How to Prepare Your Website for the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Compliance

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) has been transposed into Irish law, introducing new digital accessibility requirements for businesses operating in Ireland. With enforcement beginning on June 28, 2025, companies must ensure their websites, mobile apps, and digital services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Non-compliance could result in penalties and reputational risks, making it crucial to take proactive steps now. In this guide, we’ll outline what the EAA entails and how you can prepare your website for compliance.

The EAA is an EU-wide directive aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities across various digital and physical products and services. In Ireland, this legislation extends to businesses in sectors such as e-commerce, banking, transportation, and telecommunications. It mandates that digital platforms meet established accessibility standards, primarily aligning with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

Businesses and service providers offering digital products or services within the EU must comply, including:

• Ecommerce websites
• Banking and financial services platforms
• Public transportation and ticketing services
• Telecommunications and customer support portals
• Online media and entertainment providers

Micro-enterprises (businesses with fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million in annual turnover) may be exempt but are still encouraged to adopt accessibility best practices.

To comply with the EAA, businesses should focus on the following accessibility principles:

1. Ensure Website Perceivability

• Use clear and readable fonts with sufficient contrast.
• Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., images, videos, charts).
• Offer captions and transcripts for audio and video content.

2. Improve Operability

• Ensure full keyboard navigation support.
• Allow users to navigate the website using assistive technologies such as screen readers.
• Avoid automatic pop-ups and flashing elements that may trigger seizures.

3. Enhance Understandability

• Use plain, simple language and clear instructions.
• Structure content logically with proper headings and lists.
• Provide error messages with explanations and suggested corrections.

4. Ensure Robust Compatibility

• Develop websites using accessible coding standards (e.g., semantic HTML, ARIA landmarks).
• Regularly test and update the site for compatibility with assistive technologies.
• Implement resizable text and flexible layouts to accommodate different screen sizes.

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Begin with a comprehensive review of your website’s current accessibility status. Use automated tools like Lighthouse, Axe, or WAVE to identify issues, but also conduct manual testing with real users.

2. Implement Necessary Fixes

Address any accessibility gaps found during the audit by making improvements in content, design, and coding. This may include optimising navigation, fixing color contrast issues, or improving form usability.

3. Train Your Team

Ensure your web designers, developers, and content creators understand accessibility best practices. Providing training can help maintain compliance in future updates.

4. Test Regularly

Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly test your website with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and real users with disabilities to ensure continuous compliance.

5. Work with EEA Accessibility Experts

Partnering with a web development agency experienced in digital accessibility can help ensure your website meets EAA standards efficiently and effectively.

As a leading design and development agency, we specialise in helping businesses achieve accessibility compliance through:

• Comprehensive accessibility audits and reports
• WCAG-compliant website design and development
• Continuous monitoring and support to maintain compliance

By making your website accessible, you not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance the user experience for a broader audience, ultimately improving engagement and conversions.