WCAG and EAA: your website will soon have to be legally accessible

What are the WCAG guidelines?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It is an international standard that defines how to make digital content accessible to people with disabilities. It can cover:

• Visual impairments (e.g. low vision or colour blindness)
• Motor disabilities (e.g. unable to use a mouse)
• Auditory impairments (e.g. deafness)
• Cognitive impairments (e.g. concentration problems or dyslexia)

WCAG is built around four principles: your site must perceptible, operable, understandable and robust are. Within each principle, there are guidelines and technical criteria divided into three levels: A (basic), AA (standard) and AAA (high).

For most companies, level AA the standard.

What is the EAA and how does it affect your business?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires companies to make their digital products and services accessible. From 28 June 2025, your site or digital platform must meet WCAG standards if you:

• Offers online products or services to consumers (such as a webshop, booking platform or e-banking)
• Works in telecoms, transport, e-books, payment terminals or customer communications
• Builds digital products that are also used by other companies

Specifically, chances are that your company too will be covered by this legislation.

Failure to comply by the deadline could result in sanctions: fines, legal action or reputational damage. But more importantly, you exclude a large group of people who want to use your services but don't technically have access to them.

Accessibility is more than legislation - it is smart business

Digital accessibility is not an administrative burden. It is a strategic advantage. Because:

• You reach more users (1 in 5 people have a disability)
• You increase the user-friendliness of your site for everyone
• You rank better in search engines thanks to clear structure
• You build an inclusive, forward-looking brand

People with disabilities have buying power, seek comfort and are often very loyal customers if they feel understood. By putting their experience at the heart of your business, you make your brand stronger.

How do you know if your website is accessible?

Most websites today do not comply with WCAG guidelines. Even 'modern' designs often lack:

• Good colour contrast
• Logical structure for screen readers
• Alt texts accompanying images
• Navigation via keyboard
• Clear error messages on forms

At Funkhaus, we run a full audit out of your website or application. We look not only at the technical structure, but also at the design and the user experience for different target groups. You get a clear report with quick wins and structural improvement points.

Accessibility starts with design

Accessibility is best built in from the outset of a project. During the design process, we pay attention to:

• sufficient contrast
• clear hierarchy
• consistent navigation
• legible typography
• accessible interaction elements (forms, buttons, menus...)

Developers also play a crucial role. They ensure semantic HTML, correct aria labels, keyboard navigation and compatibility with screen readers.

Future-proofing with Funkhaus

Accessibility is becoming increasingly important, not only because of the EAA, but also because users and search engines expect it. As a digital agency, we at Funkhaus think along with you about your strategy, your interface and your technical foundation. So that you have a website that works for everyone.

Want to know if your website is ready for the new legislation?
Ask for an accessibility audit today to and take the first step towards digital inclusion.