It is not enough for a website to simply function. A website may look modern, respond quickly, and be mobile-friendly. But can every user actually use it, regardless of their abilities? On June 28, 2025, Act No. 424/2023 Coll. will come into force, based on the European Accessibility Act (EAA). It requires companies to ensure digital accessibility. But what does that actually mean?
Accessibility is not the same as functionality.
Functionality = the website loads and responds.
Accessibility = the website can be used and understood even by those who...
- are blind or have visual impairment – for example, a colorblind person cannot navigate the menu where active items differ only in color
- cannot hear or has a hearing impairment – without subtitles in a video, they cannot understand what you are trying to say
- has limited motor skills – a person with a broken arm cannot navigate the website with a mouse, they need a keyboard or a reader
- has a cognitive disability or language barrier – if the website uses "officialese," foreigners or seniors will prefer to leave
- or is simply sitting in the sun with a slow mobile phone – light gray text on a white background? Invisible. And anything that doesn't load within 3 seconds disappears from the mind.
What makes a website truly accessible?
An accessible website:
- works with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers)
- can be controlled with a keyboard without a mouse
- has legible font and sufficient contrast
- contains alternative texts for images and icons
- has correctly structured headings and sections
- allows forms to be filled out without sight
- informs about changes (e.g., errors, confirmations, etc.)
Need an overview of technical rules?
Read: 5 most common mistakes that make a website inaccessible
WCAG 2.1: Four principles of accessible websites.
1. Perceivability
Content must be accessible through more than one sense.
→ contrast, alt texts, color independence
2. Operability
Navigation and control must work without a mouse.
→ visible focus, keyboard operability, returnability
3. Understandability
The content and behavior of the website must be logical and predictable.
→ labeled forms, consistent navigation, clear language
4. Robustness
The website must be readable by different technologies and devices.
→ valid code, ARIA roles, accessibility on mobile devices
How can you tell if a website is not accessible?
Visible problems:
- a button labeled "send" without explanation
- images without alternative descriptions
- light gray text on a white background
- video without subtitles or transcripts
- a website that cannot be controlled without a mouse
Hidden errors:
- missing heading structure (e.g., H1, H2),
- forms without labels,
- screen reader does not announce changes,
- some elements cannot be controlled with the keyboard.
Accessibility = usability for everyone.
From a legal perspective:
Websites and applications must comply with the WCAG 2.1 standard, level AA.
From a user perspective:
The website must be understandable, controllable, secure, and barrier-free—even for users with health limitations, language barriers, or technical limitations.
What exactly does the law say?
Read: EAA 2025: What the new accessibility law brings and who needs to take action.
It's not an extra. It's an advantage
- You'll improve usability even for regular users,
- You'll increase SEO thanks to better structure and semantics,
- You'll build trust – a brand that doesn't exclude anyone comes across as fair,
- You'll get a head start – ahead of the competition and ahead of the legal deadline.
Want to use accessibility as a brand advantage?
Check this: Accessibility as an advantage: UX, SEO, and higher conversion rates
What can we do for you?
1. Accessibility audit
You'll get an overview of technical and content barriers – and specific suggestions on how to remove them.
2. Consultation with an expert
You will gain certainty about whether and how the law applies to you – and what makes sense to address.
3. Design and development of an accessible website
We will build a modern, fast, and understandable website – without digital barriers.
Design a customized accessible website
Accessibility is not just a requirement. It is a better website for everyone.
Contact us – we will help you with the audit, design, and development of an accessible solution.
Are you interested in why accessibility pays off from a business perspective?
Take a look at: Why does an accessible website earn more? Here is the proof.