European Accessibility Act: What it means for digital content (and how to prepare)
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act is an EU directive aimed at improving access to key products and services for people with disabilities. It’s part of a broader push toward equality and inclusion across digital spaces, ensuring that as society moves online, no one is left behind.
This directive sets minimum accessibility requirements for a range of digital products and services. Businesses that want to operate within the EU market must comply with these requirements to remain competitive and legally compliant.
Learn more about the European Accessibility Act on the official EU website.
Who needs to comply with the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA applies to both EU-based businesses and any organisation selling or providing certain products or services into the EU market. That means UK businesses and others globally will also need to comply if they want to serve EU customers.
There are exemptions for microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million turnover), but even these businesses are encouraged to follow accessibility best practices. Customers increasingly expect it, and similar regulations could emerge in the UK — so it’s wise to get ahead now.
What digital content is affected by the European Accessibility Act?
The EEA covers a broad range of digital products and services, including:
Websites and mobile apps
E-commerce platforms and online shops
Digital documents and publications (like PDFs and e-books)
Banking and payment terminals
Streaming platforms and media players
Computers, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers
Ticketing and travel booking systems
Self-service terminals (e.g. ATMs, check-in kiosks, ticket machines)
Essentially, if your product or service has a digital interface, it should be designed with accessibility in mind.
What does ‘accessible’ mean in practice?
Accessibility means making digital experiences usable by everyone, including people with:
Visual impairments (e.g. blindness, colour blindness, low vision)
Hearing loss or deafness
Mobility or dexterity issues
Cognitive impairments or learning difficulties
Neurodivergent users
In practice, this includes:
Ensuring sufficient colour contrast between text and background
Using legible, readable fonts at appropriate sizes
Designing websites that can be navigated via keyboard
Adding alt text to images and closed captions to videos
Avoiding flashing animations or auto-playing media
Structuring content clearly with headings and logical order
Using plain, understandable language instead of jargon
Why accessibility matters – even for small businesses
Even if the EEA doesn’t yet apply to you legally, prioritising accessibility is simply good business sense:
It improves user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
It demonstrates your commitment to inclusion, equity, and responsible design.
It reduces friction, making your content easier to find, read, and act on.
It boosts SEO, as many accessibility best practices align with search engine optimisation.
It futureproofs your business, as legislation continues to move toward accessibility everywhere.
How to start improving your digital accessibility
Improving accessibility doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Here are a few steps to take:
Audit your current content
Review your website, social media graphics, and digital products. Check colour contrast, font readability, captioning, and alt text. Tools like WAVE and WebAIM can help identify issues.
Choose accessible design elements
Use legible fonts (sans serif, clear shapes), avoid overly decorative scripts, and ensure visual elements are distinct and not reliant on colour alone.
Structure content clearly
Use headings and a logical flow. Make sure interactive elements (like buttons or links) are clearly labelled and easy to use.
Consider screen readers
Ensure your content reads well when spoken aloud. Avoid starting captions with emojis, and remove unnecessary filler or formatting quirks.
Test your content
Use tools like WAVE or WebAIM for websites, and contrast checkers for visuals. Canva even has an accessibility checker. Get real user feedback where possible to refine your approach.
In summary
The European Accessibility Act is a powerful reminder that inclusive design isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether you're legally required to comply or simply want to build better digital experiences, improving the accessibility of your digital content is a step worth taking.
Accessibility isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about respecting your audience, creating better experiences, and building a digital world that works for everyone.
Need help making your social media content accessible?
I specialise in helping growing businesses create accessible social media content — from audits and reviews to implementing best practices — so you can build inclusive, user-friendly experiences for your audience.
Even if the European Accessibility Act (EAA) doesn’t apply to you yet, investing in accessibility helps you future-proof your business, improve user experience, and align with the values of inclusion and equity. Let’s chat about how I can help you create accessible, engaging content that works for everyone.
