Accessibility (also known as "a11y") ensures that websites and digital content are accessible to everyone - regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. This includes people with visual or hearing impairments, motor disabilities, or neurodiverse needs.
An accessible website typically offers:
- Text alternatives for visuals – using so-called alt texts
- Keyboard-friendly navigation
- Clear contrast and understandable language
- Structured content that can be read by screen readers
You’ll find more details on implementation further below.
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What is the EAA?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive that, for the first time, makes digital accessibility mandatory for many businesses. By June 2025, affected digital products and services must be accessible – including websites and online shops.
The goal: people with disabilities should have equal access to digital services – and businesses benefit from increased reach, better usability, and legal security.
Who does the EAA apply to?
The EAA applies to private companies that offer certain services or products digitally. Specifically, this includes:
- Online shops & e-commerce platforms
- Banks & financial service providers
- Transportation services (e.g., train ticket portals)
- Telecommunication services
- eBooks & related reading software
- Self-service terminals (e.g., ticket machines)
Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million in annual turnover are formally exempt.
However: Even for them, accessibility pays off – with better user experience, increased customer satisfaction, and long-term scalability.
What does this mean for your Sitejet website?
Even if not every Sitejet website is legally required to be accessible, it almost always makes sense. It offers a fundamentally better user experience for all visitors, as well as improved reach and visibility - especially in terms of SEO and search engines like Google.
For growing projects, this helps you stay future-proof.
Further reading
Related articles
Sitejet is continuously developing new features to support you in implementation. You’ll find more on these topics in our related help articles:
- Alt texts for images, icons, SVGs, and iFrames
- Accessible captchas (to be published soon)
- Semantic HTML & ARIA roles
- Color Contrast & Readability
- Keyboard navigation & focus management
- Skip-to-main-content links
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