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Accessibility: the digital that includes is the one that works
The new digital normal is inclusive, and it's also mandatory
Inclusion is not an option anymore
Starting June 28, 2025, digital accessibility is mandatory. Discover the risks, opportunities, and how to strategically adapt.
With the entry into force of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the European regulation that extends the obligations already in place for public administration to the private sector, accessibility has officially become part of the way digital solutions are designed, developed, and delivered.
Which are the changhes
Con l’EAA prodotti e servizi digitali dovranno essere progettati per essere davvero fruibili da tutti.
A momentous step forward, designed to break down digital barriers and ensure a fair and inclusive experience for millions of European citizens.
Companies will now have to pay particular attention to how they develop and offer their products, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities. This involves not only adapting online platforms, but also reviewing the content, applications, and services offered.
Indications of eaa
The regulation incentivizes the adoption of accessibility standards, encouraging companies to integrate innovative solutions and assistive technologies into their design processes. The goal is to create a digital ecosystem where anyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, can interact and benefit from the opportunities offered by technology.
Furthermore, implementing the EAA requires adequate training for professionals in the sector, so that they understand the importance of accessibility and are able to apply the regulations effectively. Organizations will also need to use feedback from users with disabilities to ensure that their offers truly meet everyone’s needs.
AN INCLUSIVE VISION
The success of the European Accessibility Act will depend on the willingness of companies to embrace this challenge and see accessibility not only as a regulatory obligation, but as an opportunity to innovate and improve their offer. Only in this way we can build a more inclusive digital future, where every European citizen can actively participate in society, without being hindered by technological barriers.
What the legislation entails
The European Accessibility Act was created with a clear objective: to harmonize rules across Europe, making digital services and products uniformly accessible.
It does so by establishing a series of minimum technical requirements, inspired by international standards such as WCAG 2.1, which must be met by those operating in key sectors of the digital economy.
Nel concreto, saranno coinvolti:
- websites and mobile applications
- e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, booking systems
- online banking and digital payment services
- kiosks and interactive terminals (ATMs, ticket machines)
- e-learning, streaming and electronic communication platforms
Deadline
The deadline has arrived: from 28 June 2025, digital services subject to the European Accessibility Act must be fully accessible.
Sanctions
Up to 40,000 euros for SMEs and up to 5% of annual turnover for large companies
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Impact
The impact goes far beyond fines. It’s about reputation, efficiency, the market. And above all: it concerns people.
Deadline
The deadline has arrived: from 28 June 2025, digital services subject to the European Accessibility Act must be fully accessible.
Sanctions
Up to 40,000 euros for SMEs and up to 5% of annual turnover for large companies
Tradotto con https://laratranslate.com/translate?lng=it
Impact
The impact goes far beyond fines. It’s about reputation, efficiency, the market. And above all: it concerns people.
Who is really involved?
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the eligibility threshold.
Generally speaking, the requirement applies to all companies with more than 10 employees or €2 million in annual turnover.
But be careful: even smaller businesses may qualify if they provide advanced digital services such as mobile apps, marketplaces, SaaS solutions, or B2C platforms.
Bottom line: It’s not just a question of size, but of digital impact.
Accessibility is not a feature, it’s a mindset
Thinking accessible means rethinking the digital experience from its foundations.
It means:
- design intuitive, clear interfaces that can also be navigated using a keyboard
- ensure text readability and correct color contrast
- use semantically correct labeling for screen readers
- offer textual alternatives to visual and multimedia content
- test digital solutions with real users with disabilities
It’s not just about “fixing a website.” It’s about embrace a new version of digital, in which the user – every user – is truly at the center.
Why it’s worth adapting now
Waiting until the last minute to act carries obvious risks: operational delays, unexpected costs, legal penalties.
Acting early, however, offers significant advantages:
- planning and cost optimization
- maggiore controllo sulla qualità dell’esperienza utentegreater control over the quality of the user experience
- greater control over the quality of the user experience
Additionally, many accessibility interventions also improve SEO, mobile usability, and interaction for all users, not just those with disabilities.
In short: Accessibility doesn’t mean simplifying. It means improving.
From regulatory obligation to strategic lever
Too often, accessibility is seen as a constraint or a cost.
But the truth is that it can become a driver of innovation.
Le aziende che decidono di integrare l’accessibilità nel proprio design system e nei propri processi digitali, investono in:
- Quality of the service
- long-term sustainability
- customer trust
- international compatibility with other markets where accessibility is already mandatory (e.g. USA, UK, Canada)
Our approach: accessibility as transformation
At Sidea Group, we believe that a good digital ecosystem is one that works for everyone. That’s why we support companies on their compliance journey with a comprehensive approach that goes well beyond the regulatory checklist:
- technical and UX audits, to identify critical issues and opportunities
- report, a complete overview of website accessibility
- widget, which allows you to customize the website for people with cognitive disabilities
- AGID compliance, support and reporting for AGID monitoring purposes
- PDF Audit, support and reporting for monitoring purposes
Our goal isn’t just to make a website or app compliant.
It’s to help businesses to create an accessible, sustainable, intelligent, and therefore better digital experience.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act represents a turning point.
But, like any turning point, it can be endured. Or it can be seized as an opportunity.
Those who choose to invest in accessibility today are investing in a more open, fairer, and more competitive digital future.
And after all, isn’t this exactly the direction we want to go in?