Accessibility in the Web: Why Accessibility 2026 is mandatory

Imagine you enter a business, but the door is closed. That's exactly how millions of people with disabilities feel on the Internet daily.

Accessibility (a11y) means building websites in such a way that everyone can use them – whether blind, deaf or motor-related.

And since June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) has been a legal obligation for many companies.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

An EU directive that stipulates accessibility for e-commerce, banking services and digital products. If you don't stick to it, you risk fines and fines.

But much more importantly, you exclude 15-20% of the population.

The 4 principles of WCAG (POUR)

Short: Executive answer: Imagine you enter a business, but the door is closed.

Executive answer: Imagine you enter a business, but the door is closed.

For Accessibility in the Web: Why Accessibility 2026 is mandatory, Data Analytics & Business Intelligence, Discover solutions sowie IT Security help you align implementation, scope and budget before you commit.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard. They are based on four pillars:

1. Perceivable

Short: Information must be available for all senses.

Information must be available for all senses. Example: Old texts for images, subtitles for videos.

2. operaable (operable)

Short: The page must also be operable without a mouse.

The page must also be operable without a mouse. Example: keyboard navigation, no time limits.

3. Understandable

Short: Content and operation must be clear.

Content and operation must be clear. Example: consistent navigation, simple language.

4. Solid (Solid)

Short: The code must be clean so that it can be interpreted by Assistive Technologies (Screenreader).

The code must be clean so that it can be interpreted by Assistive Technologies (Screenreader).

Quick-Wins for your website

• Check the color contrast:** Text must be clearly removed from the background (Ratio 4.5:1).

• 975 Semantic HTML: Use for buttons, not

  .

• ⭐:** Never remove outline: none without replacement! Keyboard users must see where they are.

• ʿ6 Formal labels: Each input field needs a label.

Tools for testing

Short: You don't have to be an expert to start.

You don't have to be an expert to start. Use these tools:

• Lighthouse: Built in Chrome DevTools.

• WAVE: Browser extension for visual examination.

• Screenreader: Test your page with VoiceOver (Mac) or NVDA (Windows).

More on technical SEO

---

**Find out our mobile and web development and how we can support your company.

Next consultation appointment →

---

On the numbers: Survey and market figures without an inline footnote follow common public reports (e.g. Bitkom) and official statistics (Destatis). Practical examples: Groenewold IT internal data, 2026.

References and further reading

Short: The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• European Commission – Digital strategy
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium

"Mobile apps need clear offline and security models alongside UX—trust collapses without both."

— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this article about: “Accessibility in the Web: Why Accessibility 2026 is mandatory”?

This article summarizes practical aspects of Accessibility in the Web: Why Accessibility 2026 is mandatory for decision-makers and delivery teams.

In short: The core topic is Accessibility in the Web: Why Accessibility 2026 is mandatory — with a focus on sound decisions and maintainable delivery.

Who benefits most from the content described here?

It is especially relevant for organizations in Web development that need reliable systems, clear interfaces, and predictable delivery — from mid-market teams to specialized departments.

How does this topic fit into an IT or digital strategy?

You can map the topic to service building blocks such as custom software and delivery support: architecture reviews and iterative rollout reduce risk and rework. For multi-system landscapes, IT consulting and architecture helps align vendors and internal teams.

What are sensible next steps if we need support?

For architecture, implementation, or a second expert opinion, book a free initial consultation — including timeline and interface alignment.