Digital accessibility has become an unavoidable priority for businesses and public administrations. With the entry into force of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) on June 28, 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 2 million euros .
In this context, it is crucial to understand that the implementation of a simple accessibility widget is not sufficient to ensure compliance with current regulations. A more structured approach must be taken, including a thorough audit of the site and the drafting of an accessibility statement that complies with the guidelines of the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID).
The limitations 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 in the site, such as poor semantics of HTML code or lack of text alternatives for images .
- They can create conflicts with assistive technologies: Some widgets interfere with screen readers and other tools used by people with disabilities, impairing the user experience.
- They are not a substitute for accessible design: Accessibility should be integrated from the earliest stages of site design, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA .
The importance of the accessibility audit
An accessibility audit is a thorough 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 source code to ensure correct semantic structure and appropriate use of HTML elements.
- Manual testing: Assessment of site usability through the use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers and alternative keyboards.
- Involvement of users with disabilities: Gather feedback from people with different disabilities to better understand their needs and improve the user experience.
The audit is critical to ensure that the site complies with WCAG 2.1 and national and European accessibility regulations.
The accessibility statement: a legal obligation
The accessibility declaration is a document attesting to the level of compliance of the website or mobile application with current regulations. In Italy, the publication of this declaration is mandatory for:
- Public administration: They must publish the statement by September 23 each year .
- Private companies: As of June 28, 2025, the obligation extends to companies with at least 10 employees or a turnover of more than 2 million .
The statement must be prepared following the template provided by AgID and must include:
- Compliance status: Indicate whether the site is compliant, partially compliant, or non-compliant with WCAG 2.1.
- Inaccessible 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 about the CMS used, supported operating systems, and dates the site was published and updated .
Digital accessibility cannot be ensured simply through the implementation of a widget. A holistic approach must be taken that includes a thorough audit of the site and the drafting of an accessibility statement that complies with current regulations. This is the only way to ensure an inclusive experience for all users and avoid legal penalties.
For more information and support in adapting your website to accessibility regulations, you can request more information.
