At Gekkoshot, we believe that everyone, especially those with disabilities, should be able to access the online world. An estimated 16.1 million people in the UK had a disability in 2022/23, representing almost one-in-four (24%) of the total population. (UK Parliament).
Awareness of disabilities and the desire for a fairer, more inclusive society have driven significant shifts in attitudes over the years. Legislation like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents another milestone in fostering inclusivity and removing barriers that affect people with disabilities.
For businesses, like ourselves at Gekkoshot, this legislation presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to set the standard for accessible web design.
What Does the EAA Mean for Your Business?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) sets strict standards that all public and private websites must follow to ensure accessibility for people with various disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.
Non-compliance can lead to serious penalties, including fines of up to €60,000 or, in severe cases, imprisonment.
While there are limited exemptions for small businesses or situations where compliance would cause undue hardship, these exceptions will be rare and must be well-justified. Most businesses will need to fully adhere to accessibility standards.
Essential Accessibility Features for Compliance
To meet these standards, your web design must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Key requirements include:
- Enable keyboard navigation for users who cannot use a mouse
- Screen reader compatibility for visually impaired individuals
- Text alternatives for images and other non-text elements
- Appropriate colour contrast for readability
- Simple, clear language to support users with cognitive impairments
Why Gekkoshot? Our Expertise in Accessibility
At Gekkoshot, we specialise in designing digital experiences that prioritise inclusivity. With years of expertise in accessibility compliance, we ensure that businesses meet global and UK-specific accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 and the EAA.
We have worked with a diverse range of clients, from SMEs to large organisations, to audit, optimise, and future-proof their websites. Our team:
- Conducts comprehensive website audits to identify and resolve accessibility gaps
- Designs fully accessible websites with user-friendly features
- Provides ongoing support and training to help businesses maintain compliance
Gekkoshot’s Commitment to Accessibility
At Gekkoshot, accessibility is at the core of our web design philosophy. We don’t just aim for compliance—we strive to create digital experiences that are truly inclusive. Our team of experts stays ahead of the latest accessibility trends and regulatory updates to ensure our clients are always in line with best practices.
We take a tailored approach, working closely with businesses to develop custom accessibility solutions that align with their needs, industry, and audience. Whether you require a complete website overhaul or targeted improvements, we provide hands-on guidance every step of the way.
Setting Best Practice Standards
Even if the EAA doesn’t directly impact your business, aligning with its standards provides several benefits:
- Competitive Advantage: Voluntarily adopting these standards ensures your agency and clients are ahead of the curve.
- Inclusivity: With one-in-four people in the UK having a disability, prioritising accessibility demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and strengthens brand loyalty.
- Consistency Across Markets: Adhering to global accessibility standards ensures consistency in your web design, regardless of market.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The EAA deadline of June 28, 2025, is fast approaching. Acting now ensures your web design is ready to meet accessibility standards, avoid penalties, and open doors to new customers in the market.
Contact Gekkoshot today to make your website accessible, future-proof, and compliant with the latest standards.