When we talk about web accessibility, we are referring to websites and apps being accessible and easy to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. Almost 1 billion people around the world have some sort of disability. In the EU alone there are about 80 million. Yet, a lot of websites are difficult for them to use. That is why the EU has come up with web accessibility rules to make the online space usable for each and every person.
To make your website inclusive and usable for everyone you have to make sure you use digital services keeping a wide range of users in mind. Only then can you be a part of making the internet a better and usable place for everybody.
What is the EU Web Accessibility Directive?
The EU web accessibility directive is a set of rules for people and businesses in the public sector. As per this directive when they design websites, they need to keep everyone, especially people with disabilities in mind. This directive was introduced in 2016 to make sure using the internet is easy for everyone. The directive has certain standards such as WCAG 2.1 to ensure that digital platforms are seamless for all and there are no barriers.
Who Must Comply with the EU Web Accessibility Directive?
This directive mainly applies to public sector organizations like government offices, schools, and hospitals. It is Europe’s goal to make the internet easy to use for all and this directive is a step closer to that goal. Following the rules stated in the directive is not only a legal requirement but by following them you are contributing to creating a better user experience for millions of people.
What is the Difference Between the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The EU Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) are both designed to improve digital accessibility, but they serve different purposes. Many people confuse them because they both deal with inclusivity and accessibility regulations. Below is a detailed understanding of how one is different from the other.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law formed to make products and services, like ATMs and online shopping sites, easier for everyone to use across the EU. It is a pillar of support for the directive as it covers areas beyond websites and apps.
| EU Web Accessibility Directive | European Accessibility Act |
|---|---|
| Focuses on public sector websites and apps | Covers ATMs, E-books, Online Banking etc. |
| Targets public services | Targets private sectors as well |
The accessibility act basically takes the directive’s approach and spreads it further to other avenues and industries too.
Why Do People Confuse the EU Web Accessibility Directive and WCAG?
Many people also confuse the EU Web Accessibility Directive with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) because both address website accessibility.
The directive takes WCAG’s recommendations and turns them into law. Below is a detailed understanding of the difference between the two.
How is the EU Web Accessibility Directive Different from WCAG?
The WCAG or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the technical advice on how to make websites accessible. The EU Web Accessibility Directive has taken these and turned them into laws. The government checks websites regularly to ensure they are meeting the standards stated by the directive. This regular audit by the government makes sure that organizations are taking these rules seriously and following them, or being held accountable for not following them. It is a legal obligation and therefore, it is turning the web into an improved and usable space faster.
| EU Web Accessibility Directive | WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) |
|---|---|
| A legal framework for public sector websites | A set of best practices and technical guidelines |
| Requires regular government audits for compliance | No mandatory enforcement, only recommendations |
How to Comply with the EU Web Accessibility Directive
To follow the laws of the directive, organizations need to do the following:
- Create an Accessibility Statement: You have to write a simple statement and explain how accessible your website is. You have to mention the contact details of people to share feedback with. This way the users know what to expect from a website and who to approach someone if they have any issues or concerns.
- Monitor Accessibility: If you check your website regularly, you can make sure that it meets European web accessibility standards, like WCAG 2.1. you can fix bugs and other issues well in time with these regular checks before they affect any user.
- Report Progress: When you are transparent with the authorities through reporting, about how accessible your website is and the improvements you are making, it shows your commitment and the progress that you have made over time.
How Does Continual Engine Help?
Continual Engine makes it easier for organizations to meet Europe’s web accessibility requirements. They use smart AI tools to make websites and apps usable for everyone. With expert in-depth learning and advanced computer vision technologies, they provide customized solutions in website designing, which make the process of achieving the set standards very simple.
Their services are designed to save time and reduce costs but also maintain high standards of accessibility at the same time. With over 20 years of experience, Continual Engine offers simple, pocket-friendly solutions to help you meet the standards set by the law.
Want to make your website better for everyone? Continual Engine can help you get there quickly and easily.
The EU Accessibility Directive is a big step towards making the internet friendly and usable for everyone in the EU. By following the guidelines of Europe’s web accessibility requirements, you are making a difference in the lives of millions of people as they do not have to depend on anyone else. Accessibility, more than a legal requirement is a responsibility to make the internet welcoming for everybody. And with tools like Continual Engine, meeting these goals is simpler than ever.
