Accessible websites built to WCAG standards. A specialist service, not a standard add-on.
Accessible web design is a discipline of its own. Different process, different technical decisions, a deeper level of testing and documentation than a standard web project. Our accessible website services cover organizations that need it done properly: serious WCAG conformance, thorough documentation, and genuine usability across a wide range of disabilities.
Accessibility conformance is an ongoing process, not a one-off delivery. Every project is scoped with that in mind, whether it's a new build or remediation of an existing site.
Why it matters now
The European Accessibility Act is in effect.
From June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) requires organizations operating in the EU to ensure their digital products and services meet accessibility standards. This applies broadly: e-commerce, banking, media, transport, telecommunications, consumer electronics. If your organization offers products or services to EU customers online, it very likely applies to you.
Non-conformance carries regulatory action and, in some member states, financial penalties. But the more immediate issue is reputational. If a meaningful percentage of potential customers can't use your website, that's a problem regardless of the legal context.
For organizations not built with accessibility in mind, an audit and remediation plan is the right starting point. For those building or rebuilding, doing it right from the start costs significantly less than retrofitting later.
What accessible design looks like
What goes into an accessible website.
Accessibility is not a visual style or a plugin. It is built into the code, structure, and behavior of the site. These are the core areas every accessible website project covers.
Semantic HTML structure
Correct heading hierarchy so the page has a logical outline. Landmark regions (header, main, nav, footer) that assistive technologies can navigate. Meaningful link text that tells you where a link goes, not just 'click here' or 'read more'.
Keyboard navigability
Every interactive element on the page, including links, buttons, forms, and dropdowns, navigable by keyboard alone. Focus states that are clearly visible so keyboard users always know where they are. No keyboard traps that prevent users from moving through the page.
Sufficient color contrast
Text and interactive elements meeting the WCAG contrast ratio requirements: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text. This matters most for users with low vision but benefits everyone, especially on screens in bright light or on mobile devices outdoors.
Alt text and descriptive media
Every image that conveys information has an accurate alt text description. Decorative images are marked as such. Video content has captions. Audio content has transcripts. These are requirements, not recommendations.
Form accessibility
Every form field has a visible label associated with it in the code. Error messages are clear and specific. Required fields are clearly marked. Focus moves to error messages so screen reader users are informed when something goes wrong.
Performance and mobile
Fast loading times and fully responsive layouts. Accessibility and performance are more closely related than most people realize: a site that loads slowly or breaks on mobile fails a large proportion of users with disabilities who rely on mobile devices as their primary means of access.
Investment
Every project is delivered at a fixed price. Ongoing conformance monitoring and support is available as a monthly retainer. Full details are included in the Proposal of Service after the initial strategy call.
Common questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
What is WCAG?
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It is the international standard for web accessibility published by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). Level AA is the middle conformance level and the one required by the European Accessibility Act, the UK Equality Act 2010, and most public sector accessibility regulations worldwide. A website that conforms to WCAG AA is usable by people with a wide range of visual, motor, cognitive, and auditory disabilities.
Does the European Accessibility Act apply to my organization?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies to businesses that provide products or services to consumers in the EU, including e-commerce, banking, media, transport, and telecommunications. It came into force in June 2025. Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and less than EUR 2 million turnover) are currently exempt from most obligations, but organizations above that threshold operating in the EU should assess their compliance status. If you are unsure, consult your legal adviser.
Why is an accessible website better for SEO?
Accessibility and SEO share many of the same foundations. Semantic HTML structure, proper heading hierarchy, descriptive alt text, meaningful link text, and fast load times all contribute to both WCAG conformance and search engine visibility. An accessible site is a better-structured site, and search engines reward that.
Can I make my existing website accessible without rebuilding it?
Sometimes, but it depends on the platform and how the site was originally built. Sites built on clean, semantic code can often be made conformant through targeted remediation. Sites built on heavily customized themes, drag-and-drop builders, or platforms with structural accessibility barriers often need significant rework. Get in touch to discuss your starting point.
Do accessibility overlays or plugins make a website accessible?
No. Overlay tools and accessibility widgets do not fix underlying code issues and often create additional problems for users of assistive technology. Real accessibility requires proper semantic structure, keyboard navigability, and WCAG-conformant design built into the site from the ground up. The EU's accessibility regulators do not accept overlays as a substitute for genuine conformance.
What is included in your accessible website service?
Our accessible website projects include thorough WCAG conformance testing throughout the build, remediation of all identified issues, a conformance report, and a handover briefing for clients managing their own content after launch.