Protect Your Business with Website Accessibility Compliance
Don't risk EU penalties 👩‍⚖️ Ensure WCAG 2.1 compliance before it's too late.
New EU accessibility laws mandate WCAG 2.1 compliance - avoid hefty fines đź’¶ and legal risks
EU Accessibility Act Enforcement Countdown
Until Full Enforcement Begins - June 28, 2025
Identify Critical Issues
Get detailed insights into accessibility barriers that could trigger non-compliance and penalties
Quick Implementation
Receive actionable guidance to achieve full compliance before penalties strike
Protect Your Business
Shield your organization from fines, litigation, and reputational damage
Understanding Website Accessibility Requirements
Below is a plain‑English explanation of the accessibility requirements for websites as set out in Annex I of the Directive, along with why WCAG 2.1 is a perfect fit for meeting these standards.
Plain‑English Breakdown of Annex I Requirements for Websites
1. Make Information Accessible in Multiple Ways
Your website must present information in more than one format. For example, text should be supported by audio or images that have alternative text, ensuring that if someone can't see or hear the original content, they still get the message.
2. Clear and Understandable Content
All text and instructions should be written in plain language and arranged in a logical, predictable order. This means using clear wording, readable fonts, and ensuring that content is easy to follow for everyone—even those with learning or cognitive disabilities.
3. Easy Navigation and Interaction
Users should be able to navigate your website without trouble. This includes:
- Keyboard Access: Making sure every function is accessible without a mouse.
- Consistent Layout: Keeping menus and navigation consistent across pages so that users know where to find information.
- Adjustable Controls: Allowing users to change text size, contrast, and other visual settings to suit their needs.
4. Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
Your website should work well with tools like screen readers and Braille displays. This means providing proper labels for interactive elements (buttons, links, forms) and ensuring the underlying code is structured in a way that these devices can interpret accurately.
5. Avoiding Design Pitfalls
The design must not cause adverse reactions—such as triggering seizures with flashing content—and should protect user privacy when accessibility features (like voice commands or biometric inputs) are used.
Why WCAG 2.1 Fits Perfectly
WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) offers a comprehensive framework that directly supports the goals outlined in Annex I. Here's how:
Perceivable
WCAG 2.1 provides detailed rules on making content available in various formats (e.g., text alternatives for images), which corresponds to the requirement that information is offered through more than one sensory channel.
Operable
Guidelines under WCAG 2.1 ensure that every interactive element is usable with a keyboard and that navigation is consistent, meeting the need for simple, reliable website interaction.
Understandable
By stressing clear language and predictable navigation, WCAG 2.1 ensures that information is presented in a way that users can easily comprehend—exactly what Annex I demands.
Robust
WCAG 2.1's technical recommendations ensure that websites are built on solid, standard-compliant code that works across different browsers and with various assistive technologies, aligning with the requirement for a robust website.
In short, by following WCAG 2.1, you are directly addressing the core principles laid out in Annex I, ensuring your website is fully accessible and compliant with the Directive's requirements.
This straightforward approach not only helps you meet legal obligations but also opens your digital space to a wider audience, protecting your business from potential fines and enhancing user trust.