The European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to be enforced by June 28, 2025, is a landmark directive aimed at standardizing accessibility across EU member states. It requires that specific digital products and services—such as websites, mobile apps, and e-commerce platforms—comply with strict accessibility standards.
While the EAA is a European regulation, its implications are global—especially for tech companies and developers working with international clients. Frontend developers, in particular, play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with these standards. Organizations offering Accessibility Testing Services are already preparing development teams for what’s ahead.
In this blog, we’ll explore the practical steps frontend developers can take to align their work with EAA requirements and how accessibility testing services can streamline the process.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The EAA aims to enhance accessibility across:
- E-commerce websites and platforms
- Banking services
- E-books and e-readers
- Ticketing and transport services
- Telecommunications and broadcasting
- ATMs, self-service kiosks, and other digital interfaces
The regulation is based on the EN 301 549 standard, which is closely aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA conformance level. If you’re a frontend developer, this means you’ll need to ensure your interfaces meet these accessibility thresholds—not just for users with disabilities, but for legal compliance too.
Why US-Based Developers Need to Pay Attention
Although the EAA is a directive from the European Union, it applies to any business that provides digital products or services to consumers within the EU. Many US-based companies serve global audiences—and are thus subject to EAA regulations. Teams using Accessibility Testing Services in US are increasingly adopting international standards like WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549 to future-proof their digital assets.
This also opens up opportunities for frontend developers in the US to:
- Broaden their skillset with global compliance standards
- Become more marketable across international markets
- Reduce risk for employers and clients by building accessible, regulation-ready code
6 Key Areas Frontend Developers Must Focus On
1. Semantic HTML
The foundation of accessibility starts with semantic HTML. Tags like <header>, <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <footer> help screen readers and assistive technologies understand the structure of the page.
Pro Tip: Avoid excessive use of <div> and <span> for layout. Stick to semantic elements whenever possible.
2. Keyboard Navigation
All interactive elements—menus, buttons, forms, modal dialogs—must be fully operable via keyboard. This is crucial for users who cannot use a mouse or touch interface.
Implementation Tip:
- Use tabindex, aria-* attributes, and focus states mindfully.
- Ensure no “keyboard traps” are present (where focus gets stuck).
3. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
Leverage ARIA roles, states, and properties to improve accessibility in dynamic interfaces, particularly within components developed using frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular.
Caution: Only use ARIA when necessary; improper usage can create more harm than good. If you’re unsure, stick with standard HTML elements first.
4. Color Contrast and Visual Design
Ensure that your UI provides adequate contrast between text and background colors for readability. WCAG 2.1 specifies:
- 4.5:1 ratio for normal text
- 3:1 for large text (above 18pt or bold 14pt)
Tools: Use browser extensions like Axe or Lighthouse to check contrast ratios in real-time.
5. Alt Text and Media Accessibility
Images must include meaningful alt attributes, and videos should have captions or transcripts. Complex infographics may require long descriptions.
Frontend Tip: Ensure your CMS or content pipeline supports alt text input and media metadata.
6. Error Handling and Form Validation
Forms should offer accessible labels, input instructions, and clear error messages that can be interpreted by screen readers.
Implementation Best Practice:
- Associate labels using for and id
- Use ARIA aria-describedby and aria-invalid for dynamic validation
The Role of Accessibility Testing Services
As developers implement best practices, automated and manual accessibility testing plays a vital role in verifying compliance.
Accessibility Testing Services typically offer:
- Automated audits using tools like Axe, Pa11y, and WAVE
- Manual testing by users with disabilities and accessibility experts
- Screen reader compatibility tests (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
- Remediation guidance to fix compliance gaps
Partnering with a US-based accessibility testing provider ensures that your product:
- Adheres to WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549 accessibility compliance requirements
- Passes legal audits and avoids compliance penalties
- Delivers a better user experience for all users
Final Thoughts
Frontend developers are on the frontlines of accessibility—and with the European Accessibility Act coming into force soon, the responsibility to create inclusive, regulation-compliant digital experiences is more critical than ever.
By adopting semantic HTML, improving keyboard operability, managing ARIA roles carefully, and leveraging Accessibility Testing Services in US, developers can ensure that their work isn’t just functional—but also fair, inclusive, and future-ready.
Accessibility isn’t a feature—it’s a necessity. Start preparing today.
