Accessible mobile apps: a social and legal imperative
Mobile apps have become essential in our daily lives. Whether as consumers, citizens, students, patients, or employees, we rely on apps for almost everything. However, many apps are challenging to use for people who don’t fit the "standard" user profile, such as individuals with visual, auditory, or motor disabilities. As apps are now integral to daily life, these users face considerable barriers without sufficient alternatives.
The European Accessibility Act is set to change this. In this article, you’ll learn all about it, including what it means for your apps.
Why accessible apps matter
The number of people who benefit from accessible apps is larger than you might think. About 25% of the population has some disability that makes using a standard app difficult (source: EU statistics on disabilities). This includes individuals with visual impairments (such as blindness or low vision), hearing difficulties, color blindness, motor impairments, ADHD, epilepsy, and reading or speech challenges. Many others without disabilities also benefit from accessibility options, including older adults, or anyone needing larger text, dark mode, or improved readability outdoors.
Investing in accessibility not only helps your app meet legal standards but also boosts customer satisfaction and employee productivity.
European Accessibility Act makes accessibility a legal requirement
Starting in June 2025, all websites and apps must comply with the European accessibility requirements under the European Accessibility Act. This legislation applies not only to public institutions but also to private companies.
Key EU accessibility requirements for apps
While the EU’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are primarily geared toward websites, there are specific requirements for apps as well. Mobile apps present unique challenges, such as touch-based controls and gestures. Here are some important guidelines:
- Visual accessibility for the visually impaired: People who are blind use screen readers to have content read aloud. This requires a logical structure from left to right and top to bottom. Common elements like headings and menus should be skippable. Images and videos need text descriptions and captions, and text resizing or zoom should work without compromising usability.
- Clear colors for color blindness: Ensure adequate contrast between foreground and background colors, and avoid relying on color alone to convey information (e.g. "tap the green button").
- Alternatives for audio content: Provide visual alternatives for any audio features to support those who are hard of hearing. Any sounds or voice messages should have a corresponding visual representation.
- Ease of use for people with motor disabilities: Actions like swiping or shaking the device can be difficult for some users. Offer alternative navigation options, such as keyboard access, and test to ensure users can navigate the app without getting stuck.
- Accessible experience for people with reading disabilities: Clear instructions in input fields and error messages are vital. Keep the user experience calm and straightforward, which is beneficial for people with ADHD or epilepsy.
Discover how De Lijn is committed to creating an inclusive travel experience, with a special focus on accessibility for people with disabilities. Watch the webinar to learn more about the development of their mobile app!
How to make your app accessible
Improving the accessibility of an existing app doesn’t have to be costly. Small, incremental adjustments can make a big difference. A brief review can help identify key areas for improvement. For new apps, designing with accessibility in mind from the start is ideal. This means logically structuring app elements so screen readers and other assistive technologies can navigate them smoothly.
Testing is essential: while internal tests are helpful, involving people with disabilities provides realistic and valuable feedback.
Mobile apps as a catalyst for greater inclusivity
Accessible apps aren’t just necessary—they can be powerful tools for people with disabilities. With modern smartphones and AI technology, apps can offer an extra layer of support. For example, we developed an app for EMVI that helps blind users scan their surroundings and interpret visual information. For the guide dog organization ‘Licht en Liefde,’ we’re creating an app to assist blind individuals in navigating traffic.
Curious about making your app more accessible?
