Roadmap: in three steps to a digitally accessible website

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility ensures that your website is not only user-friendly but also inclusive. This means that everyone, regardless of any limitations, can experience your online offerings. With digital accessibility, for example, a visually impaired person who wants to buy an opera ticket can do so independently.

Why does my site need to be digitally accessible?

• Inclusion: Ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities (5.5 million people in the Netherlands source: Consilium Europe), can participate in your cultural activities.
• Legislation: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires all websites with shops to comply with website accessibility requirements (WCAG rules).
• User experience: An accessible website provides a better user experience for everyone, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• SEO: Accessible websites often rank better in search engines.

Does my cultural organization's website need to comply with the new law?

Many cultural organizations wonder if the law applies to them. If an organization offers a service where someone enters into an online agreement with a consumer, the organization must comply with the European Accessibility Act and therefore be accessible. Think, for example, of buying a ticket for a theater performance or museum visit. However, there are exceptions. If your organization has a turnover of less than two million euros or employs fewer than ten people, you are not required to comply with the law. Source: ICT Law.

However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't strive for accessibility. By becoming accessible, you can reach many new people, so don't let the law be the only motivation to start with digital accessibility.

What makes a website accessible?

The 4 principles of accessibility are:

• Perceivable (such as text alternatives)
• Operable (such as navigating with a keyboard)
• Understandable (such as consistent navigation)
• Robust (no longer used as a criterion)

Why is it not just for people with disabilities?

Accessibility is important for everyone. The Microsoft Inclusive Design Toolkit below beautifully illustrates this for physical disabilities.

Okay, these are physical disabilities, but why should we be digitally accessible? Did you know that:

• 50% of all mobile users use one or more accessibility features?
• 30% of all mobile users adjust the font size
• 30% of iPhone users have activated dark mode

Accessibility is not just for people with permanent or congenital disabilities. Think, for example, of:

• Older visitors: for them, large buttons and clear fonts can make a difference.
• People with temporary disabilities: think of someone with a broken arm who has difficulty using a mouse.
• Users on mobile devices: an accessible website is often better optimized for smaller screens.

Digitally accessible in three steps

Convinced to start with digital accessibility? What are your next steps? Allow six months to make your website accessible. You will need to work with many different people and parties to optimize your website's digital accessibility. Follow these steps to comply with the European Accessibility Act:

Why start now?

Since June 2025, cultural organizations are required to have a digitally accessible site. Accessibility takes time, so start today.

In short

Digital accessibility is more than just a legal obligation. It is an opportunity to make your cultural offerings more inclusive and provide a better experience for all your visitors.

Want more extra advice on digital accessibility? Contact our advisor Priscilla Vaas.