Once upon a time a man ordered a pizza. Which led to a lawsuit against the pizza maker. Why?
Because he was blind. He used a screen reader. He made it through the website - slowly, carefully - until checkout. That’s where it broke.
Unlabled buttons. Keyboard traps. A form he couldn’t finish. It wasn’t just a technical flaw - it was a failure of user experience design, and a costly one.
The man sued and the case went to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2020, the court made its call: Domino’s couldn’t hide behind bad code. The Americans with Disabilities Act applied online. Digital access mattered as much as physical ramps.
This wasn’t about pizza. It was about inclusion. About who gets to participate. About the cost of building things for some, not all.
Domino’s lost more than a case. They lost control of their narrative.
The question behind the lawsuit was simple:
“Why didn’t you build it so I could use it?”
That question didn’t stay in the U.S. for long. Because here in Europe, the laws are shifting too. The timeline is shorter than most think. And the stakes? Just as real.
The Laws Are Changing Everywhere In Europe, the clock is ticking.
Back in 2016, the European Web Accessibility Directive set the stage. It required public sector websites and apps to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards - the global benchmark for digital accessibility.
That was just the first wave.
In 2019, the European Accessibility Act expanded the scope. Now it includes private companies: banking, e-commerce, ticketing, transport, telecoms, and more. If you offer services online, you’re in. If you sell to the public, you’re in. If you think this doesn’t apply to you - think again.
The deadline: June 28, 2025.
After that, digital accessibility isn’t a suggestion. It’s a legal requirement. That means audits, accountability, and yes - fines. What used to be “best practice” is now the law.
Under the Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines enforced by the EU, non-compliance can cost up to €250,000. Some countries issue daily penalties until you fix violations. Repeat offenders may even face criminal charges.
This is already happening. Public-sector audits are live. Private businesses are next.
The most at-risk industries?
These are everyday digital experiences. And most issues are preventable like unlabeled buttons, low contrast, broken keyboard navigation. But when left unresolved, they become legal, financial, and brand risks.
Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about avoiding lost customers, broken trust, and public backlash - all triggered by one user who couldn’t use your product.
Accessibility is more than ADA compliance. It’s smart, inclusive UX.
When you design for people with disabilities, you also help:
These aren’t edge cases - they’re everyday realities.
Accessible user experience design broadens your audience, earns trust, and shows users you care before asking them to convert.
At Fram Creative, we’ve seen it:
The businesses who bolt on accessibility late struggle. The ones who build it in from the start succeed.
Accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It’s a competitive edge. And with the European Accessibility Act deadline approaching, there’s never been a better time to get it right.
DOWNLOAD THE ACCESSIBILITY PLAYBOOK HERE
If your company operates in the EU, June 28, 2025 is your deadline. Here’s where to start:
Don't wait for a complaint or a lawsuit. Act now and build something better for everyone.
Companies that act now protect themselves, serve more customers, and lead with credibility.
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