Accessibility Beyond Compliance

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) now in effect across the EU, accessibility is no longer a future goal, it’s a legal requirement. Businesses must ensure their digital products and services meet accessibility standards or risk penalties. But compliance should only be the starting point. True digital inclusivity means actively removing barriers for people with disabilities, not just ticking boxes.

Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding fines though, it’s also smart business decision. Around 25% of people in the European Union live with some form of disability, representing a significant market with considerable spending power. Accessible design broadens reach, strengthens customer loyalty, and enhances brand reputation, all of which drive growth.

So how can organisations go beyond compliance and make accessibility a continuous priority? Here are practical steps:

Start with empathy: understand your users
Accessibility begins with understanding diverse user needs. Inclusive research that involves people with disabilities uncovers real-world challenges. At Nexer Digital, we run usability testing with participants who have a range of disabilities to ensure feedback shapes better digital experiences.

Integrate accessibility into design and development
Accessibility should be baked into every design and development decision, not added as an afterthought. Use tools like colour contrast checkers and screen reader simulators early in the process to identify issues before launch.

Upskill your team
Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Regular training on WCAG 2.2, EAA requirements, and best practices ensures everyone, from designers to content creators, understands their role. Workshops and refreshers keep teams aligned and informed.

Partner with specialists
Accessibility experts can accelerate progress, identify gaps, and ensure compliance. Working with specialists like Nexer Digital helps embed accessibility across your digital ecosystem.

Test continuously
Accessibility isn’t static. New content and features can introduce issues, so schedule regular audits and usability testing with assistive technologies such as screen readers and voice recognition tools. Real-user testing often reveals problems automated tools miss.

Commit to ongoing improvements
Technology evolves, and so do accessibility standards. Create a roadmap for incremental updates and allocate time in each project cycle to review and enhance accessibility features.

Engage with the community
Stay connected with accessibility advocates and industry groups. Attend webinars, join discussions, and learn from others to keep accessibility front of mind.

At Nexer, we believe everyone should feel they matter online. Accessibility is not only a legal requirement, it’s a moral responsibility and a business advantage.

With the EAA now in force, the time to act is now.

For more resources or to learn how we can help, contact us at hello@nexerdigital.com