Heard About the European Accessibility Act (EAA), But Don’t Know Where to Start?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is transforming how businesses approach digital accessibility. As the 2025 deadline looms, many organizations are unsure where to begin their journey toward compliance. The answer? Start with an accessibility audit.

An accessibility audit is your first step toward aligning with EAA requirements and building an inclusive digital presence. Here’s how it can guide your organization toward compliance and beyond.

What Is an Accessibility Audit?

An accessibility audit is a detailed assessment of your website or digital platform to identify barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing and interacting with your content. Think of it as a health check for your digital assets, pinpointing gaps and providing a roadmap for improvement.
This process combines automated tools for quick diagnostics and manual evaluations for in-depth analysis. Automated tools can highlight issues like poor color contrast or missing alt text, while expert manual assessments dive into areas like keyboard navigation, multimedia accessibility, and overall usability.

Why Is an Accessibility Audit the Best Place to Start?

1⃣ Understand Your Current State

An audit gives you a clear picture of where your digital product stands in terms of accessibility. It highlights gaps, prioritizes critical issues, and provides a solid foundation for action.

2⃣ Align with EAA Requirements

The EAA mandates accessibility across various industries, and failure to comply could result in legal consequences. An audit ensures your digital platforms meet the required standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

3⃣ Save Time and Resources

Instead of guessing where to begin, an audit offers a focused, efficient path forward. It helps you prioritize fixes, making your efforts more cost-effective and impactful.

4⃣ Build Momentum

Starting with an audit demonstrates your commitment to accessibility. It’s a visible step that can motivate your team, reassure stakeholders, and show your customers you’re taking accessibility seriously.

The Steps of an Accessibility Audit

1⃣ Preparation

Define the scope of your audit and identify the relevant accessibility standards (like WCAG).

2⃣ Automated Testing

Run your website through automated tools to quickly identify surface-level issues like color contrast errors or missing ARIA labels.

3⃣ Manual Evaluation

Expert auditors assess more complex elements, including keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and multimedia accessibility.

4⃣ Reporting & Recommendations

Get a comprehensive report detailing issues, severity levels, and actionable recommendations to resolve them.

5⃣ Remediation & Follow-Up

Address identified issues and iterate on improvements. Accessibility is an ongoing process that evolves alongside your digital platform.

The Benefits of Starting with an Audit

Legal Peace of Mind

Stay ahead of EAA compliance deadlines and avoid the risk of penalties.

Improved User Experience

Accessibility improvements benefit everyone, enhancing usability for all users.

Competitive Advantage

An accessible website not only reaches a broader audience but also boosts your brand’s reputation as inclusive and forward-thinking.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Accessibility audits are more than a box-ticking exercise – they’re a chance to align your digital presence with your values of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. Whether you want to improve usability, comply with legal standards, or simply build a better experience for all users, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your accessibility audit. Let’s make your digital spaces open to everyone.

To see how accessible your website is, try the Kloosive Accessibility Checker and get your accessibility score today!

The post How an Accessibility Audit Can Help Your Organization Get Started with the EAA appeared first on Kloosive.

As development professionals, we understand the importance of accessibility in web projects.

Here’s a structured approach to implementing accessibility measures in your existing web applications:

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Audit.

• Utilize automated tools such as Lighthouse, aXe, or WAVE
• Perform manual testing using the VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) format
• Incorporate screen reader testing for a holistic evaluation

2. Integrate Accessibility Checks at the Code Level. Consider implementing one of these options:

• Pre-commit hooks for early detection
• Accessibility scans in CI/CD pipelines for consistent checks

3. Enhance your End-to-End Tests. Focus on critical user interactions:

• Keyboard navigation functionality
• Screen reader information accuracy and completeness

4. Implement Regular Manual Regression Testing.

• Schedule thorough accessibility reviews before major releases
• Develop a checklist of key accessibility features to verify

5. Educate Cross-Functional Teams. Provide targeted training for:

• Developers: Accessible coding practices
• Designers: Inclusive design principles
• QA: Accessibility testing methodologies
• Product Managers: Incorporating accessibility into product requirements

6. Integrate Accessibility into Development Workflow.

• Include accessibility criteria in user story requirements
• Make accessibility a standard topic in refinement discussions

For teams seeking to streamline this process, consider leveraging automated tools like Kloosive. Such tools can efficiently handle many of these steps and provide comprehensive accessibility assessments, ongoing monitoring, and computerized improvements. However, the most effective approach often combines automated tools, and external expertise with internal efforts.

