Accessibility SolutionNEW

Frequently asked questions about digital accessibility

• What is web accessibility?

  Web accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can perceive, understand and interact with online content.

  To understand why web accessibility matters, keep three core ideas in mind:

  • It removes barriers for users with visual, auditory, motor or cognitive impairments
  • It improves overall site usability and readability, benefiting every visitor, not just disabled users
  • It often boosts search-engine performance by encouraging clean code and clear structure

  By prioritising web accessibility, you make your website fairer, more user-friendly and legally compliant.

• How does our online accessibility widget work

  An online accessibility widget is a plug-in that adds assistive features to any site without altering its core code.

  After installation, the widget typically:

  • Offers on-page controls for font size, colour contrast, reading rulers and keyboard navigation
  • Detects user settings (for example, high-contrast mode) and remembers preferences across pages
  • Updates instantly in the cloud, so new accessibility features roll out without manual updates

  A well-implemented widget complements - but does not replace - full web accessibility development.

• What is the European Accessibility Act 2025?

  The European Accessibility Act 2025 is EU legislation mandating that key digital products and services be accessible to people with disabilities.

  Key points to note are:

  • It covers websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, e-readers and some self-service terminals
  • Businesses must meet harmonised EU accessibility standards or face potential penalties
  • Compliance deadlines started in June 2025, with enforcement phased in over subsequent years

  Preparing now for the European Accessibility Act 2025 helps future-proof your digital presence and avoid legal risk.

• What are Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?

  The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are an internationally recognised set of recommendations for making web content accessible.

  Core details include:

  • They revolve around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust (POUR)
  • WCAG is organised into three conformance levels - A, AA and AAA - with AA the usual legal baseline
  • Regular updates (WCAG 2.2 and the upcoming 3.0) refine success criteria to match evolving technology

  Following WCAG helps ensure your website meets global web accessibility standards.

• What are web accessibility standards?

  Web accessibility standards are formal technical and legal requirements that define how to build inclusive digital products.

  They generally:

  • Reference Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the technical benchmark for accessible design and code
  • Appear in regional laws such as the UK Equality Act 2010 and the recent EU Accessibility Act 2025
  • Provide measurable success criteria so organisations can demonstrate compliance

  Aligning with recognised web accessibility standards protects both your users and your organisation.

• What is assistive technology?

  Assistive technology refers to hardware or software that helps people with disabilities access digital content.

  Common examples include:

  • Screen readers and braille displays for blind or visually impaired users
  • Voice-recognition software and alternative keyboards for users with motor impairments
  • Captioning tools and hearing-aid-compatible audio for the deaf and hard of hearing

  Designing with assistive technology in mind ensures your website works for everyone, whatever their needs.