In Brief (TL;DR)
Discover how to make your website accessible to everyone by following the fundamental principles of WCAG, ensuring an inclusive and compliant browsing experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips like using alternative text for images, choosing adequate color contrast, and ensuring full keyboard navigation.
Find out how simple yet fundamental adjustments, like adding alt text and ensuring proper color contrast, can make your website truly usable by anyone.
The devil is in the details. 👇 Keep reading to discover the critical steps and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
Imagine building a beautiful public square, with shops, fountains, and benches. Now imagine designing it with steps everywhere, no ramps, and signs written in small print with nearly identical colors. Many people couldn’t enjoy it: wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, or even a parent with a stroller. The same thing happens on the web. Web accessibility means designing and developing websites and applications so that anyone, including people with disabilities, can navigate, interact with, and understand the content without barriers. It’s not an option or an “extra,” but the foundation of a fair and inclusive digital experience for all.
In the Italian and European context, this principle is increasingly becoming a legal standard and a strategic choice. With the entry into force of regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA), accessibility is no longer just an ethical issue, but a legal requirement for a wide range of businesses. Complying means opening your digital doors to a broader audience, improving your reputation, and, not least, optimizing your site for search engines. An accessible site is, by its nature, a better-structured and easier-to-use site for everyone, a key concept for a good UX (User Experience) as well.
Why Web Accessibility is Crucial in Italy
In Italy, the focus on digital accessibility has deep roots, starting with the Stanca Act of 2004, which initially focused on the public sector. Today, with the European Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act), transposed in Italy by Legislative Decree 82/2022, the obligation extends to much of the private sector, including e-commerce, banking, transportation services, and much more, starting from June 28, 2025. The Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) is the reference body that provides technical guidelines, based on international WCAG standards, and monitors compliance, providing for administrative fines that can reach up to 5% of revenue for non-compliant companies.
The numbers underscore the importance of this change. In Italy, nearly 13 million people live with some form of disability, of whom about 3 million have severe limitations. A non-accessible website automatically excludes a significant portion of potential customers and users. The advantages of an inclusive approach are numerous: it expands the target market, improves the brand’s image by demonstrating social responsibility, and yields technical benefits. Many accessibility practices, such as the correct use of headings and alternative texts, are also SEO best practices, improving ranking on Google.
The Four Pillars of WCAG Explained Simply
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global reference standard. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), they are based on four fundamental principles that make a website accessible. These principles are designed to be universal and durable, providing a solid framework for anyone who wants to create inclusive digital content. Understanding these pillars is the first step toward building an online experience that works for everyone, regardless of their individual abilities or the assistive technologies they use.
Perceivable – Content Visible to Everyone
The first principle requires that information and user interface components be presented in ways that users can perceive. This means that content must not be “invisible” to all of their senses. A classic example is providing alternative text (alt text) for images. This brief description allows screen readers, used by people with visual disabilities, to describe the image in words. To learn more, you can consult our guide on how to use alt text for SEO and accessibility. Other crucial aspects include sufficient color contrast between text and background to ensure readability, and providing captions and transcripts for video content, making it accessible to those with hearing impairments as well.
Operable – Easy and Intuitive Navigation
The second principle states that user interface components and navigation must be operable. A user must be able to interact with the site without obstacles. This includes the ability to navigate entirely via keyboard, an essential feature for those who cannot use a mouse due to motor disabilities. It is also crucial for the site to have a clear and consistent navigation structure, with well-organized menus and descriptive links. Elements that flash at a frequency that could cause seizures must be avoided, and users must be given enough time to read and use the content, without timed sessions that expire suddenly.
Understandable – Clear and Predictable Information
The third principle focuses on clarity: information and user interface operations must be understandable. This goes beyond simple readability and touches on the cognitive sphere. It is important to use simple and direct language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon. The page structure must be logical and predictable. The correct use of headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to organize content is a perfect example of how to improve understandability, helping users scan the page and find what they are looking for. To learn how to use them correctly, read our SEO guide on H1, H2, and H3 tags. Instructions for filling out a form must also be clear, and error messages must explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
Robust – Compatibility with the Future
The final principle requires that content be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. In practice, this means writing clean, standards-compliant code. A site built following the conventions of HTML and CSS will be more likely to work correctly on different browsers, on future devices, and with software like screen readers. Avoiding obsolete or proprietary technologies and adhering to W3C standards ensures that the site remains accessible and functional over time, adapting to technological evolution without creating new barriers. If you want to start from the basics, our guide to HTML and CSS is a great starting point.
