Digital accessibility has become an absolute priority for companies and public administrations. With the entry into force of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) on 28 June 2025, the obligation to make websites and mobile applications accessible also extends to the private sector, involving companies with at least 10 employees or a turnover of more than EUR 2 million.
In this context, it is crucial to realise that the implementation of a simple accessibility widget is not sufficient to ensure compliance with current regulations. It is necessary to adopt a more structured approach, including a thorough audit of the site and the drafting of an accessibility declaration in accordance with the guidelines of the Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale (AgID).
The limits of accessibility widgets
Accessibility widgets are tools that offer features such as enlarging text, changing contrast and voice reading of content. Although they can improve site usability for some users, they have several limitations:
- They do not guarantee full compliance: Widgets do not correct structural problems of the site, such as bad semantics of HTML code or lack of textual alternatives for images .
- They can create conflicts with assistive technologies: Some widgets interfere with screen readers and other tools used by persons with disabilities, impairing the user experience.
- Not a substitute for accessible designAccessibility must be integrated at an early stage of site design, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA .
The importance of the accessibility audit
An accessibility audit is an in-depth analysis of the website or mobile application to identify and correct barriers that prevent access to content by people with disabilities. This process includes:
- Technical Verifications: Analysis of the source code to ensure the correct semantic structure and appropriate use of HTML elements.
- Manual tests: Evaluating the usability of the site through the use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers and alternative keyboards.
- Involvement of users with disabilitiesGathering feedback from people with different disabilities to better understand their needs and improve the user experience.
The audit is essential to ensure that the site complies with WCAG 2.1 and national and European accessibility regulations.
The accessibility declaration: a legal obligation
The accessibility declaration is a document certifying the level of compliance of the website or mobile application with current regulations. In Italy, the publication of this declaration is mandatory for:
- Public administrations: They must publish the declaration by 23 September each year .
- Private companiesAs of 28 June 2025, the obligation extends to companies with at least 10 employees or a turnover of more than EUR 2 million.
The declaration must be drawn up following the template provided by AgID and must include:
- Compliance StatusIndicate whether the site is compliant, partially compliant or non-compliant with WCAG 2.1.
- Non-accessible content: List the sections of the site that are not accessible and the reasons why.
- Feedback mechanisms: To provide a channel through which users can report accessibility problems.
- Technical Information: Details of the CMS used, supported operating systems and dates of publication and updating of the site .
Digital accessibility cannot be guaranteed simply by implementing a widget. A holistic approach must be taken that includes a thorough audit of the site and the drafting of a legally compliant accessibility statement. This is the only way to ensure an inclusive experience for all users and avoid legal sanctions.
For more information and support in adapting your website to accessibility regulations, you can request more information.
