Too few companies realise that digital accessibility is a necessity not an obligation
Organisations should act quickly on digital accessibility to remain competitive.
October 16, 2024
According to European directives, all digital products and services commercial organisations offer should be accessible by 28 June 2025. Digital accessibility is not just a legal obligation; it also provides organisations with better customer experiences and competitive advantages.
Since 2016, governmental institutions have had to comply with the EU Directive on the accessibility of websites and apps. This ensures that everyone can use and access digital platforms, apps and content without any problems.
Commercial organisations must also comply with European directives before the end of June 2025. Digital participation should be possible for everyone, especially for those with visual or other sensory impairments.
Digital accessibility brings many benefits
Too few organisations recognise the urgency of digital accessibility and e-inclusion. Apart from legislative compliance, it brings many benefits: your services can reach wider audiences, it improves the user experience for everyone, it protects brand reputation and stimulates innovation.
- Wider reach: Globally, 1.3 billion people (16%) face limitations when it comes to accessing and using digital services. In Europe, this is 101 million people (27%). In the Netherlands, 1 in 8 citizens have a long-term disability, and in Belgium, 25.6% (2.97 million) people are living with a disability. This is a substantial group that companies cannot afford to ignore.
- Better user experience: Accessibility criteria such as consistent navigation and intuitive interactions increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Incentive for innovation: Designing for user constraints leads to new technologies and solutions that benefit everyone. Just think of lowered pavements and electric toothbrushes that were initially developed to meet the limitations of specific target groups.
Added social value and brand reputation
In addition to regulation, the ethical aspect should not be overlooked: everyone should be able to participate in digital societies. Companies that embrace accessibility improve their brand reputation and create an inclusive environment for employees and customers, strengthening consumer loyalty and social value.
"Digital accessibility should not be a consequence of legislation and sanctions, but rather a sign of moral ambition and social responsibility." Tim Dujardin, Head of Accessibility and Frontend Developer at iO.
Help with implementing digital accessibility
Blended agency iO recently hosted a webinar that provided practical tools for e-accessibility for organisations. Organisations exploring this issue can request a digital accessibility audit from iO.
About iO
iO is a blended agency. We bring together talent in marketing, technology, content, strategy, and creativity. With our belief that "experience is everything," we help our clients provide their target audience with rich and relevant brand experiences. Our track record includes helping strong brands such as Audi, Brussels Aiport, Efteling, Eneco, Fiberklaar, and Worldline grow.
Established in 2005, iO operates locally and internationally, serving companies, organisations, and governments from our campuses in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Bulgaria. iodigital.com
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