By implementing these steps, we can create more inclusive web experiences while meeting regulatory requirements and expanding our user base.

At Kloosive, we believe accessibility should be easy and efficient. Our automated tools combined with expert insights can help your team meet accessibility standards effortlessly. If you’re ready to make your web applications accessible, let’s talk! Book a demo with us today.

The post Enhancing Accessibility in Existing Web Projects: A 6-Step Approach appeared first on Kloosive.

Just a few years ago, digital accessibility was often overlooked or treated as an afterthought. Today, however, it’s a must-have for crafting an inclusive user experience that makes every visitor feel welcome and valued.

Web accessibility is essential for ensuring that everyone can comfortably navigate, interact with, and gain from the web. The brands we’ll look at have done more than simply meet requirements – they’ve created inclusive digital spaces by seamlessly integrating accessible features, like alternative text for images, smooth keyboard navigation, and WCAG-compliant design choices.

Analyzing and learning from these web accessibility examples will help you make your customer experience better for everyone.

Why Website Accessibility Matters for User Experience and Compliance

Website accessibility goes beyond simply adhering to WCAG compliance standards; it directly impacts user experience and is fundamental to inclusivity. By implementing accessible features, businesses ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to information and services.

Accessibility also improves usability for all users, enhances brand loyalty, and reduces legal risks under regulations like the European Accessibility Act. Prioritizing digital accessibility not only broadens the reach of websites but also demonstrates a brand’s commitment to social responsibility.

Key Features of a User-Friendly & Accessible Website

Accessible websites typically incorporate high-contrast visuals, adjustable text sizes, screen reader compatibility, and easily navigable content. These features support a wide range of needs, enabling people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities to experience the content fully.

To make a website accessible to all, several core elements must be in place. These include:

• Keyboard navigation. Accessible websites should be fully navigable using a keyboard without relying on a mouse. This feature is essential for users who utilize screen readers or other assistive devices.
• Clear and consistent layouts. Consistent layouts allow users to anticipate where information will appear, making navigation more intuitive.
• Alt Text for images and media. Providing descriptive text for images and multimedia content ensures that users with visual impairments can understand the full content.
• High contrast and adjustable text sizes. High contrast improves readability for users with visual impairments, and adjustable text sizes allow users to customize views for their needs.
• Accessible forms and labels. Properly labeled fields and easy-to-navigate forms are crucial for users with cognitive disabilities, making processes like sign-ups and checkouts accessible.

1. IKEA: High-Contrast Visuals & Mobile-Friendly Accessibility

Just like IKEA furniture, designed with everyone in mind, IKEA’s site features high-contrast visuals and text resizing options to make reading easier for users with low vision. This thoughtful design ensures that all users can easily navigate and shop for their favorite home essentials.

But accessibility doesn’t stop there! IKEA’s website is fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to explore and purchase items on the go – whether lounging at home or out and about. By aligning with the European Accessibility Act, IKEA demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect piece to complete their space.

With a consistent navigation structure and clear layouts, IKEA makes it simple for users to predict where to find information. This ease of use not only enhances the shopping experience but also fosters loyalty among users who appreciate the brand’s inclusive approach.

2. BBC: Audio Descriptions and Custom Accessibility Toolkit

Known for delivering quality programming, the BBC sets a high standard for accessibility with its robust accessibility features and inclusive content strategies.

Offering both closed captions and audio descriptions for its extensive video library, the BBC ensures that content is accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing. These accessibility tools enhance the user experience for a diverse audience and fulfill a critical need in digital accessibility.

Additionally, the BBC has developed a unique internal accessibility toolkit to help maintain website accessibility best practices across its platforms. This toolkit is used by its design and development teams, ensuring that all updates or new features meet strict accessibility guidelines. The BBC also provides a detailed help section for users who may need assistance customizing their viewing experience, which further supports its goal of inclusive content delivery.

3. Barclays: Accessible Online Banking with Keyboard Navigation

Barclays has positioned itself as a leader in accessible online banking, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity with features designed to enhance user experience for all.

The company stands out in accessible online banking by incorporating extensive keyboard navigation, high-contrast text, and adjustable font sizes. These features enable visually impaired users to interact with their digital banking services smoothly. Barclays also allows users to adjust text size and color contrast, ensuring that all visual elements are easy to read across devices.

Barclays has invested in making complex banking processes accessible by providing descriptive labels on forms, which is essential for users with cognitive disabilities. This commitment to accessibility reinforces Barclays’ brand as a leader in inclusive websites, going beyond basic compliance to offer real value for all users.

