Web Accessibility: Why It Is Not a Nice-to-Have in 2025

Why accessibility matters for everyone

Around 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. In Switzerland, that’s about 1.8 million individuals. Web accessibility means all people can use digital content, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

What web accessibility means

Accessible websites are built to work for everyone, including people with visual impairments, hearing difficulties, motor disabilities, or cognitive challenges.

The international standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by the W3C. The current version, WCAG 2.2, defines three levels: A (minimum), AA (recommended), and AAA (optimal).

The four core principles

1. Perceivable

Content needs to be accessible through different senses. That means: alt text for images, captions for videos, sufficient color contrast, and scalable font sizes. Screen readers must be able to capture all relevant information.

2. Operable

Navigation must work with various input methods: keyboard, voice control, assistive technologies. Focus states need to be visible, and interactive elements must allow enough time for interaction.

3. Understandable

Text needs to be clearly written. Navigation must work consistently. Forms need clear labels and helpful error messages, not cryptic codes.

4. Robust

The website must work across different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies. Semantic HTML is the foundation: correct heading hierarchy, ARIA attributes where needed, and valid code.

What applies in Switzerland

The Federal Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against People with Disabilities (BehiG) requires public institutions to ensure digital accessibility. There’s no legal obligation for private companies yet, but the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will impact the Swiss market from June 2025 onwards.

My advice: don’t wait for the mandate. Accessibility improves your website for everyone.

How to make your website more accessible

• Semantic HTML: Use the right elements (<nav>, <main>, <article>, <button>) instead of generic <div> containers.
• Check color contrasts: At least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text.
• Keyboard test: Navigate your website using only the keyboard. Every element must be reachable.
• Write alt text: Describe images precisely and informatively, not just decoratively.
• Automated testing: Tools like axe, Lighthouse, and WAVE catch common issues, but they don’t replace manual testing.

Conclusion

Accessibility is good for business: better SEO, a wider audience, and an overall better experience for everyone. Good design doesn’t exclude anyone. Learn more about my web design solutions.