The EU Accessibility Act: Why Inclusion is Now Non-Negotiable for Businesses Big and Small

Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a movement, a shift in how we think about business, society, and the future.

The EU Accessibility Act is at the center of that shift.

What does it mean? By 2025, businesses across the European Union will need to ensure their products and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Think about it: websites, apps, self-service machines, banking, e-commerce, public transport—all of it will need to be designed for everyone.

Sounds like a big task, right?

It is. But it’s also a massive opportunity.

A Sustainable Society Starts with Access

Inclusion isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a way to future-proof your business. Because when you make things accessible, you aren’t just following the law. You’re opening doors to new customers, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.

Today, 87 million Europeans live with some form of disability (Source: https://eures.europa.eu/what-eu-does-support-persons-disabilities-2022-11-30_en). That’s 87 million potential customers, partners, and contributors who can help your business grow.

And what happens when you focus on accessibility? You build trust. You build loyalty. You build something sustainable.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about creating a business that thrives by being open to everyone. That’s where the real magic happens.

Big Businesses and the Accessibility Advantage

For large enterprises, the Accessibility Act is a wake-up call. You’re already global, already big. But have you made your business truly open?

Amazon, Apple, Google—they’ve learned that accessible design isn’t a cost. It’s an investment. Making services usable for everyone increases reach, creates better user experiences, and ultimately leads to a stronger brand.

And when you think about it, isn’t that what every business is after?

Small Businesses: The Power of Being Nimble

But what if you’re small? What if you don’t have the resources of a giant corporation?

Here’s the thing: smaller businesses are agile. You can pivot quickly. You can adapt. And in a world where accessibility is now a core expectation, that’s a serious advantage.

By designing your products and services to be inclusive from the start, you avoid costly retrofits down the line. More importantly, you signal to your customers that you care about them—all of them.

That’s the kind of loyalty you can’t buy.

Inclusion Is the Future of Sustainability

Sustainability is more than just going green. It’s about creating a business that lasts. And in a world that values inclusion, accessibility is key.

If your business only works for some people, how sustainable is it really? True sustainability happens when everyone can participate. When everyone can engage.

That’s what the EU Accessibility Act is pushing for—an economy that works for all, not just for the majority.

The Real Cost of Exclusion

If you think accessibility is expensive, try exclusion.

Exclusion limits your audience. It damages your reputation. And, after 2025, it could even mean fines and legal trouble.

But more than that, exclusion is a lost opportunity. It’s a failure to see the bigger picture: an inclusive world is a more innovative, sustainable, and successful one.

The Bottom Line

The EU Accessibility Act is a game-changer. For big businesses, it’s a challenge to live up to your size and influence. For small businesses, it’s an opportunity to lead through nimbleness and empathy.

But for all of us, it’s a reminder that the future belongs to those who include, not exclude.

Are you ready to be part of that future?