In an increasingly digital world, accessibility is more than just a buzzword—it is necessary. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a transformative piece of legislation that will significantly impact businesses and organizations across the European Union. Understanding what the EAA entails and taking proactive steps to comply can ensure legal compliance, expand your audience, and improve the user experience.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act, adopted in 2019, aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services by removing barriers created by divergent rules in Member States. This directive focuses on enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to products and services, particularly in the digital domain.

The EAA applies to various sectors, including:

• Computers and operating systems
• ATMs, ticket kiosks, and check-in terminals
• Smartphones
• Digital TV equipment and related accessories
• Telecommunication services and equipment
• Access to audio-visual media, including TV broadcasts and related consumer devices
• Transportation services for air, bus, rail, and maritime travel
• Banking services
• E-books
• Online shopping and e-commerce

The deadline for compliance is June 28, 2025, giving organizations a clear timeframe to adapt their products and services to meet these new standards. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, and more importantly, it may alienate a substantial portion of the market.

Preparing for the EAA: Steps to Increase Digital Accessibility

Preparing for the EAA involves thoroughly understanding the requirements and taking systematic steps to ensure your organization is compliant. Here are essential steps to help you prepare:

1. Understand the Specific Requirements for the EAA

The first step towards compliance is to understand the specific requirements of the EAA fully. Begin by …

• Reviewing the text of the legislation to understand the general and specific obligations.
• Identify which products and services your organization offers fall under the scope of the EAA.
• Consult legal experts or accessibility consultants to interpret the requirements for your specific case.

2.Conduct an Accessibility Audit

An accessibility audit comprehensively evaluates your digital products and services to identify areas not meeting accessibility standards. This audit should cover:

• Websites and web applications
• Mobile apps
• Electronic documents (e.g., PDFs, e-books)
• Software and hardware interfaces

The audit should be conducted by professionals well-versed in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, as these guidelines form the basis for many of the EAA’s requirements.

3.Develop an EAA Accessibility Strategy

Based on the audit findings, develop a clear and actionable accessibility strategy. This strategy should include:

• Setting Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for accessibility improvements.
• Allocating Resources: Determine the budget, personnel, and tools required to implement accessibility improvements.
• Creating a Timeline: Establish a timeline for achieving compliance, with milestones to track progress.

4.Implement Accessibility Improvements

With a strategy in place, begin implementing the necessary changes. Key areas to focus on include:

• Web and Mobile Accessibility: Ensure your websites and mobile apps comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, making content easily navigable, and making all functionalities available via keyboard.
• Document Accessibility: Make sure electronic documents, such as PDFs and e-books, are accessible. This involves proper formatting, including headings, lists, and tables, and ensuring screen readers can interpret the content correctly.
• Software and Hardware Interfaces: Ensure that software interfaces are navigable and operable by people with disabilities. This might involve providing tactile indicators, voice control, or other assistive features for hardware.

5.Train Your Team on the EAA

Accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. Train your team on accessibility best practices to ensure that accessibility is integrated into your organizational culture. This training should cover:

• Designers and Developers: Training on how to create accessible user interfaces and code.
• Content Creators: Guidance on writing accessible content and using accessible formats.
• Customer Service Staff: Educating on how to assist customers with disabilities.

6.Engage with Users with Disabilities

User testing is a critical component of accessibility. Engage with users with disabilities to test your products and services. Their feedback will provide invaluable insights into real-world accessibility issues and help you make necessary adjustments.

7.Monitor and Maintain Accessibility

Accessibility is an ongoing process. Establish procedures for regularly monitoring and maintaining accessibility standards. This includes:

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular accessibility audits to ensure continued compliance.
• User Feedback: Create channels for users to report accessibility issues and ensure these reports are addressed promptly.
• Staying Updated: Keep abreast of updates to accessibility standards and legislation to ensure ongoing compliance.

Benefits of Compliance

Complying with the EAA goes beyond avoiding legal repercussions. It offers several significant benefits:

• Wider Audience Reach: By making your products and services accessible, you open your business to a broader audience, including the estimated 135 million people with disabilities in Europe.
• Improved User Experience: Accessibility improvements often enhance the overall user experience, benefiting all users, not just those with disabilities.
• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility can improve your organization’s reputation, showing that you value inclusivity and diversity.
• Competitive Advantage: Early compliance can set your organization apart from competitors who may delay or neglect these essential improvements.

Conclusion

The European Accessibility Act is a landmark step towards a more inclusive digital world. By understanding the requirements and taking proactive steps to ensure compliance, organizations can avoid legal penalties, enhance their user experience, reach a broader audience, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. 

Schedule a briefing with 216digital today to start preparing to ensure your organization is ready for the EAA and can thrive in an increasingly accessible digital landscape.