A practical, results-focussed approach to accessibility services

The problem with traditional audits

A traditional way of starting an accessibility-related project, is working with an accessibility firm. They would then propose to do an accessibility audit, where they compare your website or app against recommendations from the publicly accessible WCAG guidelines.

They will charge you thousands of euros, and you will end up with a PDF with recommendations. 

The problem with this is that well, it's a PDF, it doesn't actually solve your problem. Your website or app is not accessible after going through this process.

You just spent thousands of euros on consulting without a solution. 

Now you will need to spend (tens of) thousands of euros more to actually make your solution accessible. 

How can Obra Studio help?

We offer a flexibe, results-focussed approach, where we use our T-shaped profile to dynamically switch roles in a project, to get the work done instead of talking.

• With our design perspective, we can directly propose design solutions that help fix the accessibility problems we spot/products.
• With our front-end development skills we can work right in your git-based dev environment, work directly in an issue tracker context, send code pull requests and in general deliver a flexible way of working. We have first-hand experience with Storybook and complex component systems.
• With our writing and publishing knowledge, including deep CMS knowledge, we can improve accessibility at the content level.

The combination of the above skills leads to a practical way of working that's focused on an actual solution instead of just auditing. 

Compliance: is your company ready for the European Accessibility Act?

The lowdown

European consumer products need to be made accessible by law before June 2025.
If you have a consumer website or digital product you need to make it accessible now.

Just like there was a surge in data and privacy related activity in 2017 due to GDPR, we expected a surge in accessibility-related projects and discussions due to legislation in 2025. However, things seem to be rather silent.

Are companies ignoring what they need to do by law?

Why?

• Provide an accessible product that everyone can access
• Improve your product to be accessible by 20-25% of users with disabilities in the EU, unlocking usage by a new audience
• Accessibility is now required by law for consumer products in the EU. Get ahead of fines and penalties.

Who needs to comply?

Companies with a revenue over €2 million and more than 10 employees.

What can I do for my app or website?

Make it WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.

Is this just about apps or websites?

No, it’s about much more than websites: ATMs, ticketing machines, self-service machines for travel, mobile apps etc.

Can I be fined? What’s the worst that could happen?

It’s up to member states to transform a EU directive into member state law and define the penalties. It’s currently unknown what fines would be given for not complying to the law.

One of the worst things that could happen is that your product could be taken off market due to it being inaccessible.

It is unlikely to come that far, but you never know.