What is WCAG 2.1 and why is it important?
WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a set of guidelines designed to make websites and digital content more accessible to people with disabilities. Compliance is important because it improves user experience for everyone and ensures you meet legal requirements, such as those outlined in the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Who needs to comply with WCAG 2.1 standards?
WCAG 2.1 standards apply to all businesses and organizations offering digital services or products that are regulated under the European Accessibility Act (EAA). By June 28, 2025, accessibility requirements will need to be met by:
Developers of websites and mobile applications;
E-commerce businesses;
Financial service providers;
Providers of passenger transport services for air, bus, rail, and water transport (including ticketing systems and self-service terminals);
Providers of electronic communications and audiovisual media services;
Suppliers of products and services under public procurement contracts.
Meeting these requirements ensures that people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with temporary or permanent functional limitations can equally access digital solutions. Compliance not only mitigates legal risks but also improves user experience and expands the reach to a broader audience.
More information can be found here.
What happens if my website doesn’t meet accessibility standards?
Non-compliance can lead to fines, lawsuits, and damage to your brand’s reputation. It also means you're excluding a significant portion of potential users who may have disabilities, affecting your business reach.
How does Ferbli’s audit process work?
Our audit covers six key areas: perceivable content, operable interfaces, understandable information, robust code, mobile accessibility, and user feedback/testing. We analyze your site, identify accessibility barriers, and provide actionable recommendations to meet WCAG 2.1 and EAA requirements.
What is the relationship between WCAG and EN 301 549?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a globally recognized set of guidelines focused on making websites accessible, created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). However, it cannot be directly referenced in European directives because WCAG is limited to websites and the EU does not recognize W3C as an official standards body.
EN 301 549, developed by European standardization bodies (CEN, CENELEC, ETSI), was created to meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). It covers websites, mobile apps, non-web content (e.g., PDFs), and hardware.
While EN 301 549 includes WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA success criteria for websites, it also defines additional criteria and uses different rules for conformance.
For most websites, achieving WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance generally satisfies EN 301 549 requirements under the EAA.
Do I need to redesign my website to become compliant?
Not necessarily! Many accessibility improvements can be made through small, strategic changes. Our audit will highlight any necessary adjustments, which can often be made without a complete redesign.
