Accessibility Requirements for Websites
Tuesday 15th April 2025
Creating an accessible website ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can easily interact with your content. Accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement, it is also essential for delivering a positive user experience and promoting inclusivity.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means designing websites and apps so everyone, including people with disabilities such as impaired vision, motor difficulties or cognitive impairments can use them. It involves designing and presenting your content in a clear and simple way that works for most users while supporting those who need assistive technologies. For example, someone with vision impairment might rely on a screen reader to navigate through sites.
Key principles for web accessibility
To ensure your website is accessible, below are some key principles to follow.
Alternative (alt) text
Add descriptive text for all images to help screen readers interpret visual data.
Keyboard navigation
Ensure all features such as menus, can be accessed without a mouse.
Colour contract
Use high colour contrast schemes to make text readable.
Headings and structure
Use correct headings (H1, H2 etc) for clear navigation.
Captions and transcripts
Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content
Responsive design
Ensure your website adapts well to different screen sizes, providing a consistent experience for all users.
Current UK Accessibility Laws
There are several guidelines and laws in place to ensure accessibility.
Equality Act 2010
In the UK, web accessibility is regulated by the Equality Act 2010, requiring all businesses to ensure services are accessible to everyone.
The Public Sector Bodies (Website and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018
The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 enforces stricter standards for digital accessibility. These laws align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an international framework for making web content more inclusive. To learn more about WCAG click here.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The EAA will be effective from the 28th of June 2025. It introduces new legal requirements for digital accessibility. All websites and apps must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, ensuring inclusivity for all.
Non compliance can result in legal risks and fines, damage to reputation and loss of clients who seek accessible services.
How to prepare for the European Accessibility Act
Audit your website
Start by evaluating your website against WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Identify areas that need improvement such as:
- Alternative text for images
- Keyboard navigation functionality
- Screen reader compatibility
- Clear and consistent layouts
Use automated tools such as WAVE to identify accessibility issues.
Update features
Address issues identified during the audit such as ensuring text size is resizable and easy to read, adding transcripts for audio and video content and creating alt text for all images.
Train your team
Educate your team about accessibility requirements and best practices, this will help embed inclusivity into daily tasks.
Enhance communications
Ensure that emails, PDFs and other client communications are accessible. Use plain language and check compatibility with screen readers.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming accessibility laws are more than just a legal obligation, they give you an opportunity to make your website inclusive and accessible to all.
By acting now, you will ensure compliance, protect your reputation and appeal to a larger client base. Start preparing now to stay ahead of the June 2025 deadline and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.