Why digital accessibility is now more important than ever
Digital accessibility will be legally required from 28 June 2025 for many commercial digital services, such as webshops, banks and apps. But accessibility is more than just a legal obligation: it’s also your responsibility to make digital products usable for everyone. On top of that, it offers clear benefits, such as a better user experience and improved visibility in search engines. In our handy whitepaper, you can read exactly what the law entails, who it applies to, and how you can make your website or app accessible.
Digital accessibility means that everyone can use your website, app or digital service — including people with disabilities. Think of visually impaired people, people with dyslexia, or users who navigate with keyboard or voice software. A digitally accessible site ensures inclusion, a better user experience, increases your target group and benefits your findability.
Legally required as of June 28, 2025
With the arrival of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) many organizations are obliged to make their digital services accessible. Since June 28, 2025 commercial digital services must comply with international accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1 level AA). In the Netherlands, ACM supervises compliance for e-commerce services.
Important: Even if your organization is not (yet) mandatory, there is a clear responsibility. Accessibility ensures that everyone can participate, which is not only fair, but also good for your brand.
What is covered by the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA does not look at the nature of the organization, but at the functionality of the digital service. As soon as there is interaction, such as purchases, payments, reservations, or self-service, you must comply.
This includes:
- Websites through which you pay for something directly, e.g. a membership
- webshops — from product page to checkout process
- Payment terminals — at cash registers and in restaurants
- mobile apps from service providers — such as care or transport
- digital platforms & marketplaces — such as reservation sites
- audiovisual media services — streaming platforms, video on demand and TV apps
In short: almost every company is commercial, but you only really fall under the EAA if there is commercial interaction via your platform. So if you let your visitor make a request and you send them an invoice later, this is not included. It involves direct processing on the site.
Why is it good to take responsibility
Accessibility is not only a legal obligation, but also a moral choice where you show that you are there for everyone.
- expand your reach — 1 in 4 Dutch people experiences restrictions when using websites
- show that your brand is inclusive and forward-looking
- build trust and loyalty with your target group
The benefits for seo and ux
An accessible website is often also easier to find. Many WCAG principles align seamlessly with Google's guidelines:
- clear structure and semantics make your content easier to read by search engines
- alt texts provide extra context for your SEO
- fast, accessible code and good contrasts provide a better user experience
In addition, accessible design is the user-friendliness for everyone improves. Think of readable texts, clear buttons and logical navigation. This leads to fewer drop-outs and more conversion.
What you can do now
- test your website or app on accessibility — use tools, but also involve real users with disabilities
- apply WCAG guidelines — think contrast, semantic HTML, alt texts and keyboard navigation
- publish an accessibility statement and show how you're doing it
- combine accessibility with SEO — this way you benefit twice from a better structure and content
Conclusion
Digital accessibility is not a check mark, but an opportunity. You comply with the law if necessary, you take responsibility and you reap the benefits of better discoverability and user experience.
So an accessible website isn't just mandatory — it's smart, inclusive and future-proof.
Get started!
To help you with this, Ambasco has put together a practical white paper with:
- Free tools to test your website
- The 8 most important steps towards an accessible site
- Concrete tips for designers, developers and content managers
- Structural monitoring recommendations
- An extra tool for full support
