Heard About the European Accessibility Act (EAA), But Don’t Know Where to Start?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is transforming how businesses approach digital accessibility. As the 2025 deadline looms, many organizations are unsure where to begin their journey toward compliance. The answer? Start with an accessibility audit.
An accessibility audit is your first step toward aligning with EAA requirements and building an inclusive digital presence. Here’s how it can guide your organization toward compliance and beyond.
What Is an Accessibility Audit?
An accessibility audit is a detailed assessment of your website or digital platform to identify barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing and interacting with your content. Think of it as a health check for your digital assets, pinpointing gaps and providing a roadmap for improvement.
This process combines automated tools for quick diagnostics and manual evaluations for in-depth analysis. Automated tools can highlight issues like poor color contrast or missing alt text, while expert manual assessments dive into areas like keyboard navigation, multimedia accessibility, and overall usability.
Why Is an Accessibility Audit the Best Place to Start?
1️⃣ Understand Your Current State
An audit gives you a clear picture of where your digital product stands in terms of accessibility. It highlights gaps, prioritizes critical issues, and provides a solid foundation for action.
2️⃣ Align with EAA Requirements
The EAA mandates accessibility across various industries, and failure to comply could result in legal consequences. An audit ensures your digital platforms meet the required standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
3️⃣ Save Time and Resources
Instead of guessing where to begin, an audit offers a focused, efficient path forward. It helps you prioritize fixes, making your efforts more cost-effective and impactful.
4️⃣ Build Momentum
Starting with an audit demonstrates your commitment to accessibility. It’s a visible step that can motivate your team, reassure stakeholders, and show your customers you’re taking accessibility seriously.
The Steps of an Accessibility Audit
1️⃣ Preparation
Define the scope of your audit and identify the relevant accessibility standards (like WCAG).
2️⃣ Automated Testing
Run your website through automated tools to quickly identify surface-level issues like color contrast errors or missing ARIA labels.
3️⃣ Manual Evaluation
Expert auditors assess more complex elements, including keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and multimedia accessibility.
4️⃣ Reporting & Recommendations
Get a comprehensive report detailing issues, severity levels, and actionable recommendations to resolve them.
5️⃣ Remediation & Follow-Up
Address identified issues and iterate on improvements. Accessibility is an ongoing process that evolves alongside your digital platform.
The Benefits of Starting with an Audit
✅ Legal Peace of Mind
Stay ahead of EAA compliance deadlines and avoid the risk of penalties.
✅ Improved User Experience
Accessibility improvements benefit everyone, enhancing usability for all users.
✅ Competitive Advantage
An accessible website not only reaches a broader audience but also boosts your brand’s reputation as inclusive and forward-thinking.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Accessibility audits are more than a box-ticking exercise – they’re a chance to align your digital presence with your values of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. Whether you want to improve usability, comply with legal standards, or simply build a better experience for all users, we’re here to help.
📥 Contact us today to schedule your accessibility audit. Let’s make your digital spaces open to everyone.
To see how accessible your website is, try the Kloosive Accessibility Checker and get your accessibility score today!