If your website isn't fully accessible to people with disabilities, you're not just excluding potential customers - you're breaking the law and risking substantial fines. Website accessibility has moved from being a nice-to-have feature to a legal requirement with real financial consequences for non-compliance.
The Legal Reality: What's Changed?
Recent legislation has completely transformed the landscape of website accessibility. What was once voluntary guidance is now mandatory compliance, and the consequences for getting it wrong are severe.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities. In the UK alone, approximately 14 million people have a disability. When your website isn't accessible, you're excluding up to 20% of your potential market while simultaneously breaking the law.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Since June 2025, the European Accessibility Act has made WCAG 2.2 AA compliance mandatory for key sectors including e-commerce, banking, travel services, and utilities across all EU member states. While the UK is no longer an EU member, British businesses selling to EU customers must still comply with the EAA for their European operations.
The financial penalties under the EAA are substantial, with fines varying by member state but often reaching hundreds of thousands of euros. For businesses with European customers, compliance isn't optional - it's essential for continued market access.
UK Legal Requirements
In the United Kingdom, two key pieces of legislation make website accessibility a legal requirement. The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure disabled people aren't at a substantial disadvantage, and courts have consistently ruled this includes website accessibility.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 mandates that services must be provided with reasonable care and skill, and inaccessible websites have been ruled as failing this requirement. Together, these laws create a legal framework that makes WCAG 2.2 AA compliance essential for UK businesses.
Understanding WCAG 2.2 AA: What It Actually Means
WCAG 2.2 AA isn't about making your website "work for disabled people" - it's about creating an inclusive digital experience that works for everyone, regardless of how they access the web. This includes people using screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice commands, or alternative input devices.
The guidelines are built around four core principles: content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. This means text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation that actually works, clear and consistent layout, and code that works with assistive technologies.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
A US based retailer, Fashion Nova, agreed on a $5.15 million settlement in August 2025, after a class action lawsuit claimed that the website was not compatible with screen-reading software for blind users. This was brought under the ADA legislation (Americans with Disabilities Act). The case resulted in substantial damages and required complete website rebuilding at a cost far exceeding what proactive compliance would have required. This isn't a theoretical risk - it's happening to businesses right now.
Who's Really Responsible for Compliance?
This is where many business owners get it wrong: compliance responsibility rests with your business, not your web developer or hosting company. While service providers can implement accessibility features, the ultimate legal responsibility for ensuring your website meets accessibility standards lies with your company.
This means you're responsible for ensuring all content remains accessible, maintaining accessibility through ongoing updates, and facing any legal liability for non-compliance. It's your business that will face the fines and legal action, not your web developer.
The Real Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet accessibility standards carries significant financial risks. Under UK law, discrimination cases can result in unlimited compensation awards. The Equality Act allows for injury to feelings awards typically between £900 and £45,000, plus actual damages.
Beyond the direct financial penalties, non-compliance damages your business through lost revenue by excluding up to 20% of your potential market, reputation damage from public legal cases, the cost of rebuilding your website after the fact, and legal defense costs against discrimination claims.
Practical Steps Toward Compliance
Achieving and maintaining WCAG 2.2 AA compliance requires a systematic approach. It begins with a comprehensive accessibility audit of your current website to identify existing barriers and establish a baseline for improvement.
Most businesses benefit from developing a phased approach to addressing accessibility issues, prioritizing critical user journeys like purchasing, contacting your business, and accessing key information. Accessibility isn't a one-time fix - it requires ongoing maintenance and regular checks, especially when adding new content or features.
It's also essential that team members responsible for website content understand accessibility principles and how to maintain them. Proper training and ongoing support ensure that your website remains compliant as it evolves.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Achieving full compliance typically takes 3-6 months for most businesses. Starting now puts you ahead of competitors and protects you from legal action. Waiting until you receive a complaint letter means you're already behind - and potentially liable for discrimination.
Why Professional Help Makes Sense
While the legal responsibility remains with your business, professional accessibility services ensure you meet standards efficiently and effectively. At Tay IT, we help Perth businesses navigate compliance through comprehensive services designed to protect your business while making your website accessible to everyone.
Our approach includes detailed accessibility audits that identify exactly where your website falls short, technical remediation to fix accessibility barriers, and ongoing support to ensure your website remains compliant as you add new content and features.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about accessibility legislation. It does not constitute legal advice. Businesses should consult with legal professionals regarding their specific compliance obligations and strategies.
Why Businesses Choose Our Accessibility Services
Proven Expertise
Specialized in WCAG 2.2 AA compliance with a track record of success for Perth businesses across multiple industries.
Compliance Focus
We understand the legal landscape and help protect your business from liability while expanding your market reach.
Complete Solutions
From initial audits to ongoing maintenance, we provide comprehensive accessibility services that actually work.
Protect Your Business Before It's Too Late
Don't wait for a complaint or legal notice to address accessibility. Start your compliance journey now and ensure your website serves all your customers while protecting your business from legal risk and financial penalties.