I’ll be honest. When I first started building websites, accessibility was an afterthought. It wasn’t malicious; I just didn’t know any better. I focused on making things look beautiful and function smoothly for someone just like me: a designer with a mouse, a keen eye for detail, and no visual or motor impairments. The concept of designing for a screen reader or keyboard-only navigation felt like a "nice-to-have", not a core principle.

But the world is changing, and so is my perspective. With over a billion people (that's roughly 15% of the global population) living with some form of disability, ignoring accessibility means we're not just missing out on potential customers. We’re actively excluding people from the digital spaces we create. That's not just a bad business decision; it's a moral one.

And now, with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into full effect in June 2025, the conversation has shifted from "Should we?" to "We have to." This isn't just another guideline; it’s a law. It sets a new standard for digital products and services across the EU, and it applies even if you're located outside Europe but serve customers here. This act, along with similar laws like the U.S. ADA and Australia's Disability Discrimination Act, makes one thing perfectly clear: inclusive digital experiences are the new baseline.

The Importance of Accessibility in Web Design

As a developer and designer who’s been building on Wix for over seven years, I’ve had to re-evaluate my entire process. I remember a time when making a website accessible meant a lot of manual work and cross-checking. We had to rely on external tools and our own knowledge of best practices.

The Evolution of Accessibility Tools

What I've found is that with a platform like Wix Studio, building an accessible website is more straightforward than I ever imagined. The introduction of the built-in Accessibility Wizard in 2021 was a game-changer for me. It’s not about expensive plugins or complicated code. It's about smart design and using the powerful, built-in tools that are now seamlessly integrated into our workflow.

My Personal Checklist for Accessibility on Wix Studio

Here’s the simple, step-by-step process I follow to ensure every website I build is accessible and inclusive.

Step 1: Run the Accessibility Wizard

My first step on every new project is to run the Wix Studio Accessibility Wizard. It's like having a second pair of eyes that's trained to spot issues I might miss. It scans for common problems and provides actionable fixes, like:

• Missing alt text: I write detailed, descriptive text that paints a clear picture for screen reader users. It's a small change that makes a huge difference.

• Low colour contrast: I’ve learned to use a high-contrast palette to ensure text is readable for everyone, including those with low vision or colour blindness.

• Improper heading structure: I've moved away from using headings just for styling and now use H1, H2, and H3 tags to create a logical hierarchy that guides screen readers and helps with SEO.

• Verify media files are accessible: The Wizard also flags issues with video and audio. It's a reminder to add alternative text for video players to ensure my multimedia content is accessible to all users.

  
  

Step 2: Utilise Advanced Features

For more control, Wix Studio offers advanced features, including:

• Skip to content buttons for screen reader users.

• ARIA landmarks for better structure.

• Focus indicators so keyboard users know where they are.

• Page titles & language settings for accurate screen reader interpretation.

• Reduced motion settings for people sensitive to animations.

  
  

Step 3: Embrace Empathy in Design

Ultimately, making a website accessible is about empathy. It's about remembering that the people visiting your website have diverse needs. It's about more than just checking boxes. It's about building an internet that works for everyone.

By embracing accessibility, you're not just complying with a new law. You're future-proofing your business, boosting your search engine visibility, and building a brand that stands for something meaningful. So, let’s all take a moment to review our websites and make a commitment to building a more inclusive web.

Why Accessibility Boosts SEO and ROI

Here’s the win-win: accessible websites perform better in search engines. Google and AI search tools reward websites that are structured, usable, and content-rich.

• Clear headings improve crawlability.

• Alt text on images boosts image search rankings.

• Faster navigation lowers bounce rates.

• Inclusive design builds brand trust, which translates to loyalty and conversions.

  
  

An accessible website isn’t just good ethics. It’s good business.

The Future of Web Accessibility

As we move closer to the EAA deadline, the importance of accessibility will only grow. Businesses that prioritise inclusivity will stand out in a crowded market. They will attract a wider audience and foster loyalty among users who appreciate their commitment to accessibility.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Education plays a crucial role in this transition. Many designers and developers still view accessibility as an afterthought. By raising awareness and sharing knowledge, we can change this mindset. Workshops, webinars, and online resources can help bridge the gap.

Collaboration for Better Solutions

Collaboration between designers, developers, and users with disabilities is essential. By involving individuals with diverse needs in the design process, we can create more effective solutions. Their feedback will lead to better user experiences for everyone.

Not sure if your website is accessible? Let’s run a quick accessibility audit together. I’ll help you identify gaps and design a website that’s inclusive, impactful, and ready for the future.