Accessibility

Accessibility is not an obligation, but an opportunity. It makes websites more user-friendly, inclusive, easier to find, and future-proof. It is therefore good to comply with the digital accessibility guidelines, even if it may (still) not be legally required for your organization.

For whom is the new European accessibility law mandatory?

For commercial companies that offer digital products and services to consumers. These include webshops and e-commerce services, banks and financial institutions, electronic communication services (such as telecom companies), audiovisual media services (such as streaming platforms), e-books and e-readers, payment terminals and ATMs, transport services (such as public transport ticket sales and travel information).

If you want to check whether your organization is included, visit the website of the digital government: New European Accessibility Act - Digital Government

The benefits of digital accessibility:

1. Reach a larger audience
   When you comply with the accessibility guidelines, the website is accessible to more people, including the elderly, people with dyslexia, color blindness, people with visual, auditory, motor or cognitive impairments, and people with a temporary limitation (such as a broken arm or the loss of glasses making it difficult to read text). This way you reach a larger audience.
2. Improved user experiences
   Because the information must be more perceivable, operable, understandable and technically sound, visitors will have an improved user experience. This is not only for people with disabilities, but applies to everyone.
3. Good for SEO
   Measures such as proper use of headings and subheadings, alternative texts and the use of HTML elements that describe the content and structure improve search engine optimization and lead to better results in search engines.
4. Socially responsible
   Because everyone is treated equally, you demonstrate that you operate inclusively and responsibly. This gives a positive image.
5. Future-proof
   It is expected that in the future more companies will be required to follow the European Accessibility Act (EAA). By being digitally accessible now, you are already prepared.

Need support to comply with the guidelines?

We are happy to help you become and remain digitally accessible. You can call on us for:

• Accessibility scan
  Your online application is analyzed to determine whether it complies with the WCAG 2.2 guidelines
• Implementation
  The proposed improvements are implemented.
• Monitoring
  Digital accessibility requires continuous attention. We monitor the online application and periodically carry out updates to ensure that it continues to comply with the most current guidelines.

Contact Sonja to discuss the possibilities in more detail sonja.vanbreen@infracom.nl

Want to read more about applying the guidelines?
Read the blog: What is WCAG?