Web Accessibility: A Legal Obligation and an Opportunity for Businesses
With the enactment of new digital accessibility regulations, businesses and entities offering services to the public must adapt their digital spaces to ensure an inclusive experience for everyone. The EU Directive 2019/882 and the new Accessibility Code of Catalonia set clear requirements to make products and services accessible to people with disabilities and others with special needs.
Who must comply with the regulations?
This legislation affects both public administrations and private companies offering services to the public, such as:
- Public organizations: governments, municipalities, autonomous entities, and other official bodies.
- Private companies offering services to the public: retail establishments, hospitality, cultural and recreational services, healthcare and educational centers, e-commerce platforms, banking, and transport services.
What requirements must be met?
Websites and mobile apps must follow the international WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards at level AA, including:
- Accessible navigation with keyboard and voice assistants.
- Text with proper contrast and image alternatives.
- Subtitles and audio descriptions for multimedia content.
- Forms and interfaces designed for ease of use.
Deadlines and Penalties
The regulations will be applied progressively, but all businesses must meet the requirements by June 28, 2025. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to €100,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
Beyond Legal Obligation: A Growth Opportunity
In addition to avoiding penalties, adapting to digital accessibility offers significant benefits:
- Expanding the target audience, making the website usable for everyone.
- Improving SEO: search engines favor accessible websites.
- Strengthening corporate image: being a company committed to inclusion generates positive customer perception.
How to Adapt Your Website to the Regulations?
If your business hasn’t met accessibility requirements yet, now is the time to act. At teclaSocial, we help adapt your website and applications to ensure they are accessible and comply with current legislation. Contact us, and we will make your digital presence inclusive for all!
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