From Founders to Founders - Preparing for the European Accessibility Act of June 2025

Since the start of MVST. , our mission has always been to help companies build digital products that are not only innovative but also accessible to everyone. As founders, we've seen firsthand how prioritizing accessibility can transform a business. With the EuropeanAccessibilityAct (EAA) set to take effect on June 28, 2025, it's crucial for businesses to start preparing now to ensure compliance and inclusivity.

Our Journey with Accessibility

When we started MVST. , we knew that making our products accessible was not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of good design. One of our early projects involved redesigning a website for a partner who was not fully aware of the accessibility issues their users faced. After implementing accessible design practices, they saw a 20% increase in user engagement. This experience underscored the real-world benefits of accessibility—not just for compliance, but for enhancing user experience and expanding market reach.

Why Accessibility Matters to Us

Sometimes, accessibility is misunderstood. For example, it's often thought that making products accessible is too costly or limits creativity. In reality, accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into the design process and often inspires innovative solutions. Focusing on accessibility improves overall usability for everyone, not just those with disabilities, and here’s why:

1. Empathy and Inclusivity: We believe that everyone should have equal access to digital products regardless of their abilities. This belief drives us to create solutions that are inclusive by design.
2. User Experience: Accessibility features often improve the overall user experience. By making our designs more intuitive and easier to navigate, we create better products for all users.
3. Market Reach: Accessible products can reach a wider audience, including the millions of people with disabilities. This not only enhances your brand’s reputation but also drives business growth.

How to Start Preparing

Preparing for the EAA doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here's what we've learned:

1. Start Early: Familiarize yourself with the WebContentAccessibilityGuidelines (WCAG). These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for making digital content accessible.
2. Design and Develop with Accessibility in Mind: Ensure your design and developer team is trained in accessibility best practices. Simple changes, like using high-contrast colors and ensuring keyboard navigability, can make a big difference.
3. Test and Iterate: Regularly test your products with real users, including those with disabilities. Feedback is crucial for identifying and fixing accessibility issues.

Join Our Live Accessibility Webinar on September 12th

At MVST. , we've guided numerous startups and established companies in creating accessible digital products, showing that investing in accessibility brings significant benefits.

Navigating the EAA doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Join us on September 12th for a lively session where we will demystify the EAA, share practical steps for achieving compliance, and reveal best practices to make your digital products accessible. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead and ensure your business is ready for the future!

Webinar Details:

• Date: September 12, 2024
• Time: 5:00 PM CET
• Free Registration: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/howdoesmyproductreachaccessibil7219617799462162432/comments/

Together, we can create a more inclusive digital world. Register today and take the first step toward accessibility compliance.