Making Your App Accessible: Why Startups in Europe Must Care About Accessibility Rules

As startups build the next big thing in apps or websites, accessibility is more important than ever. It’s all about making sure your product works for everyone — including people with disabilities. Our awesome crew over at Opinov8 have explored this topic in depth, covering global perspectives on web and app accessibility. Here, we’ll dive into why accessibility is key specifically for European startups, how regulations shape the landscape, and why being inclusive can boost your brand and reach.

Let's break down why accessibility is key and how European regulations play a big part in shaping the digital landscape.

# Accessibility Matters — Here’s Why

Everyone deserves to use technology, and that includes people with visual, hearing, or cognitive disabilities. If your app or website isn’t accessible, you’re excluding a big part of the population, missing out on potential customers. Plus, accessibility isn't just about compliance anymore — people expect it. Users are more likely to trust and choose companies that prioritize inclusivity.

In Europe, accessibility laws are evolving quickly, and they’re not just suggestions — they’re becoming mandatory. Let’s dive into the regulations that you, as a European startup founder, need to know about.

# European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is the main piece of legislation you should focus on. Passed in 2019, this law sets clear rules for making digital services — like apps and websites — accessible across the EU. The EAA applies to companies that offer services in Europe, so if you're building something for the EU market, compliance isn’t optional. This law covers everything from e-commerce platforms to mobile apps.

Why does this matter to your startup? Compliance with the EAA can help you avoid hefty fines, boost your SEO, and make your app more appealing to millions of people with disabilities across Europe. By making your app accessible from the start, you're not just avoiding penalties — you’re setting your business up for success.

# Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard for web accessibility. The EU’s laws, like the EAA, often point to WCAG when outlining what “accessible” means. These guidelines are simple: make sure your content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (or POUR, for short).

But let’s keep it real — following WCAG can seem overwhelming. As a startup, you don’t need to hit every target perfectly right away. Start by ensuring your app is navigable without a mouse (keyboard accessibility is key) and that text is readable for people with visual impairments. These small steps can have a huge impact and are a great way to get on the path to full compliance.

# Penalties for Ignoring Accessibility

Ignoring accessibility can lead to serious fines. In Europe, regulators are serious about making sure companies comply with the EAA. Governments will first offer guidance and support, but if businesses continue to fall short, fines and legal action can follow. In some cases, non-compliance could mean hefty financial losses or even court battles.

And it’s not just about avoiding penalties — ignoring accessibility can hurt your brand’s reputation. People are more likely to trust companies that care about inclusivity. Startups that fail to consider accessibility risk losing customers to competitors who do.

# Benefits Beyond Compliance

Meeting accessibility standards isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble. Accessible websites and apps often see better SEO performance because search engines can easily crawl accessible content. Plus, making your product user-friendly for people with disabilities can enhance usability for everyone.

An accessible app can also mean a larger user base. Europe alone has over 80 million people with disabilities—that’s a lot of potential customers. By ensuring your app or website is inclusive, you’re opening the door to a broader audience.

# Accessibility Best Practices for Startups

• Start small, think big. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to be fully compliant from day one. Start with simple fixes, like keyboard navigation and clear text contrast.
• Build it in from the start. It’s much easier to create an accessible app from scratch than to retrofit accessibility features later.
• Test with real users. Get feedback from users with disabilities to see where your product could improve.
• Stay updated. European accessibility laws are evolving, so make sure you’re staying on top of new regulations.

# Final Thoughts

As a startup, you may think that accessibility is something only big corporations have to worry about, but that’s not true. By incorporating accessibility into your app or website from the beginning, you’re not just checking a legal box — you’re creating a product that everyone can use. In Europe, accessibility is becoming the norm, and startups that stay ahead of the curve will benefit in the long run.