Utrecht, 11 February 2025 – auticon Netherlands and Digitaal Toegankelijk today signed a strategic cooperation agreement, aiming to respond to the fast-growing demand for digital accessibility services. The collaboration marks an important step in enhancing inclusive digital solutions and supporting organisations in their compliance with stricter accessibility standards and legislation.
Synergy
auticon is a specialist IT service provider providing high-quality digital transformation services, while Digitaal Toegankelijk is a leading consultancy focusing on inclusion and digital accessibility. Within the partnership, auticon will provide scalable operational audit capability, while Digitaal Toegankelijk will bring its specialist knowledge, processes and technology.
This synergy enables both companies to support organisations more effectively, on a larger scale and even internationally in their compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which comes into force on 28 June 2025. The EAA requires companies operating in the European market to make products and services accessible. The act applies to digital devices, online platforms and public services such as ticket machines and e-books, among others. It aims to create a uniform standard for accessibility within the EU.
Shared mission
The collaboration between auticon and Digitaal Toegankelijk is rooted in a shared social mission: to promote inclusion and accessibility in the (digital) world. Whereas auticon focuses on neuro-inclusion, mainly by employing neurodivergent IT professionals, Digitaal Toegankelijk aims to make digital environments accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Thus, the joining of forces forms a unique collaboration that offers inclusive solutions with substantial social impact.
Growing demand for services
The importance of digital accessibility is growing rapidly, partly due to stricter legislation, the rapid digitalisation of society and societal developments. Organisations that invest in digital accessibility not only gain through the improved quality and conversion of their websites and apps, but also strengthen their compliance, increase their inclusiveness and improve their reputation and market relevance. In doing so, they better meet the needs of the global community of 1 billion people with disabilities.
Quality and impact
‘The partnership offers a unique opportunity to expand our service offering and increase both our growth and impact,’ said Ruud Hageman, CEO of auticon Netherlands. ‘Our employees have the cognitive skills that are crucial for auditing, such as analytical ability, pattern recognition, eye for detail and accuracy. Combined with Digitaal Toegankelijk’s specialist knowledge, we can deliver high-quality audits while achieving even greater social impact.’
Pim Teeuwisse, managing director of Digitaal Toegankelijk, is also pleased with the strategic alliance: Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and this collaboration underlines how diversity makes organisations stronger. By combining the unique skills of neurodivergent professionals with our knowledge, we increase our capacity and clout to help organisations meet the strictest accessibility standards. Together, we are making a difference.’
