Accessibility On The Web What Is Eaa And What Impact Can Be Expected
Management Summary
The year 2025 will bring an important change for website operators and online marketers: the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). AwayMid-2025will improve the accessibility of websites and appslegally mandatory.This is not only a duty, but also offers opportunities to improve usability and online marketing.
Why accessibility is important
Accessibility means that websites are designed so that they can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes, among other things, adapting text for screen readers, providing alternative text for images and ensuring that all interactive elements can also be navigated using a keyboard.
In Austria, laws such as the Federal Disability Equality Act (BGStG) and the Web Accessibility Act (WZG) regulate the accessibility requirements of public websites.
European Accessibility Act (EAA) – what will change from 2025
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU-wide directive that aims to improve the accessibility of products and services. The EAA aims to improve access to digital and physical products and services for people with disabilities. Here are the key points:
- Objective:The EAA aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to essential products and services. This includes areas such as communications technology, transportation, financial services and online commerce.
- Requirements:The EAA stipulates that certain products and services must be designed to be barrier-free. These include, but are not limited to, computers and operating systems, payment terminals, smartphones, e-books, banking services, e-commerce and public transport services.
- Implementation deadline:The EU member states must implement the directive into national law by June 28, 2025. As of this date, all affected products and services must comply with the requirements of the EAA.
- Advantages:The EAA improves the quality of life of people with disabilities by facilitating their access to a wide range of products and services. It also promotes the creation of a single market for accessible products and services in the EU.
What happens if my website is not accessible?
Starting June 28, 2025, all websites must meet accessibility criteria. Failure to comply could result in fines amounting to several thousand euros. In extreme cases, the authority can even order the website to be blocked. These regulations also apply to international sites.
Are there any exceptions?
The BFSG particularly affects websites with bookable and affordable offers. There are exceptions for small companies with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of a maximum of 2 million euros, as well as for pure “presentation sites” such as blogs. However, blogs that belong to an online shop are subject to the law.
What needs to be done?
There are three important steps to make the website accessible:
- Analysis of the current state:Analysis of the website with regard to accessibility. Tools like Google Lighthouse can help with this.
- Offer contact options:Provide users with a way to report barriers on the site.
- Accessibility statement:There should be an accessibility statement on the website describing how accessibility is enabled and which parts of the website might still be a barrier
Tips for implementation and effects on web analysis
- Critical self-test:Put yourself in the shoes of a user with disabilities and test the website for perceivability, usability, understandability and robustness.
- Use tools:Use tools like Google Lighthouse, WAVE WEBAIM and free screen readers to identify and address barriers.
- Check navigation and forms:Ensuring the website is keyboard navigable and all forms are accessible.
- Optimize display:Sufficient contrast, easy-to-read fonts and a clear display on all devices should be guaranteed.
- Clear and understandable texts:The data collection information must be written in simple language.
- HTML structure:Semantically correct HTML and ARIA labels should be used to improve accessibility.
- Opt-in procedure:Consent to use analytics tools must be obtained through an easily accessible and understandable opt-in process.
- Transparency:Users must be clearly and understandably informed about what data is collected, how it is used and how long it is stored.
- Make content accessible:Add images with alt text, transcripts for audios, and subtitles for videos.
- Accessible analysis reports:Web analytics tools’ reports and dashboards should be accessible so that all employees, including those with disabilities, can interpret and use the data.
- Regular checks:Website operators should regularly check the accessibility of their consent management tools and web analysis tools to ensure that they meet the latest standards. User feedback can also help improve existing systems and ensure they are truly accessible.
Conclusion:
Accessibility will not only be legally mandatory from 2025, but will also offer many advantages for usability and SEO. Website operators should proactively and gradually implement the necessary accessibility steps in order to comply with legal requirements and offer all users an accessible website. Use the time until 2025 to check your website for accessibility and implement the necessary measures.
