Accessibility and the EAA: What UK Businesses Need to Know
n just one month, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force. But what does that mean for those of us here in post-Brexit Britain?
Well—if your website provides services to anyone in the EU, it applies to you too. Yes, you. Even from your comfy office in Blighty.
And that’s got us thinking: are we at risk of treating accessibility as a checkbox exercise? Of doing the bare legal minimum, instead of recognising it for what it really is—a moral imperative?
Accessibility isn't about perfection
Let’s be honest: accessibility isn’t binary. It’s not a case of “pass” or “fail.” Even with a solid target like WCAG 2.2 AA—the standard many of us aim for when architecting websites—perfection is rare. Sites evolve, content changes, and so do the standards themselves.
That’s not an excuse to fall short. It’s a reminder that accessibility is a continuous effort—not a one-and-done task.
Live the values your brand stands for
We talk a lot about company values, but accessibility is where those values really show up. As more of life moves online, the way we design digital experiences matters more than ever.
Complying with WCAG isn’t just about meeting legal standards. It’s about dignity, fairness, and equal access. It’s about designing for everyone—because everyone deserves to be included.
So while the EAA brings in stricter rules, many UK organisations are already on the right path. The worry is that some might see those legal requirements as a ceiling, not a floor—as permission to do the least, not an opportunity to do more.
The small things count
Here’s the good news: improving accessibility doesn’t always mean big, complex changes. There are countless small steps we can take—many of which we might not even be aware of yet. That’s okay. If we stay open, stay curious, and stay committed, we’ll keep learning and keep improving.
Accessible design is just better design
One of the simplest and smartest tips I’ve heard—thanks, Emily—is this: shift accessibility thinking to the left. Start early. Bake it into planning, design, development, and testing. Not only will it save you from a mountain of technical debt later on, it’ll make the whole project stronger from day one.
At the end of the day, accessible websites don’t just serve more people—they reflect the kind of company you are. The direction is clear: accessibility isn't just good practice. It’s the right thing to do.
