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Digital accessibility: why it matters and how to get started

If you have a website, you want to reach as many visitors as possible. That's why it's important that everyone can use your website, including people with visual, auditory, motor or cognitive impairments.

An accessible website enables visitors to find, understand and use information regardless of their abilities or the technology they rely on.

Today, digital accessibility is about more than usability. It helps you reach a wider audience, improve your online visibility and, in some cases, comply with legal requirements.

Why invest in digital accessibility?

Reach more people

Accessibility is not a solution for a small minority. Around 16% of the world's population lives with some form of disability. Older adults, people with temporary impairments and users accessing your website in less-than-ideal conditions also benefit from an accessible website.

For example:

  • someone viewing your website on a smartphone in bright sunlight
  • someone with a broken arm who temporarily cannot use a mouse
  • someone watching a video without sound
  • someone who struggles with complex language

An accessible website works better for everyone.

Improve the user experience

Accessible websites are usually easier to understand, navigate and use. Visitors find what they need more quickly and experience less frustration.

Improve SEO and AI discoverability

Accessibility and search engine optimisation (SEO) often go hand in hand. A logical structure, clear headings, descriptive links and well-structured web pages help search engines better understand your website. The same applies to AI systems that analyse and interpret information on the web.

Increase conversion opportunities

When visitors can easily find information, complete forms or place orders without barriers, they are less likely to abandon their journey. As a result, accessibility can contribute directly to better website or e-commerce performance.

What are the WCAG guidelines?

The international standard for digital accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines help designers, developers and content managers create websites that are accessible to the widest possible audience.

WCAG is built on four core principles:

1 Perceivable

Information must be available in ways that users can perceive. Examples include alternative text for images and sufficient colour contrast.

2 Operable

Users must be able to interact with all website functionality, for example using only a keyboard or assistive technologies such as screen readers.

3 Understandable

Content and navigation should be clear and easy to understand. Use a logical structure, clear instructions and plain language.

4 Robust

Your website should function correctly across browsers, devices and assistive technologies.

Is an accessible website legally required?

Since 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) has been in force. This European legislation requires certain organisations to make their digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities.

The exact requirements depend on the nature of the organisation and the services it provides. For many e-commerce businesses and other consumer-focused digital services, accessibility requirements are now mandatory.

Even before the EAA, public sector websites were already subject to accessibility obligations.

Not sure whether these rules apply to your organisation? Consult a digital accessibility specialist or review the guidance provided by the Belgian FPS Economy:

How can you make your website accessible?

You don't have to tackle everything at once. A few simple improvements can already make a significant difference.

Get started yourself

Accessibility is an ongoing process

Creating an accessible website is not a one-time task. Every new page, image, video and feature should continue to meet accessibility standards. That's why everyone involved in creating and maintaining the website should keep accessibility in mind.

If you're actively working on accessibility, it's a good idea to communicate this transparently through an accessibility statement.

DNS Belgium also publishes an accessibility statement and regularly commissions independent accessibility evaluations of its website.