Free Accessibility Widget: What It Does (and What It Doesn’t) Under WCAG 2.2 and EAA 2025

2–5 min read

Many websites add a free accessibility widget and assume the job is done. It’s not.
A widget can help users change how a site looks, but it doesn’t fix accessibility problems in the code.

This article explains what a widget can do, what it can’t, and what you actually need to meet WCAG 2.2 and EAA 2025 requirements.


What a Widget Does

An accessibility widget adds a small toolbar or overlay. It lets users adjust how a page looks or behaves.
Common features include:

  • Larger text
  • Different color contrast
  • Highlighted links
  • A bigger cursor
  • Simple text-to-speech

These tools help visitors with visual preferences. They improve comfort and usability.
But they do not change how the site is built.


What a Widget Doesn’t Do

Accessibility under WCAG 2.2 is about structure and code — not appearance.
Widgets do not fix:

  • Missing image descriptions (alt text)
  • Unlabeled form fields
  • Headings in the wrong order
  • Buttons without accessible names
  • Broken keyboard navigation

These are coding issues that prevent assistive technology, such as screen readers, from working correctly.
A widget can’t reach that deep. It only sits on top of the site.


Why It Matters Under EAA 2025

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) takes effect in 2025.
It requires digital products and services to meet WCAG 2.2 standards.
This means accessibility must be built into the website’s code.

The EU standard EN 301 549 makes this clear.
A widget or overlay cannot replace correct structure, labeling, and semantic HTML.
Adding one on top of a broken site does not make it compliant.


How to Find Real Accessibility Issues

To understand if your website meets WCAG 2.2, use a testing tool that checks your pages.

GetWCAG’s Scanner analyzes each page and lists where it fails.
It finds:

  • Missing labels
  • Poor contrast
  • Misused headings
  • Empty links and buttons

The report shows where to focus your fixes.
You can then update your site’s code and design based on evidence, not guesswork.


Better Together: Widget and Scanner

The best setup uses both tools.

  • A widget helps users adjust visuals in real time.
  • A scanner finds and reports the technical problems.

The widget improves comfort.
The scanner improves compliance.
Together, they create a website that is easier to use and maintain.


Key Point

A free accessibility widget is useful but limited.
It improves the viewing experience but not your site’s compliance status.

If you want to meet WCAG 2.2 and EAA 2025, you need to fix the root issues in your code.
Start with a free scan at GetWCAG.com to see what a widget can’t fix.