Web Accessibility Standards: What's Required in 2026

Web accessibility rules are tightening, and they reach UK businesses too. More businesses now need to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. This isn't just about being nice. It's a legal expectation.

The European Accessibility Act came into force across the EU on 28 June 2025. The UK left the EU before it was adopted, so it isn't UK law, but it does apply to UK businesses that sell covered products or services to customers in the EU. In the UK itself, the Equality Act 2010 already expects businesses not to put disabled people at a disadvantage, and that includes websites. The direction is clear. Web accessibility is moving from optional to mandatory for many businesses.

What Is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility means designing websites so everyone can use them. That includes people who are blind, deaf, have motor difficulties, or cognitive differences.

Think about someone who can't use a mouse and relies on keyboard navigation. Or someone who uses screen reader software to hear what's on the page. Your website needs to work for them too.

The global standard is called WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Version 2.2 is current, with three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Most laws require AA compliance.

Who Needs to Comply?

If you sell to EU customers, the European Accessibility Act covers businesses such as:

• Online shops (e-commerce)
• Banking and financial services
• Transport and travel booking
• Accommodation bookings
• Streaming and digital media
• Telecommunications
• Any business over a certain size threshold

Microenterprises (fewer than 10 staff and turnover under €2 million) providing services are exempt from the EU rules, but the Equality Act still applies in the UK whatever your size. Making your site accessible now is smart planning.

The Big Changes in WCAG 2.2

WCAG 2.2 added new requirements that affect most websites:

Focus not obscured - When someone tabs through your site, the focused element must not be hidden behind sticky headers, cookie banners or pop-ups. It also needs a clear visual indication, and a faint outline often isn't enough.

Dragging movements - Any drag-and-drop features need an alternative method. Not everyone can drag things around a screen.

Target size - Clickable elements need to be big enough or have enough space around them. Small buttons are harder for people with motor difficulties.

Consistent help and redundant entry - Help options such as contact details should appear in the same place on every page, and forms shouldn't make people type the same information twice.

These aren't massive changes, but they do require attention to detail.

What This Means for Your Website

If your site falls under the new rules, you'll need:

Alt text for all images - Screen readers need descriptions of what images show. Decorative images can have empty alt text.

Proper heading structure - Use H1, H2, H3 tags in logical order. Don't skip levels or use headings just for styling.

Keyboard navigation - Every interactive element needs to work with just a keyboard. Tab through your site and check.

Good colour contrast - Text needs enough contrast against backgrounds. There are tools to check this automatically.

Clear link text - "Click here" tells screen reader users nothing. Use descriptive text like "download the pricing guide".

Form labels - Every form field needs a proper label that's connected to the input.

For many WordPress websites, plugins can help with basic accessibility. But they're not magic fixes. Good design and content matter more.

Getting Your Website Ready

Start with an audit. My free website audit tool checks for some basic issues alongside other problems.

Common fixes include:

• Adding alt text to images
• Improving heading structure
• Fixing colour contrast issues
• Making forms more accessible
• Ensuring keyboard navigation works

Don't try to fix everything at once. Prioritise the biggest barriers first. A screen reader user who can't navigate your menu is stuck completely. Low colour contrast is annoying but not a total blocker.

The Timeline

• 2010 - Equality Act applies to UK businesses, including their websites
• 28 June 2025 - European Accessibility Act takes effect across the EU
• Ongoing - Enforcement ramps up gradually

There's no separate UK deadline to wait for. Waiting until someone complains is risky. Accessibility improvements take time to implement properly.

Beyond Compliance

Here's the thing about accessibility. It usually makes websites better for everyone.

Clear headings help all users scan content. Good colour contrast is easier on everyone's eyes. Keyboard navigation helps power users who prefer shortcuts.

Plus, accessible sites often perform better in search engines. Google's algorithms favour well-structured content with proper headings and clear navigation.

Getting Help

Web accessibility can feel overwhelming. But you don't need to become an expert overnight.

Focus on the basics first. Get your heading structure right. Add alt text to images. Make sure your site works with a keyboard. Fix obvious colour contrast problems.

For complex sites or regulated industries, consider professional help. I build every site with accessibility best practice in mind, and my care plans can include fixing issues on an existing site.

The key is starting early. Accessibility is easier to build in from the beginning than bolt on later.

Web accessibility isn't just about avoiding legal trouble. It's about making the web work for everyone. And that's something worth doing well.

Want to check how accessible your current site is? Try my website audit tool for a quick assessment of common issues.