4. Eventbrite: Clear Labeling and Alternative Text for Event Access

Eventbrite is committed to making live experiences accessible to everyone, and its platform reflects that mission with a user-centric design that emphasizes clear labeling and alternative text. This approach makes it easier for screen reader users to navigate and understand content, showcasing the importance of accessible websites in providing equal access for all.

The platform has thoughtfully designed its search and ticketing features with accessibility in mind, ensuring that visually impaired users can smoothly navigate from event discovery to checkout. By providing meaningful labels and structured navigation, Eventbrite enables users to book events independently.

Eventbrite’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its continuous improvement process, with dedicated teams monitoring and updating features to meet WCAG standards. The platform also offers a user guide to help those unfamiliar with accessibility settings customize their experience further, making it truly inclusive.

5. Vox Media: Inclusive Design and Robust Accessibility Features

Known for its innovative approach to digital media, Vox ensures that all users can access its rich library of articles, videos, and podcasts. The website includes features such as alt text for images and clear, well-structured layouts that enhance navigation for screen reader users. This attention to detail helps create a more inclusive experience for everyone.

Vox Media goes beyond just meeting compliance standards; it embodies a philosophy that values the voice and participation of all audiences. By implementing accessible design principles, the brand allows users to engage deeply with its content, whether they’re exploring complex news stories or enjoying cultural commentary. Their design team continuously evaluates and updates the website, ensuring that it adheres to the latest website accessibility best practices.

Furthermore, Vox Media actively seeks feedback from users, allowing them to refine their accessibility features based on real-world experiences. This user-centric approach reflects the brand’s dedication to making its platforms welcoming and navigable for all, highlighting the importance of listening to the audience.

Benefits of Digital Accessibility & Accessible Design

Prioritizing accessibility can bring substantial, long-term advantages for businesses and organizations. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Wider audience reach. Accessible websites allow more people to engage with your content, including individuals with disabilities, elderly users, and those with temporary impairments, broadening your potential audience and customer base.
• Improved usability. Accessibility features such as keyboard navigation, clear text, and high-contrast visuals make websites easier to navigate for all users, enhancing overall user satisfaction and engagement.
• Enhanced SEO. Many accessibility best practices, such as alt text for images and structured content, align with SEO strategies, helping websites rank higher in search engine results and attracting more organic traffic.
• Compliance & reduced legal risks. Meeting accessibility standards like WCAG compliance and the European Accessibility Act compliance helps businesses avoid potential legal issues, protecting them from fines or lawsuits related to non-compliance.
• Positive brand image. Embracing accessible design demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, which can strengthen brand loyalty and appeal to consumers who prioritize ethical practices.
• Increased conversions. With streamlined navigation and accessible forms, users are more likely to complete desired actions, such as purchases or sign-ups, leading to higher conversion rates and business growth.

By adopting accessible design, businesses not only meet legal requirements but also create a welcoming digital environment that supports diverse needs, ultimately enhancing user experience and strengthening brand reputation.

Ready to Make Your Website More Accessible?

After discovering how these five brands are nailing web accessibility, we bet you are excited to boost your own website’s inclusivity and make a positive impact! Web accessibility examples like those from IKEA, BBC, Barclays, Eventbrite, and Vox Media show that it’s possible to create an inviting digital space for everyone.

Check your site’s accessibility with Kloosive accessibility checker, or schedule a consultation with us to learn how we can help your website become more inclusive and meet all necessary standards.

Read more about our solutions on our website.

The post 5 European Websites Leading the Way in Accessibility appeared first on Kloosive.

Here are five key steps to ensure your project is inclusive and accessible to all:

1. Inclusive Design From the Get-Go

• Design with flexibility in mind, alternative ways to achieve the same results, ex.: checkout with both keyboard and mouse
• Involve people with disabilities in design research if possible!
• Utilize tools like color contrast checkers and screen reader simulators

2. Leverage Automated Accessibility

• Implement tools like axe-core or eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y in your pipeline
• Use reusable components that have required attributes such as “role” or “aria-label”

3. Implement Regression Testing and Change Monitoring

• Incorporate accessibility checks into your QA process. Using screen readers is a must!
• Use tools like WAVE or aXe for automated testing

4. Educate Key Stakeholders

• Provide accessibility training for PMs, QA, developers, and designers
• Foster a culture where accessibility is everyone’s responsibility
• Help them to stay updated with changing technologies and standards

5. Integrate Accessibility into the Development Lifecycle

• Make accessibility a criteria in your User Stories or Tasks
• Include accessibility reviews in code reviews and design critiques

Pro Tip: Utilize a common component and design library (like Storybook or Polipo) to ensure consistent accessibility across your project. This approach improves development and code maintenance and helps maintain accessibility standards throughout your application.

