Web Accessibility - WCAG, EAA & ADA Standards
Delivering a seamless experience to everyone
Web accessibility is a crucial service that ensures your websites and other digital products are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We have over twenty years of experience designing accessible digital products and services, and we use our expertise to ensure your websites, platforms, and digital services are accessible to all.
With accessibility, we focus on designing and developing products that meet international standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), as well as ADA Standards. This means considering all elements, such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and colour contrast, all focused on making your products accessible to everyone.
Client spotlight
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Client - ESB Networks designed to deliver an accessible experience to all - www.esbnetworks.ie
We also train and regularly upskill your team to understand how to maintain accessibility within your content publishing processes, ensuring your customers and partners can use your product without any barriers.
Investing in accessibility broadens your audience reach and demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and compliance.
Benefits of Web Accessibility for your organisation
- Increased reach - Makes your product accessible to everyone - the right thing to do!
- Enhanced UX - Offers a superior user experience by catering to diverse needs.
- Compliance standards - Ensures your product adheres to accessibility regulations, reducing legal risks.
- Brand reputation - Shows your commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.
- Lower costs - Designing accessible products from the start to avoid costly retrofits.
- Customer loyalty - Builds loyalty by providing an inclusive experience that meets all user needs (See Electric Ireland case study).
Can we audit the accessibility level of your digital products?
The Accessibility questions we are regularly asked
Q: What is web accessibility?
Web accessibility ensures that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed to enable people with all abilities to use them effectively. This includes users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
Q: Why is web accessibility important?
Accessibility ensures equal access for all users, including people with disabilities. It improves usability for everyone, boosts search engine performance, supports legal compliance, and strengthens your brand’s inclusivity and reputation. Accessible websites are also easier to use on mobile devices and for users with temporary or situational impairments, as well as for addressing the requirements of an ageing web user population.
Q: What accessibility standards does Arekibo follow?
Arekibo adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA, the standard most often cited in legislation. We also ensure compliance with Irish and EU regulations, including the Disability Act and Web Accessibility Directive.
Q: How long have your team been following these standards?
We have been delivering accessible and compliant websites and associated services since we started in 2002.
Q: Has your work received recognition and awards?
Yes, we have been delighted to be recognised for our commitment and for having equally committed clients.
Q: Does my business need to comply with accessibility laws? Are the laws different in Europe, the UK, and the USA?
Yes, and the legal landscape differs:
- Ireland & EU - The Web Accessibility Directive and European Accessibility Act require public sector websites and many private services (e.g., banking, transport, e-commerce) to comply with WCAG 2.2 AA. See our article on EU Accessibility Act (EAA) - Are your digital services compliant?
- UK - The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations and the Equality Act 2010 apply. All UK businesses must avoid discrimination, and public services must meet WCAG standards.
- USA - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 require accessible digital experiences, especially for government and many public-facing businesses.
Q: How does Arekibo test for accessibility?
Our Quality Gate Process includes structured testing for screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, performance, and mobile responsiveness. Tools like Google Lighthouse, axe DevTools and third-party audits are used to validate compliance.
Q: Are all new Arekibo projects designed to be accessible?
Yes. Accessibility is integrated from the design phase through to testing and launch. Our UX, Design, and Quality Assurance teams collaborate to ensure that every feature meets WCAG 2.21 AA standards.
Q: What about legacy content or third-party integrations?
We support audits and remediation of legacy content, ensuring that third-party tools and integrations are reviewed for accessibility in accordance with local legal requirements. We also align our compliance processes with those of our partners where relevant.
Q: Is accessibility training available for client teams?
Yes. Arekibo offers accessibility training for clients responsible for content, governance, and/or user experience. We provide documentation and hands-on support to embed best practices within your organisation.
Why accessibility is everyone's business
Accessibility drives business success by expanding your market and aligning with ethical values. Here are the business benefits:
- Broader market access - Reach customers with disabilities and improve market penetration.
- Increased customer satisfaction - Cater to all users’ needs, improving overall satisfaction.
- Competitive advantage - Stand out by offering accessible products that meet user needs.
- Reduced legal risks - Avoid potential lawsuits by adhering to accessibility standards.
- Enhanced brand loyalty - Show your commitment to inclusivity, building stronger relationships with customers.
Accessibility can bring long-term cost savings and operational efficiencies. Here’s how it benefits finance and operations:
- Cost efficiency - Proactively addressing accessibility reduces the need for costly fixes later.
- Streamlined processes - Embed accessibility into your processes for efficient operations.
- Reduced risk exposure - Lower your exposure to legal risks through compliance.
- Improved ROI - Reach a larger audience, maximising your return on investment.
- Future-proofed development - Accessibility is becoming standard; get ahead to ensure longevity.
Accessibility in marketing ensures that your content reaches a broader audience and aligns with inclusive values. Here’s how it benefits marketing:
- Expanded audience - Reach more people by making content accessible to all.
- Improved brand image - Position your brand as inclusive and socially responsible.
- Better engagement - Engage with a diverse audience through accessible content.
- Optimised content - Accessible content often leads to improved readability and user experience.
- Enhanced SEO - Accessibility features, like alt text, also boost search engine optimisation.
For tech teams, accessibility promotes best practices in design and development, ensuring robust, user-friendly products. Here’s why it’s essential for technology:
- Inclusive design - Build products that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.
- Improved code quality - Accessibility standards encourage cleaner, more efficient code.
- Reduced tech debt - Address accessibility early to avoid costly updates later.
- Enhanced compatibility - Improve compatibility across devices and assistive technologies.
- Compliance assurance - Ensure your product meets legal accessibility requirements.