How the European Accessibility Act Impacts Your WordPress Website (And What to Do About It)

In today’s digital-first world, ensuring your website is accessible to everyone isn’t just about being inclusive—it’s becoming a legal necessity. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) set to go into full effect, businesses across the EU and beyond must take proactive steps to make their websites and digital products compliant.

If you’re running a WordPress site, you may be wondering what this means for you. In this blog, we’ll break down the EAA, its implications for WordPress users, and how to prepare your site for compliance without compromising on design or performance.

What Is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act is a directive from the European Union aimed at improving access to digital services and products for people with disabilities. Set to be fully enforced in June 2025, the act covers a wide range of digital services—including websites, e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and more.

Key industries affected include:

• E-commerce and retail

• Banking and financial services

• Transport and travel

• Telecommunications

• Media and publishing

This means if your business operates in the EU or serves EU customers, your digital services must comply with the accessibility standards outlined in the act.

What Does This Mean for WordPress Site Owners?

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it one of the most widely used content management systems. While WordPress core software is designed with accessibility in mind, themes, plugins, and custom development often introduce compliance gaps.

To align with the EAA, your WordPress website needs to follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which include:

• Text alternatives for non-text content

• **Keyboard navigability

  **

• **Readable and understandable content

  **

• Compatibility with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers)

Non-compliance can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential removal of services from the European market. More importantly, inaccessible websites alienate millions of users and harm brand reputation.

How to Make Your WordPress Site EAA-Compliant

1. Audit Your Current Website

Start by running an accessibility audit to identify issues. Tools like WAVE, axe, or Lighthouse can give you an overview of what needs fixing. Focus on:

• Contrast ratios

• Missing alt text

• Inaccessible forms and menus

• Poorly structured headings

2. Choose Accessible Themes and Plugins

Select themes and plugins that are built with accessibility in mind. Look for those labeled "accessibility-ready" in the WordPress theme directory.

When installing plugins, prioritize those that:

• Follow semantic HTML

• Use ARIA labels correctly

• Offer keyboard navigability

3. Improve Content Structure

Use proper HTML markup for headings, lists, and tables. Avoid using bold text in place of headings, and make sure links are descriptive.

4. Test with Assistive Technologies

Try using your site with a screen reader or by navigating with a keyboard alone. Can users access all content and complete actions like filling out forms or making purchases?

5. Hire an Accessibility Expert (Optional but Recommended)

Sometimes, compliance requires deep technical fixes or custom development. Hiring a WordPress accessibility consultant or agency ensures your site meets EAA requirements thoroughly and professionally.

A Trusted Guide: WordPress Accessibility and the EAA

If you’re looking for an in-depth guide tailored to WordPress users, we highly recommend this excellent resource:
👉 European Accessibility Act & WordPress Compliance – What You Need to Know

This guide offers a clear breakdown of the EAA, practical steps for WordPress site owners, and tips for ensuring long-term compliance.

Final Thoughts

Digital accessibility isn’t just a trend—it’s a legal and moral obligation. The European Accessibility Act is a strong step toward a more inclusive web, and WordPress users must adapt to stay compliant.

Whether you're a small business, a developer, or a digital agency, now is the time to audit your website and make necessary changes. Start today, and make sure your WordPress site is welcoming and usable for everyone.

Need help achieving EAA compliance? Consider partnering with accessibility experts or hiring a WordPress developer to ensure your site meets the required standards before the 2025 deadline.