New accessibility requirements will come into effect in June 2025, and many small and medium-sized businesses are unsure about what this means for them. We spoke to Saga Polteg, UX Lead at Paapaya, to find out what you need to know and how you can start customizing your website today.
Making accessibility manageable
Saga, a lot of businesses feel overwhelmed by accessibility. Where should they start?
“I completely understand. Many companies view the WCAG guidelines as a lengthy list of technical requirements, but at its core, accessibility is about ensuring your content doesn’t exclude a large group of people, making the web a more inclusive space for everyone. Some of the most common challenges I see are:
Understanding WCAG – It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but a good way to start is to focus on the most basics: make sure text is easy to read, keyboard navigation works, and code is semantically correct.
Lack of knowledge – Many have never worked with accessibility before. A quick training for the team or a collaboration with an expert can make a big difference.
Old websites – Older websites are rarely built with accessibility in mind. Therefore, you may need to prioritize certain parts first, for example contact forms or navigation.
Budget concerns – Automated tools help, but some manual testing is necessary. Instead of a full overhaul, focus on continuous small improvements.”
Simple steps to get started
If a company wants to integrate accessibility into its workflow, what are three simple steps they can take?
“Start early and make it a natural part of the process.
Use a checklist – WCAG can be broken down into manageable steps. A quick win is fixing common issues like color contrast, missing alt text, and keyboard accessibility.
Test with tools – Free tools like WAVE and Axe provide instant feedback on accessibility issues. If a tool flags a missing alt text, simply add a short, useful description.
Think mobile-first – A design that works well on mobile is usually more accessible. Larger buttons, clear headings, and proper spacing improve usability for a big amount of user.”
Common accessibility mistakes
What are some mistakes you see all the time?
“Some errors are simple to fix once you know about them.
Missing or unhelpful alt text – If an image is labeled ‘image123,’ it doesn’t help a screen reader user. Think about how you’d describe the image in a conversation.
Low contrast text – Another common trap is choosing colors with too little contrast. This makes text difficult to read for people with visual impairments. Ensuring correct contrast is a basic accessibility rule.
Overlooking keyboard navigation – Many websites are not optimized enough for the keyboard, which excludes users who cannot use a mouse. It is crucial that all interactive elements are accessible via the keyboard.
The business benefits of accessibility
Does accessibility provide real business value, or is it just about compliance?
“Absolutely, accessibility is a competitive advantage.
It increases your potential customer base – One in four people has some form of disability. By implementing accessibility, you can reach a larger and more diversified target group.
It improves SEO – Search engines prioritize well-structured, accessible websites. Using proper headings, alt text, and clear navigation helps rankings.
It saves money in the long run – Addressing accessibility now helps avoid legal risks and expensive redesigns later.”
Where to begin
For businesses that feel overwhelmed, what’s the first step they should take?
“Start small! Accessibility is a journey, not a sprint.
Have a plan – Plan how to work with accessibility in a smooth way, by thinking about when and how to address different aspects without it feeling like a big burden.
Prioritize – Start with the requirements that are easier to meet, and gradually work towards a more accessible website.
Learn along the way – Small improvements make a big difference, and don’t be afraid to ask experts for help or advice.
Be transparent – If your website isn’t fully accessible yet, acknowledge it. A simple statement like ‘We are actively working to improve accessibility and welcome feedback’ builds trust. You can have a page dedicated to your work with accessibility, where you can ask for feedback from users on how and what to improve.
Accessibility is an opportunity
“Meeting accessibility standards isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about creating a better experience for all users, which leads to more engagement, better search rankings, and a stronger brand.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin with one page. Every improvement makes a difference.”
Need help making your website accessible? Paapaya specializes in UX and web design that aligns with the European Accessibility Act. Contact us to ensure your website is both compliant and user-friendly. Get in touch with us at www.paapaya.io
