Web Accessibility Services - WCAG, EAA & ADA
Design for Everyone. Comply with Confidence
Web accessibility ensures that your websites, platforms, and digital products are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. With over 20 years of experience designing accessible digital services, we help organisations meet international standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and ADA Standards. From screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation to colour contrast and semantic code, we embed accessibility from the outset, so your products are inclusive, compliant, and welcoming to all users.
Client spotlight - ESB Networks
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Project - Accessible Digital Experience Design & Development for ESB Networks
Challenge - ESB Networks required a website that would deliver a seamless, accessible experience to all users, including those with disabilities, while meeting stringent public-sector compliance requirements. The solution needed to be both inclusive and aligned with their brand.
Our Solution - We embedded accessibility from the outset, designing and developing the site to WCAG 2.2 AA standards. Every element, from colour contrast and keyboard navigation to screen reader compatibility and semantic code, was rigorously tested and validated. We also provided training to ESB Networks' content team to ensure ongoing compliance.
Outcome - The website delivers an accessible, inclusive experience for all users, demonstrating ESB Networks' commitment to serving every customer. The project continues to set a benchmark for public sector digital accessibility in Ireland.
Why Web Accessibility Matters
Investing in web accessibility broadens your audience reach, reduces legal risk, and demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. It is not just a compliance requirement. It is a strategic advantage.
Key Benefits of Web Accessibility
- Increased Reach - Make your product accessible to everyone. It is the right thing to do.
- Enhanced User Experience - Deliver a superior experience by catering to diverse needs, including those of users with temporary or situational impairments.
- Compliance & Risk Reduction - Ensure your product complies with WCAG, EAA, and ADA regulations to reduce legal exposure.
- Brand Reputation - Demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.
- Lower Costs: - Design accessible products from the start to avoid costly retrofits and remediation later.
- Customer Loyalty - Build lasting relationships by providing an inclusive experience that meets all users' needs.
- SEO Benefits - Accessibility features like alt text, semantic HTML, and clear structure also boost search engine performance.
Can we audit the accessibility level of your digital products?
Our Web Accessibility Capabilities
We integrate accessibility throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design through development, testing, and ongoing governance. Our team works alongside your UX, design, content, and technology functions to ensure every feature meets WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
Our web accessibility services include:
- Accessibility Audits & Reviews - Comprehensive evaluation of your websites, applications, and digital products against WCAG 2.2 AA, EAA, and ADA standards, with prioritised remediation recommendations.
- Accessible Design & UX: - Embedding accessibility from the first sketch, ensuring colour contrast, focus states, typography, and interaction patterns are inclusive by design.
- Accessible Development - Building semantic HTML, ARIA labels, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility into every feature.
- Quality Assurance & Testing - Structured testing using tools like axe DevTools, Google Lighthouse, and screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS) to validate compliance.
- Legacy Content Remediation - Auditing and updating existing content and third-party integrations to meet accessibility standards.
- Accessibility Training - Empowering your content, governance, and UX teams with the knowledge to maintain accessibility long after launch.
- Governance & Policy Support - Helping you establish sustainable accessibility workflows, documentation, and quality gates.
Accessibility - FAQs, Deliverables & Glossary
What is web accessibility?
Web accessibility ensures that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed to enable people with all abilities to use them effectively. This includes users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
Why is web accessibility important?
Accessibility ensures equal access for all users, including people with disabilities. It improves usability for everyone, boosts search engine performance, supports legal compliance, and strengthens your brand's inclusivity and reputation. Accessible websites are also easier to use on mobile devices and for users with temporary or situational impairments, and they help address the requirements of an ageing web user population.
What accessibility standards does Arekibo follow?
Arekibo adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA, the standard most often cited in legislation. We also ensure compliance with Irish and EU regulations, including the Disability Act and Web Accessibility Directive.
How long have your team been following these standards?
We have delivered accessible and compliant websites and associated services since 2002, with over 20 years of experience.
Has your work received recognition and awards?
Yes. We have been delighted to be recognised for our commitment to accessibility and for having equally committed clients who share our dedication to inclusive design.
Does my business need to comply with accessibility laws? Are the laws different in Europe, the UK, and the USA?
Yes, and the legal landscape differs:
- Ireland & EU: The Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) require public-sector websites and many private services (e.g., banking, transport, e-commerce) to comply with WCAG 2.2 AA. See our article on EU Accessibility Act (EAA) - Are your digital services compliant?
- UK: The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations and the Equality Act 2010 apply. All UK businesses must avoid discrimination, and public services must meet WCAG standards.
- USA: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 require accessible digital experiences, especially for the government and many public-facing businesses.
How does Arekibo test for accessibility?
Our Quality Gate Process includes structured testing for screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, performance, and mobile responsiveness. Tools such as Google Lighthouse, Axe DevTools, and third-party audits are used to validate compliance.
Are all new Arekibo projects designed to be accessible?
Yes. Accessibility is integrated from the design phase through to testing and launch. Our UX, Design, and Quality Assurance teams collaborate to ensure that every feature meets WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
What about legacy content or third-party integrations?
We support audits and remediation of legacy content, ensuring that third-party tools and integrations are reviewed for accessibility in accordance with local legal requirements. We also align our compliance processes with those of our partners where relevant.
Is accessibility training available for client teams?
