Digital accessibility is no longer an option. It is becoming the norm. In the Netherlands, government agencies were already required to comply with the WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. Starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will also take effect. This will extend accessibility requirements to a much broader group of organizations and companies.
This means that digital accessibility is no longer solely the responsibility of the government or large institutions. An increasing number of organizations that offer online products or services will soon be required to comply with these regulations.
The conclusion is clear: accessibility is becoming a mandatory requirement. The question is no longer whether you need to comply, but how quickly you can future-proof your digital brand experience.
What is WCAG?
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These are international guidelines that specify how websites, apps, and other digital resources can be made accessible to everyone.
The goal is to make digital content accessible to all users, including people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities. This includes, for example, people who use a screen reader, have difficulty reading small text, or have trouble navigating without a mouse.
The WCAG guidelines consist of a comprehensive list of requirements for the design, development, and maintenance of digital products. These requirements are based on four fundamental principles:
- Perceivable
Content must be perceivable by all users. This includes sufficient color contrast, alternative text for images, and clear typography. - Operable
Users must be able to operate a website or app, even without a mouse. Navigation via keyboard or assistive devices must be fully possible. - Understandable
The structure and content of a website must be clear and logical. Text, forms, and interactions must be easy to understand. - Robust
Digital content must work properly with different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies such as screen readers.
The WCAG also defines three levels of accessibility:
- A – Basic Level
- AA – the standard that will become mandatory for many organizations starting in 2025
- AAA – the highest level of accessibility
For most organizations, WCAG 2.1 AA is the standard that their digital platforms must meet.
Why Accessibility Is Important
The goal of WCAG is to make digital content accessible to the widest possible audience. But accessibility is more than just complying with regulations. An accessible website means your brand is accessible to everyone. This expands your potential audience and improves the experience for all users.
For example:
- better readability on mobile devices
- clear navigation for all visitors
- Faster loading and better-structured content
- greater ease of use for people with temporary limitations, such as a broken arm or impaired vision due to bright light
In practice, accessible design often means better usability for everyone. In addition, digital accessibility has a direct impact on your brand. Organizations that take inclusivity seriously build trust and credibility. They demonstrate that they take all users into account and exclude no one.
At Studio Piranha, we therefore view accessibility not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to strengthen brands. An inclusive brand reaches more people, creates better user experiences, and builds lasting relationships.
How We Approach Accessibility
In practice, it turns out that many existing websites do not yet fully comply with WCAG 2.1. There are several reasons for this. Sometimes, the necessary knowledge is lacking during the design or development phase. In other cases, accessibility was simply never factored into the original design.
That’s why we help organizations make their digital platforms future-proof. At Studio Piranha, we develop websites and digital experiences that incorporate accessibility from the ground up. Not as a separate check after the fact, but as an integral part of design, strategy, and development. To verify that a website complies with the guidelines, we use specialized accessibility tools. These tools analyze, among other things:
- color contrast and readability
- zoom and scale options
- accessible navigation
- Support for screen readers
- Full keyboard navigation
But technology alone isn’t enough. Accessibility also requires smart design choices and clear content structures. That’s why we combine technical analysis with design and brand strategy. This way, we ensure that accessibility doesn’t come at the expense of visual appeal or brand experience. On the contrary: a well-designed, accessible website actually strengthens a brand’s recognizability and consistency.
What does the European Accessibility Act mean for your organization?
With the implementation of the European Accessibility Act, the playing field is changing for many companies. The law requires organizations that offer digital products and services within the European Union to make their platforms accessible. Examples include:
- online stores
- online services
- apps
- digital platforms
- ticketing and booking systems
For many organizations, this means that their website or platform must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA. However, we see that many existing websites do not yet meet these requirements. This means that organizations will need to take steps in the coming years to adapt their digital environments.
At Studio Piranha, we incorporate accessibility into our projects as a matter of course. Because inclusivity is important to us, we always offer our clients the option to make their websites WCAG 2.1-compliant. Using accessibility evaluation tools, we analyze whether a website is truly accessible. These tools help us quickly identify any issues and implement targeted improvements.
This makes it possible not only to comply with regulations, but also to create a better digital experience for all users.
Now is the time to look ahead
The introduction of new regulations makes one thing clear: digital accessibility is becoming an essential part of modern digital strategy. Organizations that act on this now have a clear advantage. They’re not only building compliance, but also a stronger brand. An accessible website conveys professionalism, reliability, and inclusivity. This makes a brand more attractive to customers, partners, and employees. It is therefore wise to view accessibility not as a technical obligation, but as a strategic investment in your organization’s future.
Building an Accessible and Inclusive Brand Together
At Studio Piranha, we combine strategy, design, and technology to strengthen brands. We ensure that digital brand experiences comply with the WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines, without compromising on aesthetics or usability. For us, accessibility and design go hand in hand. This allows us to create digital platforms that not only comply with regulations but also contribute to a stronger brand experience.
Curious about where the opportunities lie for your organization?
Schedule a meeting with our team. We’d love to show you how your website can not only become more accessible but also gain a stronger market position.
