A digitally accessible website: how do you start?

The step-by-step plan below helps you make your website digitally accessible:

1. Request quotes for an accessibility audit

Search for multiple research agencies specializing in digital accessibility and request quotes for a digital accessibility audit. In the meantime, you can already do some quick checks yourself with sites like Is my site accessible (opens in new tab), Accessibility Checker (opens in new tab), and the Google Chrome Extension axe DevTools (opens in new tab). For the extension, some knowledge of the success criteria or scripts is helpful.

2. Start the accessibility audit

Have you chosen an agency? Have the accessibility audit conducted. This audit will identify any shortcomings or issues, such as unreadable text, inaccessible forms, or broken links that can be problematic for people with disabilities. It often also provides useful improvement suggestions.

3. Create an accessibility page on your site

Create a page on your site about accessibility where you explain what you are currently doing to improve digital accessibility. Provide visitors with multiple options to report any accessibility barriers in an accessible way. This contributes to an inclusive online experience and shows that you take the accessibility of your website seriously.

4. Determine what you can do yourself to make your website accessible

After the audit, determine what you can handle yourself and where you need external help. Adjusting the writing style to an accessible B1 text, proper heading structure on your pages, and editing alt texts are things your organization can handle on its own. Make a list of everything you or your colleagues can adjust.

5. Work with your web developer

Technical adjustments, such as improving the HTML code or modifying the navigation, are often tasks for a web developer. Therefore, consult with your web developer, create a schedule, request a quote, and ensure that everyone in the (project) team knows their role in the process. Get them started and see if the research agency can also contribute to the development process to work as efficiently as possible.

6. Internal workshop on digital accessibility

Based on the research report, you will have a list of improvements to create a digitally accessible website. Ensure support within your organization and knowledge among any colleagues who also create and post content on the site, in the newsletter and on social media. Organize an internal workshop on digital accessibility. You can do this yourself or invite an expert. The training ensures that your team not only understands why accessibility is important but also how to apply it in daily operations.

Additionally, develop a guide for new employees to help them create accessible content and apply accessibility standards from the moment they start.

7. Implement improvements

Work with your team on all the improvements you can control. With the newly acquired knowledge and a clear research report, you can move forward. Sometimes you need to make significant or numerous adjustments. For example, if the texts on your site are not B1 or many incorrect alt texts exist. Give yourself the time to do this properly, but try not to postpone it indefinitely. Often, people with disabilities do not return to a website where they previously encountered many obstacles.

8. Recheck your site

After implementing the necessary improvements, it is important to have your website rechecked. This way, you can ensure that everything has been properly adjusted. Use the guidelines of the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as a guide. Have you achieved the AA status, or are you already much further along? Don't forget to update your accessibility page!

9. Keep optimizing

Making your website digitally accessible is not a one-time task. It is important to continuously optimize. Additionally, accessibility criteria should be part of your daily operations. Think about checking new content, regularly testing new features, and involving people with disabilities in the testing process.

Conclusion: create a digitally accessible website

A digitally accessible website is essential for complying with the European Accessibility Act, but it also provides the opportunity to make your website inclusive and user-friendly for a broader audience. By following the steps outlined above, you ensure that your website complies with the law and is accessible to everyone at the same time. Start improving the accessibility of your website today to be prepared for the legislation coming into effect in June 2025.