Accessibility by 2025: What EU Digital Brands Need to Do Now

By June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require all digital products and services offered to EU consumers to be fully accessible. 

This includes websites, apps, e-commerce platforms, digital content, and services like banking or ticketing portals.

But beyond compliance, digital accessibility is a strategic differentiator – enabling brands to reach more users, rank better in search, build trust, and express inclusion.

Accessibility means that digital interfaces are:

• Screenreader-friendly
• Keyboard navigable
• Operable by users with visual, motor, auditory, or cognitive impairments
• Structured for clarity and orientation
• Available in plain language or simplified versions
• Tested against standards like WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549

Websites & Customer Portals:

• Semantic HTML structure (landmarks, headlings, skip links)
• WCAG-compliant navigation, forms, media
• ARIA roles, visible focus states
• Accessible PDFs or HTML alternatives

Mobile Apps:

• Support for TalkBack & VoiceOver
• Text scaling with system fonts (Dynamic Type)
• Large tap targets and contrast ratios
• Alternative text for icons, images, and states

E-Commerce & Self-Service Interfaces:

• Full checkout & product filters accessible via keyboard
• Logical form structures & label-grouping
• Screenreader-friendly error messages

Emails & CRMs:

• Plain-text fallback versions
• Accessible HTML email structure
• Clear link and button labeling

Social Media & Campaigns:

• Subtitled video content
• ALT text for visuals
• Accessible carousels and CTA clarity

Video Content:

• Subtitles and full transcripts
• Optional sign language integration
• Audio descriptions for visual-only sequences

Chatbots & Conversational Interfaces:

• Screenreader operable interfaces
• Option to toggle simple or structured outputs
• Voice alternatives for all outputs

Operational Requirements:

• Accessibility design systems and UI libraries
• Cross-functional governance (design, dev, QA, content)
• Screenreader testing with NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver
• Documentation and compliance mapping (EN 301 549)

Audits:

• Multi-channel WCAG 2.1/EN 301 549 assessments
• Prioritized, action-ready roadmaps

Design & Implementation:

• Accessibility-first UX/UI
• Component libraries & frontend builds

Training & Governance:

• Workshops for dev, design, editorial teams
• Style guides & content checklists

Strategic Rollout:

• Touchpoint-spanning accessibility programs
• Legal documentation support & impact forecasting

Accessibility is no longer just a technical task. It’s a core pillar of digital brand leadership. The opportunity to lead inclusively starts now.

Contact:

📧 hello@daviesmeyer.com 
📂 Download: Accessibility Readiness Checklist (PDF)