Why WCAG?

As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to engage with customers, it’s crucial that those platforms are accessible to all users. That’s why the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have been updated with new, stricter requirements for online and digital communications.

At Stormfors, we’re committed to providing an accessible user experience for all our clients. In this insight, we’ll share some of our key insights from our journey towards WCAG compliance and offer tips on how you can ensure your own digital platforms meet the highest standards of accessibility.

Our Journey And Key Insights

When we first started working on making our website compliant with the new WCAG 2.1 guidelines, we knew it would be a significant undertaking. But we also understood that it was essential for providing an inclusive experience for all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Here are some of the key insights and challenges we faced along the way:

• Understanding the requirements: The new WCAG guidelines cover a wide range of accessibility issues, from color contrast to keyboard navigation. It took time and expertise to fully understand what was required and how it would impact our site’s design and functionality.
• Prioritizing changes: Not all users face the same challenges, so we had to prioritize which updates would have the biggest impact on accessibility for the widest range of users. This involved gathering data on user needs and testing different approaches.
• Balancing form and function: Accessibility doesn’t mean sacrificing style or user experience. Our designers worked closely with our developers to ensure that accessibility features were integrated seamlessly into the overall design aesthetic.
• Continuous improvement: WCAG compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. We regularly review and update our site to ensure it continues to meet evolving accessibility standards.

At Stormfors, we believe that accessibility is not just a compliance issue – it’s a fundamental part of creating digital experiences that work for everyone. By following the new WCAG guidelines and approaching accessibility as an ongoing process, you can create platforms that are both functional and inclusive.

If you have any questions or need help with your own journey towards WCAG compliance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be happy to share more of our experiences and insights!

Until next time, The Stormfors Team

New regulations in the EU and USA

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into force on June 28, 2025. It establishes common accessibility requirements for certain products and services across the EU to ensure they can be accessed by people with disabilities.

Similarly in the USA, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act has been amended to align with international standards (such as WCAG) and requires federal agencies to provide accessible electronic information and technology to their employees and members of the public.

These regulations have significant implications for businesses operating online or providing digital products and services. They require companies to ensure that their websites, apps, documents, and multimedia content are designed in a way that is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust enough so that it can be used by as many people as possible regardless of disability.

This means that all information must be provided using accessible formats, all functionality must be available via keyboard commands or assistive technology, all elements must have sufficient contrast, font sizes must be adjustable, and more. Non-compliance with these accessibility standards can result in lawsuits, fines and reputational damage for companies.

Stormfors Services specializes in helping businesses comply with the complex requirements of digital accessibility while ensuring that accessibility is seamlessly integrated into the overall user experience design. Their expertise covers both technical aspects (like alt text, ARIA roles, etc.) as well as user-centered design to ensure that accessibility features are intuitive and functional for all users.

So in summary, these new regulations are a major shift in requirements for digital products and services. Businesses need to be aware of the specific standards they must adhere to based on their industry, location and audience. Partnering with experts like Stormfors can help navigate this complex landscape while ensuring that accessibility is built into all aspects of the user experience.

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