Beyond Compliance: Strategic Benefits of the European Accessibility Act for Publishers in 2025

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance deadline fast approaching on June 28, 2025, publishers are under pressure to meet the necessary requirements for digital content accessibility. While much attention has rightly been placed on understanding and meeting the core compliance requirements, it’s equally important to explore what lies beyond the checkboxes of legal conformity.

Accessibility is not just a legal obligation—it is a long-term strategic investment that can reshape how publishers create, distribute, and promote their content. By prioritizing inclusive design, publishers can unlock greater user engagement, broaden market access, and future-proof their operations. In this evolving digital landscape, those who embrace accessibility early will gain a distinct advantage in both reach and relevance.

Enhancing User Experience through Accessibility

Implementing accessibility features such as clear navigation, readable fonts, and alternative text for images improves the overall user experience for all readers, not just those with disabilities. This inclusivity can lead to increased reader engagement and satisfaction, particularly for:

• Older readers who need larger fonts,

• Mobile users who benefit from responsive layouts,

• Busy professionals who consume content via text-to-speech during commutes.

Improving digital readability and navigation has a ripple effect across your entire audience. By focusing on accessibility, publishers are in essence investing in superior UX (user experience) that serves everyone.

Expanding Market Reach

The European Union has approximately 87 million people with disabilities—a figure that continues to grow with an aging population. Accessibility is not just a matter of inclusion; it’s an enormous untapped market segment.

When publishers create content that adheres to the EAA’s accessibility standards, they are:

• Making their products available to millions more potential customers,

• Positioning themselves for public procurement opportunities (as accessibility is often required in government contracts),

• Avoiding revenue loss from exclusionary practices.

  
  

Strengthening Brand Reputation

Accessibility is a long-term investment. As digital ecosystems evolve, the demand for accessible content will only grow. Companies that embed accessibility into their DNA now will be more resilient to regulatory changes in the future.

Moreover, consumers are increasingly aligning with brands that demonstrate social responsibility. Accessibility is a powerful signal of values—it shows that a company cares not just about profits but also about people.

Accessible publishers are:

• More likely to be trusted,

• Better positioned to partner with socially conscious institutions,

• More capable of withstanding reputational scrutiny in a world where digital inclusion is non-negotiable.

  
  

Leveraging Technology for Accessibility

Technological tools like AI-based accessibility checkers, PDF/EPUB validators, and automated screen reader simulations are evolving rapidly. These tools are valuable for identifying issues such as missing alt text, improper heading structures, and noncompliant contrast ratios. Such nuances often require human judgment. For best results, publishers should use a hybrid approach: leverage tools for efficiency, but rely on trained professionals for final quality assurance. In doing so, they ensure their accessibility efforts are not only compliant but also effective.

Preparing for Future Regulations

In many sectors, accessibility is still seen as a burden. For forward-thinking publishers, that perception represents an opportunity. By being early adopters and advocates of accessibility, publishers can:

• Differentiate themselves from competitors,

• Secure partnerships with inclusive organizations and educational institutions,

• Lead by example in an industry that will soon be required to catch up.

Publishers who go above and beyond basic compliance are setting themselves up as leaders in the next wave of digital innovation—one defined by inclusion.

Accessibility Drives Innovation

When publishers begin to think inclusively, they often uncover creative ways to present information. For example:

• Interactive textbooks with captions, audio, and tactile diagrams,

• E-learning platforms with customizable content formats,

• Multilingual, accessible e-books that cater to immigrants and non-native speakers.

Far from being a limitation, accessibility becomes a catalyst for innovation. The process challenges publishers to rethink content delivery and pushes them toward more dynamic and adaptive solutions.

Conclusion: Don’t Just Comply—Thrive

Embracing the EAA is more than a legal obligation; it’s an opportunity to enhance user experience, reach new audiences, and build a stronger brand. Publishers who integrate accessibility into their core strategies will not only comply with regulations but also thrive in an increasingly inclusive digital landscape.

Instead of asking, “What must we do to comply?” ask, “How can we use accessibility to lead?”

By embedding accessibility into your publishing strategy today, you’re building the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and successful tomorrow.

This article continues our series on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) available at www.s4carlisle.com If you're new to the topic or need a refresher, we recommend reading our previous posts that break down the EAA’s scope, obligations, and implications for the publishing industry.