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Today marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a powerful reminder of the more than one billion people worldwide living with disabilities who continue to face challenges in accessing digital content and online services.
Why Accessibility Matters More Than Ever
In a world that’s increasingly digital-first, accessibility is no longer optional, it's a requirement. And yet, according to the latest WebAIM report, 95.9% of websites still have critical accessibility errors. The average homepage contains 56.8 errors, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. These figures underscore an urgent need for action.
But there's good news: accessibility barriers can be overcome. Inclusive design and accessibility best practices don’t just benefit users with disabilities — they improve usability for everyone.
Evolving Standards and Global Legislation
2024 saw the release of WCAG 2.2, the latest evolution of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, with new success criteria addressing the needs of people with cognitive and learning disabilities, low vision, and mobile users. These updates make the web more usable for everyone, when organizations implement them correctly.
At the same time, legislation is catching up to these digital demands.
Compliance vs. Conformance
To build accessible digital experiences, it's essential to distinguish between compliance (legal obligations) and conformance (technical standards).
Compliance means: “We follow the law.”
Examples:
- Publishing an Accessibility Statement on your website.
- Providing clear feedback channels or complaint forms.
- Maintaining VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates).
- Conducting regular accessibility audits.
- Training staff on digital accessibility best practices.
- Making documentation available about how accessibility is handled.
Conformance means: “Our technology meets standards like WCAG 2.2.”
Examples:
- Meeting WCAG 2.2 Level AA, including colour contrast and focus indicators.
- Ensuring all interactions are keyboard accessible.
- Using semantic HTML for screen reader compatibility.
- Making mobile content accessible for low-vision users.
- Ensuring PDFs and attachments are fully accessible.
- Testing your site with assistive technologies.
Key Insight:
You can be legally compliant without fully conforming to every WCAG criterion, but aiming for conformance ensures a higher standard of accessibility and usability.
Blog: The European Accessibility Act: A Guide for Businesses
Until recently, the EU private sector was largely unregulated in terms of accessibility. That changed with the adoption of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which sets out harmonized accessibility requirements for a broad range of products and services. Enforcement begins June 28, 2025, and applies not only to EU-based organizations but also to non-EU companies offering services to EU citizens.
In this updated blog, you'll find guidance on:
- What the EAA covers
- Which businesses are affected
- Key compliance deadlines
- Technical standards like EN 301 549
- Practical steps to achieve compliance
This legislation not only promotes inclusion but also offers commercial advantages like broader market access and stronger brand reputation.
eBook: The State of Website Accessibility 2024
Produced by London Research in partnership with FirstSpirit
This report explores how organizations are planning to meet new accessibility regulations, the benefits of partnering with accessibility experts, and the drivers behind digital inclusion investments.
eBook: Web Accessibility Buyer’s Guide
This guide emphasizes the massive global market represented by people with disabilities, over $13 trillion in annual disposable income. Learn how improved digital accessibility can drive growth and discover how to choose the right accessibility partner.
Need help with your accessibility initiatives?
Have questions or ready to take action on digital accessibility? We're here to support you every step of the way.