Inclusivity is the next most important social issue in boardrooms after sustainability. Digital accessibility is very important here. On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act will go into effect and it will even become mandatory for many companies to make their digital services accessible. It is no longer a question of if, but how to make your website or app accessible. In this blog, we explain why digital accessibility should be a top priority for your brand and marketing strategy. We also help you prepare your organization in the best possible way.

• What is digital accessibility?
• The impact of the European Accessibility Act
• Why is digital accessibility important?
• How do you get started with digital accessibility?
• Request your digital accessibility scan 

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility means that websites, apps and digital documents are easy for everyone to use. Even for people with disabilities. Digital accessibility allows everyone to access the same information and services without difficulty.

Imagine letting a visually impaired user store online independently thanks to clear color contrasts. Or you give a hearing-impaired person real access to your video content with subtitles. Some crucial aspects of digital accessibility include:

• Text alternatives for images.
• Subtitles for videos.
• Accessible navigation and keyboard access.
• Color contrasts that are easily visible.
• Compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers.

By taking these measures, you make your platform more accessible to people with disabilities. Plus, by doing so, you'll improve the experience for all your users.

The impact of the European Accessibility Act

The Digital Accessibility Act was already passed in 2019, and since 2020 digital accessibility is already a legal requirement for (semi-)government organizations in the Netherlands. From June 28, 2025, digital accessibility guidelines will be further expanded. This is because from then on, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will go into effect. This act aims to reduce barriers in the EU and improve the accessibility of products and services for people with disabilities.

Which companies will the EAA apply to?
The law affects a huge number of application areas. From products such as e-books, ATMs and ticket services to services such as telecommunications services, online banking and online shops. From a branding and marketing perspective, the latter category is especially important. So web shops and other digital commerce platforms now have a few months to make your shop digitally accessible. A complex and time-consuming task that, as a brand, it is better to start today.

Does your organization have a webshop or do you offer digital services? Then now is the time to start with digital accessibility. Don't wait until the deadline, but make sure your organization is prepared in time. 

Why is digital accessibility important?

Digital accessibility is something that every company should strive for. In products, in services, and in communications. Not only because of society's focus on inclusiveness, but also because digital accessibility is a way to engage more customers. Here are five reasons why you should put digital accessibility on your branding and marketing agenda today. Even if the European Accessibllty Act does not apply to your brand.

1. Promote Inclusiveness
Digital accessibility is about equal opportunity for all. For people with disabilities, an accessible website can make the difference between participation or exclusion. By making small adjustments, such as alternative text and clear navigation, you give more people access to your platform. This way, you not only contribute to inclusion, but also build a stronger and more positive brand image.

2. Improve user experience
Accessible websites offer a better experience for all users. A clear structure, faster loading times and easy navigation make using your platform more pleasant and effective. This not only leads to satisfied users, but also to higher conversions.

3. Increase reach and increase sales
Did you know that 15-20% of the Dutch population has a disability? By embracing digital accessibility, you reach this large audience and create new opportunities. In fact, research shows that investing in a better user experience can yield an ROI of 100:1. That's not only socially responsible, but also business smart.

4. Reap SEO benefits
Accessible websites rank higher in search engines. Elements such as alt text and structured navigation align directly with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This not only helps your findability, but also strengthens the quality of your website.

5. Corporate Social Responsibility
By integrating digital accessibility into your strategy, you show that your organization takes social responsibility seriously. This not only strengthens your reputation, but also increases the loyalty of customers and employees who value inclusiveness. 

How do you get started with digital accessibility?

So it is no longer a question of whether you should get started on improving your brand's digital accessibility, but rather how. The first step is to find out if your organization needs to comply with the European Accessibility Act. Even if it is not, it pays to be proactive about digital accessibility. We are here to help. That is why we have developed the digital accessibility scan. That way you won't have any surprises.

Request your digital accessibility scan

With the digital accessibility scan, our experts assess your website or webshop on almost 100 points. We divide these points into three categories: (1) perceivable, (2) operable, (3) understandable and (4) robust. The scan gives you extensive insight into the extent to which your website or webshop meets all accessibility standards. With the output of this scan, you will know exactly what you need to adjust your website or webshop in order to comply with all legislation regarding digital accessibility in 2025.

Request your digital accessibility scan below. Together we can build a future in which digital accessibility is self-evident.