Reasonable Adjustments for Websites — UK Equality Act Duty 2026

„What does 'reasonable adjustments' mean for my website under the Equality Act?" That's a question many UK business owners ask when they hear about their legal obligations.

In this guide, we'll explain what reasonable adjustments are, how they apply to websites, and what you need to do to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

What are reasonable adjustments?

The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. The duty is set out in Section 20 of the Act.

The duty has three requirements:

• 1. Changing the way things are done — e.g., providing information in accessible formats
• 2. Making physical changes — e.g., to premises
• 3. Providing auxiliary aids — e.g., screen readers, accessible documents

For websites, this means making your content and functionality accessible to disabled users.

How does the duty apply to websites?

The duty applies to websites in the following ways:

1. Information provision

You must provide information in accessible formats. This means:

• Alternative text for all images (WCAG 1.1.1)
• Captions for all videos (WCAG 1.2.2)
• Accessible PDFs for documents (WCAG 1.1.1)
• Clear and simple language for easy understanding (WCAG 3.1.5)

2. Functionality

Your website's functionality must be accessible:

• Keyboard accessibility — all functions with Tab key (WCAG 2.1.1)
• Form accessibility — all fields with labels (WCAG 3.3.2)
• Error messages — clear and descriptive (WCAG 3.3.1)
• Navigation — consistent and logical (WCAG 2.4.3)

3. Communication

You must communicate effectively with disabled users:

• Contact options — multiple ways to contact you (phone, email, web form)
• Response times — responding to accessibility queries promptly
• Alternative formats — offering documents in alternative formats on request

What does „reasonable" mean?

„Reasonable" depends on the circumstances. Factors that determine what is reasonable include:

1. Size and resources of your organisation

A large corporation can be expected to do more than a small business. For example, a multinational company must invest more than a local shop.

2. Cost of the adjustments

If the cost is high, it may be unreasonable. However, you must assess the cost and document it.

3. Benefit to disabled users

If the adjustment would benefit many disabled users, it is more likely to be reasonable.

4. Disruption

If the adjustment would cause significant disruption, it may be unreasonable.

5. Resources available

If you have the resources to make the adjustment, it is more likely to be reasonable.

What is the technical standard?

The Equality Act does not specify a technical standard for websites. However, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recommends WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the standard to aim for.

Why WCAG 2.2 AA?

• Recognised international standard — accepted by courts and tribunals
• Comprehensive — covers all types of disabilities
• Testable — can be measured and verified
• Up-to-date — includes mobile and cognitive accessibility

What are the consequences of not making adjustments?

Failure to make reasonable adjustments can lead to serious consequences:

1. Discrimination claims

Disabled users can bring a discrimination claim against you in the county court. If successful, you could be ordered to pay unlimited compensation.

2. EHRC investigations

The EHRC can investigate your website and issue a non-discrimination notice. If you don't comply, they can take you to court.

3. Reputational damage

Accessibility failures can lead to negative publicity and loss of customers.

4. Legal costs

Defending a discrimination claim can be expensive, even if you win.

How to make reasonable adjustments — Step by step

Step 1: Scan your website

Use the free UK ADA checker to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA. You'll get a report within 60 seconds with violations, warnings, and solutions.

Step 2: Fix all violations

Follow the recommendations in the report to fix all violations. Focus on critical issues first:

• Alt text for all images
• Colour contrast — at least 4.5:1
• Keyboard accessibility — all functions with Tab key
• Form labels — all fields with labels
• Headings structure — logical H1-H6 hierarchy

Step 3: Publish an accessibility statement

Publish an accessibility statement on your website explaining how accessible your website is and how users can report problems.

Step 4: Document everything

Document all tests and improvements. This serves as evidence that you have made reasonable adjustments.

Step 5: Monitor and update

Monitor your website regularly and update your accessibility statement at least once a year.

What counts as a disproportionate burden?

A disproportionate burden is an exemption from the reasonable adjustments duty if the cost of making an adjustment is too high compared to the benefits.

Factors to consider:

• Financial cost — How much would it cost?
• Organisational resources — Can you afford it?
• Time — How long would it take?
• Impact on users — Would the burden outweigh the benefits?

You must document your assessment

If you claim a disproportionate burden, you must document your assessment. This includes:

• What you assessed
• Why you concluded it was disproportionate
• What alternatives you considered

Important: Claiming a disproportionate burden is not a permanent excuse. You should review the situation regularly and make adjustments when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions — Reasonable Adjustments

Internal links — UK Accessibility Resources