What is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA is EU legislation requiring websites to meet accessibility standards. It applies to public bodies and private businesses providing services to the public, with a compliance deadline of 28 June 2025.

What is WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance?

WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the international standard for web accessibility required by the EAA. It includes standards for alt text, heading structure, colour contrast, keyboard navigation, and more.

What happens if my Irish website doesn't meet accessibility standards?

Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, user lawsuits, regulatory complaints, and exclusion of customers with disabilities.

How much does an accessibility audit cost in Ireland?

Basic automated audits using tools like WAVE are free. Professional manual audits from accessibility specialists typically cost €500–€2,000 depending on site size. A comprehensive audit including user testing with people with disabilities costs €2,000–€5,000.

Can accessibility overlays or widgets make my site compliant?

No. Overlay widgets that claim to fix accessibility with a single line of code are not a reliable solution. They often create more problems than they solve and don't meet WCAG compliance requirements. Proper accessibility needs to be built into your site's code and design.