Accessibility: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in the European Market
In the Mediterranean cultural context, and particularly in Italy, concepts like hospitality, community, and inclusion are deeply rooted. Digital accessibility can be seen as the modern extension of these traditional values. A company that has been producing a product of excellence for generations, a symbol of Italian tradition, today communicates its value through a website. Making that site accessible means honoring its history of openness to all customers, projecting into the digital world that sense of welcome that characterizes our culture. It’s not just about complying with a regulation, but about creating an authentic connection between the brand and people, valuing a heritage of knowledge and making it available to everyone.
Digital innovation offers powerful tools to bridge distances, but it risks creating new forms of exclusion if not guided by an ethical approach. Web accessibility thus becomes the bridge between tradition, understood as human and social value, and technological innovation. An e-commerce site for typical products, a virtual museum, or an artisan’s website can reach a global audience, but only if they are accessible will they be able to fully convey their story and passion. In this sense, investing in accessibility is a strategic choice that strengthens cultural identity and competitiveness in the European market, demonstrating a focus on the individual that has always been a distinctive feature of Mediterranean culture.
Practical First Steps for a Compliant Website
Making a website accessible may seem like a complex undertaking, but you can start with a few concrete and manageable steps. The first is to conduct an initial assessment. There are several online automated tools, such as WAVE or AccessibilityChecker, that can analyze a web page and report the most common errors in seconds. Although these tools cannot replace a complete manual audit, they are an excellent starting point for identifying critical issues like a lack of alternative text or low color contrast. This first check-up will give you a clear map of the priority areas to address.
Another crucial test is keyboard navigation. Try navigating your site using only the “Tab” key to move between links and buttons, “Enter” to activate them, and the arrow keys to scroll. Can you reach every interactive element? Can you clearly see where the focus (the selected element) is? This simple test immediately reveals the most significant barriers for users with motor disabilities. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of human feedback. Ask different people, including users with disabilities if possible, to test your site. Their direct experience is the most valuable resource for discovering usability problems that no software can detect.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is not a destination, but a continuous process of improvement. It is a strategic investment that goes far beyond simply fulfilling a legal obligation. In an increasingly competitive market and a European regulatory context that is ever more focused on inclusion, as demonstrated by the European Accessibility Act, making your site compliant with WCAG guidelines is a forward-thinking choice. It means expanding your audience, improving the user experience for everyone, strengthening your brand’s reputation, and optimizing performance on search engines.
Embracing accessibility means recognizing that the digital world is an integral part of everyone’s daily life. It is an ethical choice that reflects values of fairness and inclusion, turning a potential barrier into an opportunity for connection. Whether you run a small blog, an e-commerce store, or a large corporate website, every small step toward a more accessible web helps build a fairer and more open digital space, where no one is left behind. Starting today means building the web of tomorrow.
CONTESTO DELLO STEP: Il contenuto principale dell’articolo è stato generato. Ora devo creare la sezione FAQ, rispettando le istruzioni fornite. ISTRUZIONI PER IL PROSSIMO STEP: – Genera una sezione FAQ con 3-5 domande e risposte dettagliate. – Il titolo del capitolo deve essere esattamente “Domande frequenti”. – Usa i tag HTML appropriati (`
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Domande frequenti
Prima domanda frequente?
Risposta dettagliata alla prima domanda. Spiega i concetti in modo chiaro e conciso.
`, “ per le domande, “ per le risposte). – Le domande devono essere pertinenti all’argomento “Accessibilità Web (WCAG) Guida Base per un Sito Conforme”. – Le risposte devono essere chiare, professionali e informative. – Non ripetere informazioni già presenti in modo identico nell’articolo, ma puoi approfondire o chiarire concetti. – Mantieni lo stesso tono e stile dell’articolo principale. – Assicurati che il formato HTML sia corretto e non contenga elementi non richiesti. ESEMPIO FORMATO FAQ: Domande frequenti
Prima domanda frequente?
Risposta dettagliata alla prima domanda. Spiega i concetti in modo chiaro e conciso.
`, “ per le domande, “ per le risposte). – Le domande devono essere pertinenti all’argomento “Accessibilità Web (WCAG) Guida Base per un Sito Conforme”. – Le risposte devono essere chiare, professionali e informative. – Non ripetere informazioni già presenti in modo identico nell’articolo, ma puoi approfondire o chiarire concetti. – Mantieni lo stesso tono e stile dell’articolo principale. – Assicurati che il formato HTML sia corretto e non contenga elementi non richiesti. ESEMPIO FORMATO FAQ: Domande frequenti
Prima domanda frequente?
Risposta dettagliata alla prima domanda. Spiega i concetti in modo chiaro e conciso.