By following these steps, we can create web experiences that are both compliant and truly inclusive. Let’s build a web that works for everyone!

At Kloosive, we believe that accessibility should be woven into the fabric of every web project from the very start. Our automated accessibility solutions empower businesses to ensure that their digital platforms are inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities.

To see how accessible your website currently is, try the Kloosive Accessibility Checker and get your accessibility score today!

The post Starting New Web Projects with Accessibility at the Core: A 5-step Approach appeared first on Kloosive.

Across Canada, both federal and provincial regulations require websites to be accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. These laws often reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an internationally recognized set of standards that outline how to make digital content more accessible.

But what does it mean to comply with these guidelines in a Canadian context? How do different laws, like Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), align with WCAG standards?

While accessibility requirements vary by jurisdiction, one thing is clear: achieving web accessibility is crucial for businesses and organizations across the country.
Let’s overview Canada’s web accessibility landscape, with a particular focus on AODA compliance, and explore how you can ensure your website meets these standards.

Why Web Accessibility Matters

In its essence, web accessibility is about ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, can navigate, understand, and interact with your website.
Disabilities can include visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical impairments. Making your website accessible means designing and developing it in a way that people with all kinds of abilities can use it comfortably.
For businesses in Canada, web accessibility isn’t just an ethical responsibility; it’s a legal one. Non-compliance with accessibility laws can lead to lawsuits, fines, and damage to your reputation. It’s essential to understand the key regulations in play, especially the AODA.

What is the AODA?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law in Ontario that aims to make the province fully accessible by 2025. The AODA requires businesses, non-profits, and public-sector organizations in Ontario to follow specific accessibility standards. One of these standards pertains to websites and web content, and these requirements are a key part of Accessibility Ontario initiatives.

AODA and WCAG: What’s the Connection?

To comply with the AODA, your website must meet specific standards set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG is an internationally recognized set of guidelines for web accessibility developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The AODA currently requires websites to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards.

What Does WCAG 2.0 Level AA Mean?

WCAG 2.0 Level AA is a mid-tier level of accessibility that includes all Level A and AA requirements. Here are a few examples of what compliance involves:

• Text Alternatives: Providing text descriptions for non-text content (like images) so that screen readers can convey the information to visually impaired users.
• Captions for Multimedia: Ensuring that videos have captions for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Keyboard Accessibility: Making sure that all website functions can be performed using a keyboard instead of a mouse, which is crucial for people with motor disabilities.

Who Needs to Comply with the AODA?

If your organization is based in Ontario, AODA compliance is mandatory. This includes:

• Public sector organizations (like municipalities, hospitals, and schools)
• Private sector and non-profit organizations with 50 or more employees

Even if your organization is smaller or based outside Ontario, compliance with AODA or similar laws (such as the Accessible Canada Act) may still be beneficial. Accessibility isn’t just a local issue; it’s a best practice that reflects a global commitment to inclusivity.

Accessibility in the Rest of Canada

While AODA is specific to Ontario, other provinces have their accessibility laws. At the federal level, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) aims to make federally regulated organizations barrier-free by 2040. The ACA also references WCAG guidelines, highlighting the importance of digital accessibility across the country. In this context, Accessibility Canada is not only a regulatory requirement but also an opportunity to create a more inclusive digital environment.

How to Achieve AODA Compliance

Achieving compliance might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simplified roadmap:

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Begin by assessing your current website against WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. This will help identify existing barriers.
2. Develop an Accessibility Plan: Create a plan to address any gaps found in your audit. This could include modifying your website’s design, improving content accessibility, and ensuring that all new content meets WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards.
3. Implement Changes: Work with web developers, designers, and content creators to make the necessary changes. Prioritize areas that will have the most significant impact.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Updates: Accessibility isn’t a one-time task. Regularly monitor your website and update it as needed to stay compliant with evolving standards and technologies.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

Compliance with web accessibility laws like AODA isn’t just about avoiding penalties. There are numerous benefits to making your website accessible:

• Wider Audience Reach: An accessible website can reach more users, including the 1 in 5 Canadians living with a disability.
• Better SEO: Many accessibility practices, like using alt text for images and clear headings, also improve your site’s search engine ranking.
• Enhanced User Experience: An accessible website offers a better experience for all users, not just those with disabilities.

