The European Accessibility Act: Preparing for 2025

In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will take effect, setting a new standard for digital inclusivity across the European Union. This legislation is a crucial step towards ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to digital products and services. With over 135 million people in the EU affected by some form of disability, this act is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a more inclusive society.?

Who Is Affected??

The EAA will impact a broad range of sectors, including banking, e-commerce, telecommunications, transportation, and more. These industries must ensure their digital interfaces—whether websites, mobile apps, or software—are accessible to all users, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments.?

However, not every business is subject to these regulations. Micro-enterprises, defined as businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding €2 million, are generally exempt. Additionally, certain media, such as television broadcasts, are also exempt from these requirements. Nevertheless, for the majority of businesses operating within the EU, compliance will be mandatory.?

Why Compliance Matters?

Failing to comply with the EAA could result in significant consequences, ranging from hefty fines to reputational damage. In a market where consumers are increasingly conscious of inclusivity and social responsibility, businesses that neglect accessibility risk alienating a significant portion of the population. On the other hand, those who prioritize accessibility can not only avoid penalties but also gain a competitive edge by appealing to a broader customer base.?

Moreover, compliance with the EAA can improve your brand’s image, showcasing your commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity. It also opens up your products and services to a larger audience, including the millions of EU citizens with disabilities.?

Road to the European Accessibility Act?

Steps to Ensure Compliance?

1. Assess Your Current Accessibility Levels: The first step towards compliance is understanding where your digital products currently stand. Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of your websites, apps, and other digital platforms. This process should include both automated testing tools and manual evaluations to identify potential barriers to accessibility.?
2. Develop a Compliance Strategy: Once you have identified the areas that need improvement, the next step is to create a detailed plan for achieving compliance. This strategy should prioritize issues that have the most significant impact on users with disabilities and set clear timelines and milestones for implementing changes.?
3. Implement Necessary Changes: Begin by addressing the most critical accessibility issues identified in your audit. This may involve optimizing website code for screen readers, ensuring all multimedia content has text alternatives, improving keyboard navigation, and enhancing overall usability for people with disabilities. Consider integrating assistive technologies to better cater to the needs of users with specific impairments.?
4. Test and Refine: After implementing the necessary changes, it’s essential to test your digital products again. This stage should include not only technical accessibility testing but also usability testing with real users who have disabilities. Testing ensures that your improvements have effectively enhanced accessibility and provides insights into areas that may still need refinement.?
5. Maintain Accessibility: Achieving compliance is not a one-time effort. To stay compliant with the EAA, businesses must continuously monitor and maintain the accessibility of their digital products. This involves regular audits, staying updated with the latest accessibility standards, and integrating accessibility into your development processes from the outset.?

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Accessibility?

The European Accessibility Act is a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive digital world. As businesses gear up for 2025, the focus should not only be on meeting the minimum legal requirements but also on embracing accessibility as a core value. By doing so, companies can ensure that their digital products and services are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. Businesses that proactively address accessibility will not only avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance but also position themselves as leaders in an increasingly inclusive market.?

The road to compliance may seem daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. And the best part, you’re not alone in this! We have testing solutions specifically crafted to cater to the needs of accessibility compliance at every level imaginable in order to make digital solutions future-proof.?