Seconda domanda frequente?
Risposta dettagliata alla seconda domanda. Offri esempi pratici se necessario.
Terza domanda frequente?
Risposta dettagliata alla terza domanda. Fornisci informazioni utili e accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my site does not comply with the European Accessibility Act?
Starting June 28, 2025, most websites of private companies offering products or services to consumers in the EU must comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA). In case of non-compliance, national authorities, such as AgID in Italy, can impose penalties. These may include administrative fines that vary based on the severity of the violation, with fines in Italy ranging from €5,000 to €40,000. In addition to financial penalties, a non-compliant site risks significant reputational damage and exclusion from a large market segment, losing the trust of users and potential customers.
What is the difference between WCAG Levels A, AA, and AAA?
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) define three levels of conformance to measure a website’s accessibility. Level A is the minimum and essential requirement; if a site does not meet these criteria, it has very serious accessibility barriers. Level AA is the intermediate level and the benchmark standard for most international regulations, including the European Accessibility Act. Achieving Level AA means removing the most common obstacles and making the site usable and understandable for most people with disabilities. Level AAA is the highest and most rigorous; it is often difficult to achieve for an entire site and is usually pursued for specific sections or for sites intended for an audience with severe disabilities.
Does web accessibility also improve SEO?
Yes, definitely. Many practices required for web accessibility directly overlap with best practices for SEO (Search Engine Optimization). For example, using alternative text (alt text) for images not only helps users with screen readers but also provides Google with valuable context about the image’s content. A clear navigation structure, the correct use of heading tags (H1, H2, etc.), and the creation of readable and well-organized content improve both the user experience and the ability of search engines to index the site effectively. Furthermore, an accessible site often has better technical performance (like Core Web Vitals), which is a ranking factor for Google.
How can I check if my site is accessible?
Verifying accessibility is a process that combines automated tools and manual testing. You can start by using free online scanning tools, like WAVE or AccessibilityChecker, which analyze a page and provide an immediate report on common errors such as insufficient contrast or missing alt text. Next, it is crucial to perform manual tests: try navigating the site using only the keyboard to ensure all elements are reachable and usable. Finally, for a complete assessment and to ensure legal compliance, it is advisable to rely on a professional audit conducted by accessibility experts, who can also test the site with real assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) and provide a detailed remediation plan.
How much does it cost to make a website accessible?
The cost to make a website accessible is not fixed but depends on various factors such as the site’s complexity, the technology used, the number of pages, and its current state. Working on an existing site, especially if it’s outdated or has non-standard code, can require a larger investment than creating a new site designed with accessibility in mind from the start. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for consultations or the installation of basic widgets, to several thousand dollars for a full audit and subsequent “remediation” (correction of code and content) by specialized developers. It is important to view this cost not as an expense, but as an investment that brings benefits in terms of expanding the audience, improving SEO, and ensuring legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Web accessibility is the practice of designing and building websites and applications so they can be used by anyone, including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. Its importance goes beyond the ethical aspect: an accessible site improves the experience for all users, expands the reachable audience, and strengthens the brand’s reputation by demonstrating a real commitment to inclusion. Furthermore, it improves SEO, making the site easier for search engines like Google to index.
Yes, the accessibility requirement is an established and expanding reality. Historically, the Stanca Act (Law 4/2004) primarily imposed accessibility on the Public Administration. However, with the transposition of the European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882), starting from June 28, 2025, the obligation extends to many private companies, particularly those providing digital products and services such as e-commerce, banking, and transportation. Companies with a turnover of more than 500 million euros are already subject to specific obligations. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are the international technical guidelines that define how to make web content accessible. Compliance means adhering to these standards. There are three levels of conformance: Level A (minimum), Level AA (intermediate), and Level AAA (maximum). European and Italian regulations, including the updated Stanca Act, require Level AA as the benchmark standard, which represents a balance between high accessibility and technical feasibility for most web content.
You don’t need complex interventions to start improving accessibility. You can begin with three fundamental adjustments: 1) Provide alternative text (‘alt’ attribute) for all images, describing what they represent for users who use screen readers. 2) Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background to facilitate reading, especially for people with low vision. 3) Ensure the site is fully navigable using only the keyboard, an essential requirement for those who cannot use a mouse.
Although it requires an initial investment, accessibility is above all a strategic opportunity. An accessible site can reach a wider audience, including about 20% of the population that has some form of disability. This translates into a potential increase in customers and revenue. It also improves SEO, general usability for all users, and strengthens the brand’s image as socially responsible and attentive to inclusion. In fact, 82% of people with disabilities tend to become loyal to a company with an accessible website.
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