Conclusion: Take Action Today

Understanding Canada’s web accessibility laws and achieving AODA compliance might seem complex, but it’s a critical step in building an inclusive digital presence. Start by familiarizing yourself with WCAG guidelines and conducting an accessibility audit to identify areas for improvement.
By making your website accessible, you not only comply with the law but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, reaching a wider audience, and improving your site’s usability. Remember, accessibility is a journey, not a destination, so begin today and build a web that everyone can use!

How Kloosive Can Help You

Kloosive is committed to making the digital world accessible for everyone, including Canadian businesses that need to comply with laws like the AODA.

We recognize that creating an accessible internet is a shared success: it helps businesses expand their customer base while allowing users with disabilities to enjoy digital content fully.

Our mission is to close the web accessibility gap that impacts millions of websites worldwide, including those of Canadian organizations striving to meet AODA requirements. We know that achieving compliance can be particularly challenging for small businesses with limited resources or larger enterprises without dedicated accessibility teams. That’s where Kloosive comes in.

Using AI-driven technology, Kloosive provides solutions that simplify the journey to accessibility compliance, enabling businesses of all sizes and sectors to meet their legal obligations and embrace online inclusion. Whether you’re looking to align with Canadian regulations or want to enhance your global digital presence, Kloosive is here to help you navigate every step of the process, ensuring your website is accessible, compliant, and ready for all users.

The post Understanding Canada’s Web Accessibility Laws: A Focus on AODA Compliance appeared first on Kloosive.

The EAA: An Aligned Strategy for Ensuring Accessibility

The EAA, enacted in 2019 and being implemented in 2021, seeks to harmonize accessibility standards among EU countries, promoting a unified market for inclusive goods and services. Member states were required to enact the requisite implementation laws before June 28, 2022, and guarantee the enforcement of the accessibility measures outlined in the EAA by June 28, 2025.

This coordinated method removes the requirement for companies to navigate through a confusing array of regulations, streamlining compliance procedures and cutting down on expenses. In addition to making regulations more efficient, the EAA represents a significant move towards greater societal inclusivity. By guaranteeing equal access to everyone, people with disabilities are included and able to participate fully in education, work, and society.

Products and Services Embraced by the EAA

The EAA goes beyond just rules, it includes many essential products and services that are part of our daily lives. This covers private gadgets such as smartphones, computers, and e-readers, along with shared amenities like ATMs, TV shows, and public transportation. Moreover, the EAA is responsible for overseeing information and communication services such as websites, apps, and digital platforms that offer information or services.

The conditions and responsibilities specified in the directive pertain to a company with over 10 employees and either a yearly revenue of more than EUR 2 million or a yearly balance sheet total surpassing EUR 2 million.
Smaller businesses that do not meet these criteria are not required to follow the specific accessibility requirements and obligations stated in the directive.

Main Criteria for Achieving Accessibility Excellence

The EAA specifies unique accessibility standards for every type of product and service, with a focus on crucial usability aspects. This consists of labeling that is clear and easy to understand, controls and input methods that are user-friendly, compatibility with assistive technologies, navigation that is consistent and expected, sufficient contrast and color perception, as well as mechanisms for preventing and recovering from errors.

Advantages of Adopting the EAA approach

Adhering to the EAA not just encourages inclusivity but also offers real advantages for businesses and organizations. Embracing accessibility principles can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, a stronger brand reputation, better market access and competitiveness, and decreased legal risks and potential penalties.

Kloosive: Your One-Stop Shop for Web Accessibility

At Kloosive, we think that web accessibility is a key component of a design approach that prioritizes the needs of users. Our offerings equip organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to meet EAA compliance and more.
Our solutions offer automatic website accessibility testing and fixing, personalized audits and reports on accessibility, as well as professional help and assistance for meeting regulations.
Through collaboration with Kloosive, companies can guarantee that their websites and digital offerings are accessible to everyone, promoting an inclusive and fair digital experience for all.

A Route to a Digital Environment that is More Welcoming to Everyone

The European Accessibility Act is a major achievement on the path to a society that is more inclusive and accessible. Businesses and organizations that follow these principles not only adhere to legal requirements but also benefit from a broader and more involved customer base. With the assistance of Kloosive, businesses can successfully maneuver through the challenges of web accessibility and establish an inclusive digital environment for everyone.

Learn more about the solutions we offer!

The post What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)? appeared first on Kloosive.