The European Accessibility Act is coming in 2025 - are you ready?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), implemented in 2019, is set to reshape the digital landscape in the European Union by 2025. This legislation mandates that a wide range of products and services, including websites, software, and many online experiences, must adhere to accessibility standards, making them usable by people with disabilities. While the deadline for full compliance is approaching, the EAA's impact is already being felt by businesses across the EU.

A Unified Market for Accessibility

Prior to the EAA, accessibility regulations varied significantly between EU countries. This created a complex situation for businesses operating in multiple markets. The EAA establishes a single set of accessibility requirements, streamlining compliance for companies and ensuring a more level playing field. This not only simplifies regulations but also opens doors to a larger market for businesses that prioritize accessibility.

The relation between WCAG and the EAA

• EAA relies on WCAG: The EAA doesn't spell out exactly how to make things accessible. Instead, it references WCAG, particularly WCAG 2.1 Level AA, as the benchmark for meeting accessibility requirements.
• WCAG offers Flexibility: WCAG offers specific guidelines but allows some flexibility in how to achieve accessibility. This gives developers and designers choices in how they implement accessible features.

In short, the EAA sets the obligation for accessibility, and WCAG provides the how-to for achieving it.

Reaching a New Customer Base

There are an estimated 80 million people in the EU with disabilities. By creating accessible products and services, companies can tap into this vast and often overlooked market segment. This not only increases potential customers but also fosters a more inclusive business environment.

Beyond Compliance: The Benefits of Accessibility

Investing in accessibility goes beyond simply meeting legal requirements. Here are some additional benefits for businesses:

• Enhanced Brand Reputation: Companies committed to accessibility are seen as socially responsible and can build stronger customer loyalty.
• Improved User Experience: Accessible design principles often lead to a more user-friendly experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities. This can translate to higher customer satisfaction and engagement.
• Reduced Long-Term Costs: Addressing accessibility issues proactively can minimize the need for costly modifications later.

Taking Action Towards Accessibility

Here are 10 Tips for Businesses to get ready for the EAA:

1. Start Early: Don't wait until the deadline! Begin assessing your digital products and services for accessibility issues now.
2. Form an Accessibility Team: Assemble a team with a mix of technical expertise and user experience (UX) design to oversee the accessibility implementation.
3. Educate Yourself: Learn about the EAA and WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Many resources and online courses are available.
4. Audit Your Websites and Apps: Conduct accessibility audits to identify areas where your digital products fall short. Several free and paid audit tools can help.
5. Prioritize Quick Wins: Focus on fixing the most critical accessibility barriers first. This will have the biggest impact in the shortest time.
6. Make it a User-Centered Approach: Involve users with disabilities in the testing process to ensure your solutions truly address their needs.
7. Invest in Accessibility Tools: Consider using accessibility testing tools and plugins to streamline the process and identify potential issues.
8. Train Your Staff: Educate your developers, designers, and content creators on accessibility best practices. This ensures accessibility becomes part of the development process, not an afterthought.
9. Maintain Accessibility: Accessibility isn't a one-time fix. Integrate accessibility considerations into your ongoing development and maintenance processes.
10. Communicate Your Efforts: Let your customers know you're committed to accessibility. This demonstrates your social responsibility and can attract a wider audience.

Conclusion

The EAA represents a significant step towards a more inclusive digital EU. By embracing accessibility, companies can not only comply with regulations but also unlock new market opportunities, enhance brand image, and ultimately create a better user experience for everyone.

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Resources

European Accessibility Act: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1202

WCAG Guidelines: https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/