The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is now in effect, reshaping expectations for how businesses deliver digital experiences across the EU. At its core, the EAA mandates that digital content and services must be accessible to all users, regardless of language, ability, or technology. 
 
For global organizations, this means thinking beyond translation. True compliance requires a shift in how we design, localize, and manage multilingual content, prioritizing inclusion, usability, and consistency from the start. 

Here’s how to build digital experiences that are inclusive, compliant, and consistent across every language you operate in. 

Accessibility Is Multilingual 

While accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have long shaped digital design, it’s important to note that language accessibility itself isn’t entirely new. In the U.S., the ADA and other regulations already include provisions for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, requiring oral and/or written translation support. What the EAA and EN 301 549 add is a mandate that digital products and services include live captioning, subtitles, and broader language support.

By contrast, WCAG places emphasis on ensuring that any secondary languages within content are properly identified in the code. This allows assistive technologies—such as screen readers, speech synthesizers, or braille translation software—to correctly process and pronounce content.

• Accessible: Compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers, captions, and keyboard navigation. 
• Usable: Structured for clarity and ease of use. 
• Multilingual: Fully functional and understandable in every language you serve in the EU. 

Together, these requirements create new pressure on localization teams. Accessibility isn’t just a UI or design issue; it’s a content issue, too. 

Why Accessibility and Localization Must Work Together 

When content is adapted for global markets, accessibility requirements don’t stop at the source language. Every translation must preserve formatting, structure, and clarity so the final experience remains usable for all. 
 
Key considerations include: 

• Formatting and hierarchy: Headings, tables, and lists must translate cleanly across languages and remain screen-reader friendly. 
• Alt text and media: Descriptions must be meaningful, relevant, and localized for cultural understanding. 
• Tone and clarity: Plain language becomes even more critical for users navigating content with cognitive or linguistic challenges. 
• Interface consistency: Navigation, buttons, and labels must be intuitive and accessible across language variants. 

These are not edge cases, they’re now baseline expectations. 

A Strategic Approach to Multilingual Accessibility 

At Welocalize, we view accessibility and localization as interconnected disciplines. Both are essential to delivering inclusive digital experiences, and both require planning, alignment, and specialized expertise. 

What’s Next for Global Brands 

As enforcement of the EAA continues, organizations must adapt; not just to meet regulatory obligations, but to ensure their content serves the full range of users and markets they reach. 
 
This is an opportunity to create more meaningful, equitable experiences for all users while strengthening your brand’s reputation, resilience, and reach. 

Welocalize helps global brands navigate this shift with localization strategies designed for accessibility, scale, and impact. 

If you’re looking to evolve your content workflows and ensure your multilingual experiences meet today’s expectations, we’re here to help. 
 
Let’s talk multilingual accessibility. Register here for our upcoming LinkedIn Live event in conjunction with TPGi.