Note: this article describes the EU regulatory framework. The European Accessibility Act is EU legislation that does not apply in the United Kingdom and only concerns products and services offered in the European Union; in the UK the main references are the Equality Act 2010 and, for public sector bodies, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR). UK organisations that offer products or services in the EU may still fall within the scope of the EAA for those offerings.

In recent years, web accessibility has become a priority for governments, companies and web developers. It is not just an ethical or social issue, but a legal obligation in many parts of the world, including Europe. With the entry into force of the European Accessibility Act in 2025, many companies that offer digital products and services to consumers in the EU are required to make them accessible to people with disabilities. But accessibility should not only be seen as a rule to follow. It is also an opportunity to improve the use of the web and attract a wider audience.

Why is accessibility important?

According to the World Health Organization, about 16% of the world's population — one person in six — lives with a significant disability (2023 estimate), a condition that may affect the way these people interact with online content. However, most websites are not designed with their needs in mind. This means that millions of people cannot easily navigate the Internet, find information or use essential services.

An accessible site allows many more people, including those with sensory, motor or cognitive disabilities, to use its content and services. It is not just about adding alternative text to images or making videos accessible: it is about creating a smoother and more inclusive experience for every user, improving navigation, readability and interactivity.

Accessibility as a competitive advantage

Beyond the legal obligation, accessibility can become a powerful competitive advantage for companies. Offering an accessible site means attracting a wider audience, including people with disabilities, the elderly or users with slow internet connections. In an increasingly competitive market, standing out for your commitment to inclusiveness can improve brand reputation and create a more loyal customer base.

But it doesn't end there. Accessibility also improves the overall user experience. A site that is easy to navigate and understandable not only helps those with specific difficulties, but also makes life easier for all other users. An intuitive interface, clearly visible buttons, clear text and well-structured content increase site retention and reduce abandonment rates.

Accessibility and SEO: many good practices in common

Another aspect to consider is the relationship between accessibility and SEO. Many accessibility good practices (alternative text, semantic structure, clear headings, well-organised content) also make a site easier for search engines to read, and can make it easier to crawl.

Accessibility is not, however, a ranking factor declared by search engines: how organic traffic performs depends on many other factors. Working on accessibility means, above all, making the site usable by more people.

How Accessibi can support you on the technical side

With the 2025 deadline behind us, many companies are wondering how to adapt their websites to the accessibility requirements that apply to them. Accessibi helps you work on your site's accessibility with reference to WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA, the technical standard referred to by the European Accessibility Act.

Our team of experts will carry out a detailed analysis of your site, identifying areas that require improvement. Then, if requested, we will implement the fixes within the agreed scope, with the aim of reaching WCAG level AA and improving the user experience. Which legal obligations apply to your company depends on the country, the sector and the service: technical conformance alone does not amount to meeting every legal obligation.

Accessibility, however, is not only a compliance exercise: a more inclusive site can be used by more people and strengthens your reputation as a caring and responsible company. This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice: check the obligations that apply to you with your own advisers.

Conclusion

Web accessibility is the future, and with the obligations in force since 2025, many companies will have to adapt. But this should not be seen only as a burden: it is also an opportunity to improve your site and reach more people. With Accessibi you have a team at your side that works to make your site more accessible within the agreed scope, with reference to WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA.