Accessible by Design – What It Is, Why It Matters,
and How to Get Started

 

Over 20% of people in the Netherlands live with a disability that affects how they interact with digital channels — whether it’s visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive. By making your digital platforms accessible, you ensure they can navigate websites, apps, and online services without obstacles — just like everyone else. It’s not only the right thing to do — it’s a smart way to reach more people.

Why GX can help you with Digital Accessibility

  • In-depth knowledge of disabilities and assistive technologies

  • Thorough analysis of your digital environment for accessibility issues

  • Personal guidance in improving your channels

  • Training to raise awareness within your organization

Digital Inclusion: Part of the New Standard

Digital accessibility is no longer just a topic for governments. Commercial organizations – such as banks, insurers, and online retailers – are also facing regulations that require digital inclusion. European legislation like the EAA ensures that accessibility becomes a standard part of digital services. The WCAG guidelines are the benchmark here.

We help you optimize all your digital channels according to WCAG standards – forming a solid foundation for your accessibility statement.
Digital Accessibility Approach

Step 1:
Inzicht – where do you stand today?

To improve accessibility, start by understanding your current situation. Choose from three options: a handy checklist you can download instantly, a quick scan by one of our experts, or a comprehensive audit of your digital environment. There's always a starting point that suits your organization.

Digital Accessibility Checklist

Curious how your website scores on accessibility? Try our online checklist. This tool lets you critically evaluate elements like navigation, color use, focus indicators, and clarity.

Start the checklist

Free Quick Scan

Our experts analyze your website, app, or digital document for the most common accessibility bottlenecks. Using the WCAG 2.2 guidelines (levels A and AA), we quickly and clearly map out your current status and where improvements can be made.

Request the Quickscan

Digital Accessibility Audit

The most complete solution for organizations serious about accessibility. Our audit provides deep insight and practical tools for long-term improvements.

What’s included?
A thorough technical and functional audit based on 55 WCAG criteria (Level A and AA). One of our specialists will review your website, app, or platform—focusing on key features like forms, navigation, and media. We combine screen readers, keyboard navigation, automated tools, and manual testing to give you the full picture.

What will you get out of it?

  • Full Report
    With scores, explanations, and concrete recommendations per WCAG criterion

  • WCAG-EM Reporting
    Suitable as the basis for an official accessibility statement

  • Tailored Advice
    What needs fixing now, what can wait, and who’s involved

  • Suggested Next Steps
    Focused on technical, visual and organizational implementation

    Schedule your Audit

 

Step 2:
Action – from insight to improvement

An audit shows where you stand — but the real value lies in what you do with it. We help turn insights into clear, actionable improvements that fit your scope and truly make a difference.

We support you in redesigning, developing, and populating your digital channels to ensure they meet accessibility standards. Let’s think along with you — reach out to us.

Accessible Design

A design that meets WCAG 2.2 standards. We optimize your existing designs or create new ones from scratch.

Optimizing Existing Designs
  • Small or large adjustments to your wireframes and visual design
  • Restructuring navigation and focus flows for screen reader usability
  • Enhancing color contrast, typography, and interactive components

Developing a New WCAG 2.2-Compliant Design

  • From scratch: user research, wireframes, prototyping, and visual design
  • Inclusive user journeys for various needs (mobile, keyboard, screen reader)
  • Iterative testing with real users and accessibility experts

Technical Improvements

We adjust your CMS, build custom modules, and enhance functionalities so they work for everyone.

  • Code optimization: semantic HTML, ARIA labels, keyboard navigation

  • Custom modules: accessible tabs, carousels, forms, and media displays

  • Testing & validation: both automated and manual with screen readers

 

Step 3:
Maintaining – staying accessible for the long term

Accessibility doesn’t end once the changes are in place. To keep meeting the standards — and truly make digital inclusion part of your organization’s culture — we help you secure lasting knowledge and build long-term capability.

Training and Knowledge Transfer

Want your team to make accessible choices themselves? We offer practical trainings to help apply accessibility in everyday work.

  • For editors, content managers, and web admins

  • Insight into legislation, WCAG guidelines, and user experience

  • Spotting and preventing issues on your own website

  • Small groups, lots of personal attention, no prior knowledge required

  • 4-hour sessions at GX or on-site

Check our Training

Periodic Re-Audit

Want to be sure you’re staying on track? Even after all improvements, the work continues.

  • New content, updates, or small tweaks can unintentionally introduce new barriers.
  • That’s why it’s smart to regularly check if your digital channels still meet accessibility standards.

With a re-audit of previously tested pages, we quickly identify where adjustments are needed – so your accessibility remains on point.

Case Study: Gemeente Oss

A real-world example of digital accessibility done right.

The Municipality of Oss wanted a digital platform that all residents could easily use. So we developed a fresh, future-proof design and improved the technical foundation: the website is now faster, more accessible, and works well across all devices. We also made the content clearer and more organized so everyone can easily find what they need. The result? A user-friendly website that truly works for everyone.

Learn from Oss’s approach.
Mockup Oss (6)

Interested? Get in Touch

The June deadline for the European Accessibility Act is quickly approaching. Maybe you’re already on your way – or maybe that date is creeping up faster than expected. Wherever you stand: we’re here to help.

Customer Meet-up kom in contact

Become Digital Accessible: What's your challenge?