The new European Accessibility Act (EAA) is gaining decency very soon. If you are the owner of a website that works with clients in the territory of the European Union, then it’s time to figure out what changes are in this document and how Readabler can help you.
One of the fundamental aspects of compliance is adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the global standard for creating accessible web content. WCAG provides a structured approach to making websites perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with various disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
So let’s figure out what differences this new legislative document brings and what needs to be improved on your site to comply with it and not have problems with the law and fines.
1. Accessibility of content for people with disabilities
Text alternatives for all multimedia elements (e.g. images, videos, graphics): This can be descriptive text (alt-texts) for images and subtitles for videos. You must provide alternative text for every image on your site. Additionally, the Assistant can enhance accessibility by offering AI-generated image descriptions for your customers.
Readability and clarity of content: text should be clear and easy to perceive, fonts should be large enough, and contrast should be sufficient for people with visual impairments. Make sure your text contrast meets accessibility standards using testing tools, and Readabler can offer your customers enhanced text contrast modes as well as text and background color selection modes.
Ability to scale text without losing content or functionality: Text should remain readable when fonts are enlarged. You can rely completely on our accessibility tool, which lets users adjust text size, line spacing, and letter spacing, along with additional features designed to enhance text readability.
2. Navigation and Functionality
Keyboard Navigation: The website should be fully accessible via keyboard for users who cannot use a mouse (e.g., using the Tab key). In addition to standard keyboard navigation, Readabler allows your customers to switch between specific page elements using customizable hotkeys.
Clear Headings and Content Structuring: Use proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to ensure a logical content hierarchy. A well-organized heading structure allows readers to quickly scan the page and locate key information, while also enabling assistive technologies like screen readers to navigate the content more effectively.
Easily Accessible and Understandable Navigation Elements: Clear, descriptive labels improve usability, reduce confusion, and support accessibility by providing screen reader users with meaningful context. Avoid vague terms like “Click here” or “Read more”—instead, use specific language that describes the action or content, such as “Download the annual report” or “View pricing plans.” Well-labeled links and buttons also contribute to better SEO, as search engines rely on link text to determine the relevance of a page.
3. Accessibility for Users with Visual Impairments
Use of Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images: Screen readers should be able to read image descriptions. These automatically generated alt texts provide context and meaning for images, improving the overall user experience and compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG. By integrating descriptive, relevant text, the Readabler Assistant helps make websites and applications more inclusive using AI, while also supporting SEO efforts through meaningful image metadata.
Adjustable Contrast Between Text and Background: Providing sufficient contrast ensures that text stands out clearly against its background, making content easier to read and interact with across various devices and lighting conditions. The accessibility interface of Readabler will help your customers change the contrast of the text and even its color depending on personal preferences.
Recognizable Control Elements: Buttons, input fields, and other interactive elements should be clearly labeled and easy to understand. Clear labeling helps users know exactly what action will occur when they interact with an element, reducing confusion and the risk of errors. Readabler has several modes that are necessary for highlighting clickable elements, as well as elements when focused or hovered over, ensuring that users can easily navigate and interact with the interface. These modes enhance accessibility by providing visual cues that indicate interactivity, helping users identify buttons, links, and form fields.
4. Accessibility for Users with Hearing Impairments
Subtitles and Transcripts for Videos and Multimedia Content. Subtitles and transcripts for videos and multimedia content are essential for making digital media more accessible to a wider audience. Subtitles provide a text-based representation of spoken dialogue, sound effects, and other important audio cues, which is particularly beneficial for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Transcripts, on the other hand, offer a complete text version of the video or audio content, allowing users to read and search the content at their own pace. Both subtitles and transcripts not only enhance accessibility but also improve user experience by allowing for multi-language support, easier content navigation, and better comprehension.
Text Alternatives for Audio Notifications: Our AI solution enables users to have an incredible experience of voice communication and audio feedback, making it possible to execute almost any command and receive information using voice alone. This innovative technology leverages advanced speech recognition and natural language processing to allow seamless, hands-free interaction, whether it’s sending messages, controlling devices, or retrieving data. The system also provides real-time audio feedback, ensuring users are informed of their actions, responses, or status updates, all while enhancing accessibility for those with visual or mobility impairments. By offering a smooth, intuitive voice-driven interface, we empower users to interact with technology in a more natural, efficient, and personalized way.
5. Interactive Elements
Forms Should Be Easy to Use: Include clear hints, instructions, and error messages for data entry. This can be achieved by providing clear hints, instructions, and error messages that guide users through the data entry process. Including helpful labels and tooltips can clarify what information is required, while real-time validation ensures users are alerted to mistakes as they occur, preventing frustration and reducing errors.
User Interface for People with Disabilities: Ensure interactive elements have clear focus indicators and can be easily used with a keyboard or assistive technologies to promote accessibility and usability. Clear focus indicators—such as visible outlines, highlights, or changes in color—allow users to easily identify which element is currently active or selected, especially for those navigating via keyboard or screen reader. Readabler has several modes for this that will allow your customers to have the best experience.
6. Technical Aspects
Well-Structured Code Adhering to Accessibility Standards: Proper use of HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) is essential for creating web content that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. By using semantic HTML elements correctly and implementing ARIA attributes, web developers can ensure that assistive technologies, such as screen readers and voice navigation tools, can interpret and convey the content accurately to users. This includes providing meaningful roles, properties, and states for interactive elements like buttons, links, and forms, as well as ensuring proper keyboard navigation and focus management.logies.
Accessibility Testing: Readabler’s dashboard features a comprehensive page accessibility analyzer that helps you identify potential accessibility issues within your content and provides actionable insights on how to resolve them, ensuring compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Section 508, ACT (Accessibility Conformance Testing), ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications), EN 301 549 and other accessibility standards. The tool scans your page for common accessibility barriers and offers detailed guidance on how to fix each issue, making it easier for you to create an inclusive and user-friendly experience. With these built-in checks, Readabler empowers you to ensure that your website is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
7. Ensuring Continuous Accessibility
After implementing accessibility solutions, regularly test and update the website to maintain compliance with accessibility standards, especially as technologies and standards evolve, ensuring ongoing usability for all users, including those with disabilities, and adapting to new tools, guidelines, and best practices to provide an inclusive digital experience. This process involves continuous monitoring for emerging trends, user feedback, and legal requirements, while also addressing potential barriers that may arise with new content or features. By prioritizing accessibility in every phase of development, organizations can foster a more equitable online environment, improve user satisfaction, and reduce the risk of legal challenges.
Key Steps to Prepare Your Website for EAA Compliance:
✅ Audit Your Website using Readabler Analyzer – Conduct an accessibility assessment to identify and fix barriers. Aim for at least WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, which covers text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, and adaptable content.
✅ Improve Navigation & Interaction – Make sure all functionalities work with a keyboard, assistive technologies, and voice commands.
✅ Provide Accessible Media – Include captions, transcripts, and alternative descriptions for multimedia content.
✅ Test with Real Users – Engage users with disabilities to evaluate usability and ensure a seamless experience.
In conclusion, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents a significant step toward improving web accessibility across the European Union. For website owners operating within the EU, it’s essential to understand the key provisions of the Act and ensure compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
These guidelines are vital for creating an inclusive online environment that accommodates users with diverse disabilities. By addressing the required improvements on your website, you can not only meet legal requirements but also enhance the overall user experience, avoiding potential legal issues and fines. Tools like Readabler can provide the necessary support in achieving and maintaining compliance, helping to create a more accessible and user-friendly web for all.