What is web accessibility and why does it matter?
Web accessibility means that people with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive disabilities can fully use your website — using a screen reader, keyboard or other assistive technologies. The international standard WCAG 2.1 AA defines the specific rules an accessible website must meet.
The European Union (Accessibility Requirements of Products and Services) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 636/2023) — Ireland's transposition of the European Accessibility Act (EAA, Directive (EU) 2019/882) — have been in force since 28 June 2025 and require accessibility for e-shops and digital service providers above the micro-enterprise threshold. If your e-shop exceeds the statutory limits — i.e. you employ 10 or more people or have a turnover above EUR 2 million — this obligation applies to you.
Inkluzo offers a free accessibility check — enter your website address and get an automatic overview of issues found.
Automated accessibility checking covers approximately 30–50% of WCAG rules. The result is not a certificate or legal guarantee of compliance with the law — a complete assessment also requires manual review by an expert.
Frequently asked questions
- Do the EAA Regulations apply to my e-shop?
- The law applies to e-shops whose turnover exceeds EUR 2 million or who employ 10 or more employees. Micro-enterprises are currently exempt, but voluntary accessibility is always an advantage.
- By when do I need to update my website?
- For new websites and e-shops launched after 28 June 2025, the obligation applies from launch. Existing websites must meet the requirements by 28 June 2030.
- What is WCAG 2.1 AA?
- An international standard defining web accessibility rules. It covers operability, understandability and technical robustness — from alternative text for images to keyboard control.
- Is Inkluzo a guarantee of legal compliance?
- No. Inkluzo automatically checks approximately 30–50% of accessibility rules. The result serves as a general overview; a full audit also requires manual testing.