The Importance of Accessible Websites, Apps, and Software
Introduction
In today’s digital age, ensuring that websites, applications, and software are accessible is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral imperative. Accessibility ensures that all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can access and benefit from digital products. With an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, the need for inclusive design is paramount.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving the accessibility of products and services across the European Union. Enforced starting from June 28, 2025, the EAA mandates that both public and private sectors make their digital services more accessible.
Key points of the EAA include:
- Scope: The EAA applies to various sectors, including transportation, banking, e-commerce, and more, mandating that all products and services must meet specific accessibility standards.
- Compliance: Organizations must ensure that their websites, mobile applications, and electronic communications comply with the accessibility standards outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
- Enforcement: Member states are responsible for monitoring compliance and can impose penalties for non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to accessibility standards.
Why Accessibility Matters
- Inclusivity: Accessible products ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with temporary impairments, can navigate and utilize digital platforms.
- Market Reach: By making products accessible, businesses can tap into a broader audience. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and potentially higher revenues.
- Legal Compliance: As illustrated by the EAA, many jurisdictions now require compliance with accessibility standards. Non-compliance can result in legal ramifications, including fines and lawsuits.
- Enhanced User Experience: Accessibility features often improve the overall user experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. This can include better navigation, faster load times, and more intuitive interfaces.
- Corporate Responsibility: Companies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate social responsibility and commitment to equality, enhancing their brand image.
Creating Accessible Products
To create accessible websites, apps, and software, organizations should follow established guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1. This framework outlines various criteria for making digital content accessible.
At Wisefrog, our aim is to achieve a minimum of Level AA compliance for all our digital products, ensuring that they are usable for everyone.
Accessibility Compliance Degrees
The accessibility compliance can be categorized into three levels according to WCAG 2.1:
- Level A (Minimum Level):
This is the most basic level of web accessibility. Failure to meet any of the Level A criteria is considered a failure to comply with the accessibility standard. - Level AA (Mid Range Level):
Level AA addresses the biggest and most common barriers for disabled users. Meeting this level generally satisfies the legal requirements of the EAA. - Level AAA (Highest Level):
Level AAA is the highest and most complex level of web accessibility. Meeting this level can be challenging but signifies a strong commitment to inclusivity.
Accessibility Cheatsheet
Here’s an extensive accessibility cheatsheet that outlines the criteria for each level of compliance:
Level A
| Criteria | Key Features | Examples | Guidelines Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text Alternatives | Provide alternative text for non-text content | All images must have descriptive alt attributes |
WCAG 1.1.1 |
| Keyboard Accessibility | Ensure all functionalities are operable via keyboard | Forms and buttons should be usable without a mouse | WCAG 2.1.1 |
| Content Structure | Use semantic HTML for proper structure | Use headings (<h1>, <h2>) and lists (<ul>) correctly |
WCAG 1.3.1 |
| Color Contrast | Text must be distinguishable from background | Ensure text color contrasts with the background color (4.5:1 ratio) | WCAG 1.4.3 |
| Error Identification | Identify input errors and provide suggestions for correction | If a user inputs an invalid email, provide a clear error message | WCAG 3.3.1 |
| Accessible Forms | Ensure that all form elements have associated labels | Use <label> elements for form inputs |
WCAG 1.3.1 |
| Timing Adjustable | Provide options to extend time limits on timed content | Allow users to adjust or disable time limits on quizzes | WCAG 2.2.1 |
Level AA
| Criteria | Key Features | Examples | Guidelines Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratios | Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text | Ensure text against the background meets contrast ratio | WCAG 1.4.3 |
| Resize Text | Text must be resizable up to 200% without loss of content | Ensure layout does not break when zoomed in | WCAG 1.4.4 |
| Accessible Navigation | Provide clear and consistent navigation | Include a visible focus indicator for keyboard navigation | WCAG 2.4.7 |
| Use of Language | Identify the primary language of the document | Use the lang attribute in the <html> tag |
WCAG 3.1.1 |
| Live Audio Content | Provide captions for live audio content | Include real-time captions for live streams or webinars | WCAG 1.2.7 |
| Accessible Multimedia | Provide alternatives for audio and video content | Videos should have captions and audio descriptions | WCAG 1.2.2, 1.2.3 |
Level AAA
| Criteria | Key Features | Examples | Guidelines Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Language | Provide sign language interpretation for audio content | Include sign language options for video content | WCAG 1.2.6 |
| Enhanced Contrast | Minimum contrast ratio of 7:1 for normal text | Use high contrast for essential information to ensure readability | WCAG 1.4.6 |
| No Time Limits | Users should have the option to turn off time constraints | Allow users to extend or disable timers on tasks | WCAG 2.2.1 |
| Reading Level | Ensure content is understandable at a lower reading level | Use plain language and avoid jargon | WCAG 3.1.5 |
| Customizable Interface | Allow users to customize the interface | Provide options to change font size, colors, and layout preferences | WCAG 3.3.2 |
| Non-visual Access | Ensure all information is available to non-visual users | Provide text alternatives for all visual content | WCAG 1.1.1 |