Digital accessibility: what to do in 2026

By Yann Faurie · Updated on

Digital accessibility means making sites, apps and documents usable by everyone, including people with disabilities, whatever the device or assistive technology.

The current framework

  • EU Directive 2019/882 (EAA): applicable since 28 June 2025 to certain products and services (e-commerce, banking, transport, e-books…).
  • EN 301 549 v3.2.1: reference technical standard based on WCAG 2.1 level AA; v4.1.1 is expected in 2026.
  • RGAA 4.1.2: the French framework, still in force; on 2 March 2026 DINUM announced RGAA 5 for end 2026, with WCAG 2.2 and mobile apps.

Where to start

  1. Test key journeys (forms, checkout, contact) with a screen reader, keyboard only and 200% zoom.
  2. Fix contrast (4.5:1 for text), form labels, alt text, headings, visible focus.
  3. Publish an accessibility statement and a way to report defects.
  4. Write accessibility into the specification and acceptance tests.

Automated tools catch only part of the issues; manual review is still required.