Website accessibility: does your website comply with European Standards?

In an increasingly digital world, web accessibility is not just a legal obligation or an ethical concern, but an opportunity for businesses to stand out.

Ensuring your site is accessible means reaching a wider audience, improving user experience and enhancing your brand's reputation.

How can accessibility transform your online presence into a tool for growth and innovation?

In this article, we will guide you through the benefits and strategies to create an inclusive site.

Why web accessibility is crucial for modern businesses‍

In a digital age, web accessibility is not just an ethical issue but a true necessity.

‍Creating accessible digital experiences means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can interact with your content.

For businesses, this isn’t just a way to comply with European regulations, but also an opportunity to expand their market and strengthen their brand.

What does "web accessibility" mean?

Web accessibility refers to the ability of a website to be usable by anyone, including users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.

International standards, like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), provide guidelines for creating accessible sites.

These include using alternative text for images, compatibility with screen readers, and a simple, navigable design.

The impact of an inaccessible website: risks and lost opportunities

An inaccessible site poses several risks:

• Legal consequences: Failing to comply with regulations can result in fines or legal disputes.
• Reputation damage: A company’s image can be harmed by non-inclusive choices.
• Loss of customers: An estimated 15% of the global population has some form of disability. Excluding them means losing a significant portion of potential users.

On the other hand, accessibility goes hand in hand with usability.

‍An accessible site is easier to navigate for all users, improving the overall experience and reducing bounce rates.

Who is obligated to comply with web accessibility standards?

According to European and Italian regulations, all public institutions are required to adhere to accessibility standards, as outlined by the European Accessibility Directive and Italy’s Law Stanca.

Additionally, many private companies with a turnover above 500 million euros are obligated to provide an inclusive digital experience.

‍Starting from June 2025, it will be mandatory for all private enterprises, with exceptions only for micro-enterprises (those with fewer than 10 employees or a turnover under 2 million euros).

What are the risks of not adhering to accessibility regulations?

Even though micro-enterprises may not be legally required to comply with all standards, adopting accessibility measures is a strategic choice that can open up to a broader market, improve usability, and prevent future legal issues.

Penalties can range from €5,000 to €40,000, and up to 5% of annual revenue.

‍As awareness of the rights of people with disabilities grows, companies that ignore these regulations risk not only fines but significant reputational damage.

The benefits of an accessible website for businesses

Making your website accessible is not just a legal requirement, but a winning strategy:

• Increased audience: Reach a wider audience, including users with disabilities.
• Better ROI: A user-friendly experience encourages visitors to stay on the site longer.
• Improved SEO: Many accessibility practices, such as using alternative text and proper semantic structures, boost search engine rankings.

How to make your site accessible: best practices and tools

Here are some practical strategies:

• Alternative text for images: Clearly describe visual content for screen reader users.
• Contrast checks: Ensure text is legible against any background.
• Intuitive navigation: Use a clear design and easily navigable menus.
• Testing tools: Platforms like WAVE or Axe can help identify accessibility issues.
• Feedback mechanism: Allow users to report accessibility problems.

Implementing these elements will enhance accessibility and optimize usability for everyone.

The Accessibility Statement: A Transparent Commitment to Inclusivity

The Accessibility Statement is a document that every website should provide to users to demonstrate their commitment to meeting accessibility standards.

‍According to the European Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102), every public entity and many private companies are required to publish an accessibility statement (starting June 2025 for all companies).

This statement must explain the level of compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), describe any inaccessible content, and provide information on how users can report accessibility issues.

This statement is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity to transparently communicate a company’s commitment to providing an inclusive digital experience. A website that publishes an accessibility statement not only complies with regulations but also builds trust and responsibility toward its users, ensuring no one is excluded from accessing content.

RichClicks and web accessibility: your partner for digital compliance

At RichClicks, we believe accessibility is not just a mandatory choice but a chance to innovate and grow.

‍We use advanced website accessibility testing tools to analyze your site’s compliance and provide comprehensive support to identify and fix critical issues.

Our experience enables us to guide you toward a more inclusive digital future, adhering to European standards and improving user experience.

If you want to discover how to make your site more accessible and perform better, contact us today. We’re here to help you make a difference!