Introduction to The European Accessibility Act (EAA)

3-part series on The European Accessibility Act (EAA)

• Part 1: Introduction to the EAA
• Part 2: Top 10 questions about the EAA
• Part 3: How to get started with compliance with the EAA

What is the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a piece of legislation that mandates all 27 EU member states to integrate its requirements into their national legislation, with enforcement scheduled for 28 June 2025. This directive (2019/882) is designed to improve the accessibility of products and services for people with disabilities and the elderly throughout the European Union.

What is the impact?

Companies operating in the EU, as well as those outside the EU that offer products or services in the EU, must adhere to the accessibility guidelines and standards established by the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Non-compliance with the EAA can lead to fines and other serious penalties, including imprisonment.

Why is the EAA important?

The main objectives of this directive are to promote accessibility and remove barriers for people with disabilities to create an inclusive and accessible community.

1. Equal opportunities and social inclusion

Breaking down barriers for people with disabilities will help them get more involved in social, economic, and cultural activities. This can lead to more job opportunities, better education, and stronger social connections.

2. Economic Participation

Making businesses and services accessible means people with disabilities can contribute more, whether they are employees, entrepreneurs, or customers. This helps create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

What is the scope of the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies to the following products and services:

• Devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers
• All operating systems for these devices including Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS
• Televisions, media players and devices like Google Chromecast or Apple TV
• Television and video streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, etc.
• E-readers and reader software
• Self-service terminals such as automated teller machines (ATM), ticketing machines and check-in machines
• Consumer banking interfaces (ATMs and online banking)
• Payment terminals at physical points of sale including the hardware and software of these terminals
• E-commerce platforms that provide a service to consumers
• Public transport services (such as ticketing and information services)

What happens if my product or service doesn't comply?

While the EAA includes financial penalties and, in some cases, imprisonment, its main goal isn’t to intimidate or pressure companies into compliance. The true purpose of the EAA is to foster an inclusive and accessible community.

1. Impact on costs and ultimately profits

Your company will not only face financial penalties but will also be required to fix the accessibility issues within a specified timeframe or risk further violations. This can impact your internal teams' capacity to deliver new products, services, and features.

2. Impact on credibility and ultimately loss of customers

People with disabilities, along with their friends and family, hold a combined spending power of $13 trillion. If they can’t access your products or services, they’ll take their business elsewhere—along with their loved ones, who are emotionally invested in accessibility.

Where do I start with making sure my product or service is compliant with the EAA?

1. Engage an Accessibility Specialist

Engage an external accessibility specialist or consultancy to guide you through the compliance process.

2. Understand The European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Familiarise yourself with the EAA's requirements and how they impact your product or service.

3. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

The accessibility specialist will assess your current accessibility status through both automated tools and manual testing.

4. Develop a roadmap

Collaborate with the accessibility specialist and your team to create a plan that addresses the identified accessibility issues, and implement changes based on audit findings and standards.

5. Train your team

Educate your team on accessibility best practices and the importance of ongoing compliance.

6. Create an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

The accessibility specialist will produce an ACR, which you can display on your website to showcase your compliance.

7. Implement an Improvement Plan

Establish a strategy for continuous improvement and ongoing maintenance of accessibility standards.

"Accessibility is not a loud, one-time event; it's a quiet revolution. It also isn't about quick fixes or public shaming. It's about the power of ongoing action like watering a plant - splash it once, and you'll make a mess; nurture it daily, and you'll watch it thrive." - Puneet Singh Singhal

Summary

• The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law that requires all 27 EU member states to adopt its provisions into their national laws, with enforcement set to begin on 28 June 2025.
• The key objectives of this directive are to improve accessibility and eliminate obstacles for individuals with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive society.
• The scope of the EAA includes both hardware and software products that offer services to people in the private and public sectors, such as e-commerce, banking, transportation, and telecommunications.
• Non-compliance with the EAA can impact company costs and profits, damage credibility, and result in a loss of customers.
• Get started by engaging an Accessibility Specialist to help you understand the EAA and assess your product or service.

Useful links

• An introduction to the European Accessibility Act (EAA) by Deque
• How the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will impact product accessibility by Deque
• Understanding EN 301 549: The European Standard for Digital Accessibility by TPGi

Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert and cannot provide legal advice on the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The information in this article is intended to be informative only. Consult with your legal team or a legal professional who specialises in digital legislation for detailed guidance.