard, screen reader, or assistive technologies
- Understandable: With clear navigation and instructions
- Robust: Compatible with current and future technology
Essentially, your website needs to meet recognised accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Why It Matters
- Legal Compliance – Non-compliance could lead to penalties and reputational damage Business Growth – Accessibility opens your digital doors to over 100 million EU citizens with disabilities
- Better UX for Everyone – Accessible design often improves usability for all users
- Brand Trust – Demonstrating social responsibility can boost customer loyalty and brand image
An organisations website is its window to the world to promote its mission and often, also a shop floor too. But adhering to this Act isn’t just something that should be done because it makes business sense (which it does) – building accessible and sustainable websites is the right thing to do to ensure inclusivity for all.
Not sure if your website is compliant? Get in touch with us today about our Web Audit for both Sustainability and Accessibility, to see what changes you need to make.
I'm a multi-disciplinary designer, with many years of experience designing graphics with impact and seamless user experiences. I started my career designing consumer products, but have since worked on a diverse range of projects from leading brand refresh projects for charities like Sculpt, Jamma and TUSP, sustainable and user-friendly website re-designs for CTRF, Climate Change Coaches and Mokoro to large internal communication projects for WWF and Oxford HR. I'm passionate about the use of design as a tool for positive social change, and with particular interest in projects tackling racial inequality and children’s social care. Recently I was appointed as a Trustee for the new charity Board Racial Diversity UK, working to improve representation within the UK charity sector.
