WCAG 2.2: This is what you need to know
Starting June 28, 2025, the new Accessibility Act will come into effect. This law implements the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and mandates that companies make their digital products and services accessible.
But what exactly does this mean for you and your business, and what should you be paying attention to? In this blog post, we’ll provide everything you need to know to prepare effectively.
Why accessibility matters
Accessibility isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but an essential part of modern digital offerings. It’s about designing content and functionalities that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. This includes individuals with:
Visual impairments or blindness
Hearing impairments
Motor disabilities
Cognitive challenges
By implementing the WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), accessibility not only becomes a legal requirement but also provides a real competitive advantage: An accessible website or app reaches a broader audience and shows that your business values inclusion and responsibility.
What does the accessibility act require?
The law requires you to make digital products accessible to individuals with disabilities. The following are among the affected areas:
The requirements are based on the WCAG 2.2 guidelines, specifically at the AA compliance level. The goal is to design digital content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust – the four foundational principles of WCAG.
What does this mean for your business?
For you and your business, this means thoroughly reviewing and adapting your digital offerings to ensure they meet accessibility standards and are inclusive for all users. Begin by evaluating whether your websites and apps are designed for accessibility. Can users navigate them smoothly with screen readers, keyboards, or visual adjustments? If these tools reveal barriers, they need to be addressed to ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
Additionally, assess the inclusivity of your online store. This includes not only the shopping process itself but also payment options and customer communication systems, which must be intuitive and accessible to users with different needs.
It is equally important to examine how your forms and authentication methods are designed. Overly complex CAPTCHA systems or vague error messages can create significant obstacles for users, discouraging them from completing actions or engaging with your platform.
Accessibility should not be an afterthought but rather an integral part of your digital strategy. From the initial stages of design to development and testing, it’s essential to embed accessibility into every step of your projects. This approach not only meets legal requirements but also delivers a more inclusive and enjoyable user experience.
To make this more actionable, make sure to have a answer to the following questions:
Are your websites and apps accessible?
Can users navigate them with screen readers, keyboards, and visual adjustments?Is your online store inclusive?
Shopping processes, payment options, and customer communications must be accessible.How are your forms and authentication methods designed?
Complex CAPTCHA systems and unclear error messages can create barriers.Is accessibility embedded in your digital strategy?
Accessibility should be a part of your projects from the very beginning – from design to testing.
So what should you focus on?
To meet the requirements (of your users and of the Accessibility Act), focus on several key areas. Start by conducting an accessibility audit with experts who can evaluate your current digital offerings and identify any gaps that may hinder accessibility.
Once issues are identified, make the necessary technical adjustments to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 standards. This includes implementing alt texts for images, using semantic HTML for better structure, and adding clear focus indicators to improve navigation.
Additionally, perform thorough user testing with assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnification tools, and keyboard navigation to ensure your products work seamlessly for all users.
Also don’t forget to invest in training your team to understand the importance of accessibility and equip them with the knowledge to apply WCAG guidelines effectively throughout the design and development process.
Again, here’s a more actionable summary on what to focus on:
Conduct an accessibility audit
Have experts review your current digital offerings to identify any accessibility gaps.Make technical adjustments
Update your code to meet WCAG 2.2 standards. This includes adding alt texts, using semantic HTML, and implementing clear focus indicators.User testing with assistive technologies
Test your products with tools such as screen readers, magnification tools, and keyboard navigation.Train your team
Ensure your team understands the importance of accessibility and is trained in applying WCAG guidelines.
Benefits of accessibility for your business
Accessibility is far more than just a legal requirement - it is a strategic opportunity that offers significant benefits for your business. By embracing accessibility, you can greatly expand your audience, as inclusive digital designs remove barriers and make your products or services available to a wider range of users, including those with disabilities.
This not only increases reach but also fosters loyalty among users who value businesses that prioritize inclusivity. Moreover, accessibility enhances usability for all users, as many features designed to accommodate disabilities, such as improved navigation, clear layouts, and alternative content formats, also make the overall user experience smoother and more intuitive.
Incorporating accessibility into your digital strategy can also bolster your reputation, positioning your business as socially responsible, innovative, and forward-thinking. Companies that prioritize inclusivity are often seen as more trustworthy and progressive, which can give you a competitive edge in the market.
Furthermore, meeting accessibility standards protects you from potential legal risks. Non-compliance with regulations, such as the WCAG guidelines, can lead to costly penalties or lawsuits. By proactively ensuring your offerings are accessible, you not only avoid these risks but also future-proof your business in an increasingly inclusive digital landscape.
Need help with all of this?
We support you in making your digital offerings accessible and implementing the requirements of WCAG 2.2. Together, we’ll ensure that your websites and apps not only comply with legal standards but also become user-friendly and inclusive for everyone.
From the initial analysis to technical implementation and long-term support, we’ll guide you every step of the way toward an accessible digital presence. Read more about our services here or jump on a call with us right away. See you soon! 😊
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Hi, I’m Emir, CEO and Co-Founder of Dotbite.
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