Yes. Arekibo offers accessibility training for clients responsible for content, governance, and/or user experience. We provide documentation and hands-on support to embed best practices within your organisation.
| Deliverable | Description | Best Used For |
| Accessibility Audit | Comprehensive evaluation against WCAG 2.2 AA, EAA, and ADA standards with detailed findings and severity ratings. | Understanding the current compliance status and identifying remediation priorities. |
| Remediation Plan | Prioritised roadmap of fixes and improvements, sized and scoped for development teams. | Planning development sprints, budgeting for accessibility work. |
| Accessible Design Specifications | Design annotations covering colour contrast, focus states, typography, and interaction patterns. | Ensuring design handoff includes accessibility requirements. |
| Development Implementation | Semantic HTML, ARIA labels, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility are built into every feature. | Launching accessible websites and applications. |
| Accessibility Test Reports | Validation results from screen reader testing, keyboard navigation, colour contrast analysis, and automated tools. | Compliance evidence, stakeholder assurance, and legal documentation. |
| Training & Documentation | Custom training sessions and materials for content, UX, and governance teams. | Building internal capability, maintaining compliance long-term. |
| Governance Framework | Policies, workflows, and quality gates to sustain accessibility across future releases. | Embedding accessibility into your digital operating model. |
Web Accessibility - The practice of ensuring websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them effectively, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) - Internationally recognised standards for making web content more accessible. We design and test to WCAG 2.2 AA, the level most commonly referenced in legislation.
EAA (European Accessibility Act) - An EU directive requiring products and services, including websites, mobile apps, and e-commerce, to be accessible. It applies to both public and private sectors.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) - US legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Courts have interpreted the ADA to apply to websites and digital services.
Section 508 - A US federal law requiring electronic and information technology developed, procured, or used by the government to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Screen Reader - Assistive technology that reads digital text aloud for users who are blind or have low vision. Examples include NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
Keyboard Navigation - The ability to navigate a website using only a keyboard (Tab, Enter, arrow keys) without requiring a mouse.
Colour Contrast - The difference in luminance between text and its background. Sufficient contrast ensures content is readable for users with low vision or colour blindness.
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) - A set of attributes that enhance HTML to make dynamic content and custom controls accessible to assistive technologies.
Alt Text (Alternative Text) - A text description of an image, read aloud by screen readers and displayed if the image fails to load. Essential for users who cannot see images.
Semantic HTML - Using HTML elements according to their intended meaning (e.g., <nav>, <main>, <h1>, <button>) to provide structure and context for assistive technologies.
Focus Indicator - A visible outline or highlight that appears around interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields) when navigated via keyboard.
Remediation - The process of fixing accessibility issues identified during an audit, bringing a website or application into compliance.
Can we support your next project - free consultation?
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Web Accessibility Solutions by Business Function
Our accessibility services deliver measurable value across every part of your organisation, reducing risk, expanding reach, and embedding inclusivity into your digital culture.
Accessibility drives business success by expanding your market, reducing legal risk, and aligning with ethical values.
- Broader Market Access: Reach customers with disabilities and improve market penetration.
- Increased Customer Satisfaction: Cater to all users' needs to improve overall satisfaction and loyalty. See Electric Ireland case study.
- Competitive Advantage: Stand out by offering accessible products that meet diverse user needs.
- Reduced Legal Risks - Avoid potential lawsuits and regulatory penalties by adhering to accessibility standards.
- Enhanced Brand Loyalty: Show your commitment to inclusivity to build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders.
Accessibility delivers long-term cost savings, operational efficiencies, and risk reduction.
- Cost Efficiency - Proactively addressing accessibility reduces the need for costly retrofits, legal fees, and remediation projects.
- Streamlined Processes - Embed accessibility into your workflows for consistent, repeatable, and efficient operations.
- Reduced Risk Exposure - Lower your legal risk, complaints, and regulatory action exposure through proactive compliance.
- Improved ROI - Reach a larger, more diverse audience, maximising the return on your digital investments.
- Future-Proofed Development - Accessibility is becoming a legal baseline; getting ahead ensures long-term sustainability.
Accessibility in marketing ensures your content reaches a broader audience and aligns with inclusive values.
- Expanded Audience - Reach more people by making content accessible to all, including those using assistive technologies.
- Improved Brand Image - Position your brand as inclusive, ethical, and socially responsible.
- Better Engagement - Engage a diverse audience with clear, well-structured, easy-to-navigate content.
- Optimised Content - Accessible content often improves readability and user experience for everyone.
- Enhanced SEO - Accessibility features such as alt text, heading structure, and descriptive links also boost SEO.
Accessibility promotes best practices in design and development, resulting in more robust, maintainable, and user-friendly products.
- Inclusive Design - Build products that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability or access method.
- Improved Code Quality - Accessibility standards encourage cleaner, more semantic, and better-structured code.
- Reduced Tech Debt - Address accessibility early to avoid costly, complex updates and refactoring later.
- Enhanced Compatibility - Improve compatibility across devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.
- Compliance Assurance - Ensure your product meets legal accessibility requirements to reduce support queries and complaints.
Ready to Make Your Digital Products Accessible to Everyone?
Let's discuss how our web accessibility expertise can help you meet compliance standards, reach a wider audience, and demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity from audit through to training and beyond.