Take note: Digital Accessibility Act- what will change?
Many people in the Netherlands live with one or more disabilities. These may include individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf, as well as people with physical disabilities. However, this does not mean they should be excluded from participating in society. Everyone - whether they are visually imapired, deaf, or living with another type of disibality - should be able to take part fully in all aspects of life.
To ensure that everyone can take part in society, both in the psysical world and online platforms, the new Digital Accessibility Act (EAA: European Accessibility Act) will come into effect of June 28, 2025.
First: What does this accessibility directive entail?
The governement's goal is for everyone to be able to participate in the digital society. This means that digital products and services - such as websites and mobile apps - must be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. To achieve this, these services must follow iternational accessibility standards.
How can the internet be made accessible to everyone?
The internet is an endless source of information. While much of it is written text, web pages often include images, videos, animations, and interactive elements. However, this kind of content is not always accessible to everyone, especially to those who are blind of visually impaired.
A good solution is to provide a textual alternative for images and media. This involves describing what an image shows or explaining its purpose, making content understandable for all users.
what happens if my digital service is not accessible to everyone?
The Digital Accessibility Act is mandatory for anyone offering a digital service. Failure to comply may result in fines or even legal action. But there's no need to panic. By making your website ore accessible, you'll not only comply with the law but also reach a wider audience and improve the user experience for everyone.
Applying the law: what should you pay attention to?
Implementing the new Digital Accessibility Act can be challenging. Descriptions should be clear, accurate and releavant - not vague or overly complex. You need to put yourself in the shoes of your website visitors: can people who rely solely on text alternatives still understand the information? And will your app or site still be easy to use?
At The Dare Company, our professionals are ready to help you make your website digitally accessible. Is your website not yet up to standard with the Digital Accessibility Act? Then contact us directly for more information. Our experts are here to prepare your website for the new era of digital accessibility!