Ready for the EAA? How to fix the top 5 accessibility issues on websites

Online accessibility is more important than ever, as businesses work to create websites that are easier to navigate for users with physical disabilities.

One of the main reasons this is especially relevant now is the upcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA). It sets specific requirements for new products and services entering the market from June 28, 2025. A later deadline applies to existing products and services. The EAA aims to enhance accessibility across Europe by ensuring that products and services are usable by all.

But what are the most common challenges that limit accessibility? In this article, we highlight five frequent barriers and explore how addressing them can significantly improve the user experience and overall accessibility of your website.

1. Missing ALT texts

Alternative texts, or ALT texts, are short descriptions that convey the content of images or graphics. They allow individuals with visual impairments to understand visual information using screen readers. When key information is presented only through images without ALT texts, this content becomes inaccessible.

However, not every image needs an ALT text. For purely decorative visuals, it’s important to mark them correctly so that assistive technologies can skip them, reducing unnecessary distractions.

But there’s more: Maintaining accurate and descriptive ALT texts not only supports users with disabilities but also improves your website’s SEO. They help search engines like Google better understand your content, which can boost your rankings.

Also keep in mind: ALT texts aren’t limited to websites – they’re equally important for images used in emails and on social media platforms.

2. Inadequate information and relationships

Website information and structure should be both visually clear and technically identifiable.

This requires:

• using a proper heading hierarchy with HTML tags (h1–h6)
• correctly labeling lists with tags (ul, ol, li)
• structuring tables accurately with elements like th, scope, and headers
• clearly labeling form fields
• labeling content areas, for instance, main content using HTML5 tags or role attributes

When these structural elements are missing, assistive technologies struggle to interpret the content. For example, a form field without a label will be read simply as “input field” by a screen reader, leaving users unsure what information is required. This creates a significant barrier, especially for blind users who rely on screen readers to navigate and complete forms independently.

3. Insufficient contrast

Imagine trying to read the latest news on your favorite newspaper’s website while sitting in direct sunlight. Poor contrast ratios can make this nearly impossible. While moving to a shaded spot may solve the issue for some, people with visual impairments don’t have that simple workaround.

Maintaining proper contrast ratios for text, buttons, icons, and graphics ensures that your content remains accessible to all users.

Specifically, the guidelines call for:

• a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 for user interface components and graphical elements,
• a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for standard-size text (under 18 pt regular or under 14 pt bold),
• and a 3:1 contrast ratio for large text (18 pt or larger regular, or 14 pt or larger bold).

If your company logo falls short of these contrast requirements, don’t worry! You don’t have to adjust your CI guidelines – logos are exempt from these accessibility standards.

4. Inconsistent order of keyboard operation

Many users navigate websites using only a keyboard. For them, it’s crucial that all content can be accessed through keystrokes and that it follows a logical, predictable order – moving through headings, links, forms, and buttons in sequence. If the focus suddenly jumps from a menu to the bottom of the page or to a hidden element, users can quickly become disoriented.

In e-commerce, poor focus management or inaccessible elements, such as an inaccessible “buy” button, can prevent users from completing their purchase – leading to abandoned carts and lost sales opportunities.

5. Non-descriptive document titles

Every website and its pages should have descriptive titles. Clear titles help users quickly distinguish between pages – especially when multiple tabs or bookmarks are open. Ideally, the title should include both the company or brand name and a reference to the page’s content. For example, “Content Management | valantic Austria” is far more helpful than simply “Content Management.”

Clear titles help all users but are especially valuable for users of screen readers, allowing them to identify the purpose of a page without needing to navigate through its content.

And don’t forget: Descriptive titles aren’t just for web pages – they’re equally important for documents like PDFs!

Conclusion: Removing barriers increases your website’s usability

Website accessibility starts with the basics: descriptive alternative texts, clear structure, and sufficient contrast. For users with disabilities to navigate your site independently, content must be properly labeled and presented in a logical order.

The benefits go beyond accessibility – enhancing usability can also improve your SEO performance and increase conversion rates.