The European Accessibility Act (EAA) was officially implemented in June 2022, to bring about a significant transformation in digital accessibility throughout the European Union. This pivotal act sets forth specific accessibility standards that must be met by a wide range of products and services, aiming to guarantee that individuals with disabilities have equal access to these offerings.
Who Needs to Comply with the EAA?
- E-Commerce Sites and Online Service Providers: It is important that all internet-based platforms, such as online stores, banking applications, and ticket booking services, comply with the regulations set forth by the EAA.
- Shops and Restaurants: The EAA oversees physical stores that utilize self-service terminals or digital ordering systems.
- Business-to-Business (B2B) & Business-to-Government (B2G) Organizations: While focusing on publicly available services, B2B and B2G organizations with online components should also consider the EAA.
- Media Streaming Companies: Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Spotify need to take necessary measures to ensure that users with disabilities can access and use their services without any barriers.
- Transportation Companies: Ensuring that transportation companies prioritize accessibility features on their websites and mobile apps, and also consider the needs of all users when designing ticket vending machines and information displays is essential for providing equal access to transportation services.
The EAA Timeline:
- June 2019: In June 2019, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) was adopted by the European Union. The act aims to improve the access of people with disabilities and the elderly to products and services in the European Union (EU) internal market. It sets out requirements for making key products and services more accessible, including computers, smartphones, banking services, ATMs, e-books, e-commerce, and transport services. The act is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society for all EU citizens.
- June 2022: EU member states must take the necessary steps to translate and integrate the directive into their national legal systems to ensure compliance with the directive’s requirements.
- July 2025: All newly introduced products and services must comply with the standards set forth by the EAA (Effective Administration Act). This mandate requires full compliance by June 2025.
How Do I Know If the EAA Affects My Business?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies to any business operating in the European Union that provides products or services with digital components. The EAA affects on business of various industries, including digital platforms such as websites, mobile applications, self-service kiosks, and online documents.
EU Accessibility Law Compliance and WCAG:
The Equal Access to Access Board (EAA) emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that web content is fully accessible to users with disabilities. WCAG provides specific and detailed criteria for making web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for individuals with disabilities. By addressing these aspects of WCAG accessibility, EAA strives to enhance the overall web experience for people with disabilities, ultimately making digital content more inclusive and user-friendly.
EAA Benefits:
- For Consumers: The increased availability of digital products and services plays a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and empowering individuals with disabilities. By providing access to digital tools and platforms, we can create more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in social, educational, and professional activities. This accessibility helps in breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone can fully engage with the digital world.
- For Companies and Member States: Expanding the digital market to be more inclusive is important for ensuring that businesses have access to a wider customer base. This not only benefits businesses by increasing their potential customer reach, but also promotes equality within the European Union by giving all individuals access to the products and services offered in the digital marketplace.
How To Comply with the EAA and Web Accessibility Directive:
- Test Your Content Against WCAG: Ensure to use of a combination of automated testing tools, such as screen readers and browser extensions, along with manual audits conducted by individuals trained in accessibility, to comprehensively identify potential accessibility issues within digital content and interfaces.
- Fix Accessibility Issues: Address the identified shortcomings in your digital products to ensure that they meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, which are designed to make digital content more accessible to people with disabilities. By identifying and resolving these shortcomings, you can ensure that your digital products are inclusive and accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
- Create an On-Going Testing and Remediation Strategy: Establish and execute a robust process for ongoing monitoring and enhancement of accessibility within our organization. This process will involve regular evaluations of our current accessibility measures and the identification of areas for improvement. Additionally, it will include mechanisms for receiving and addressing feedback from stakeholders, as well as implementing changes to ensure that accessibility standards are consistently met and improved.
- Publish an Accessibility Statement: In order to ensure that everyone is able to access your services, commit to maintaining high standards of accessibility. Ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines and regulations, including but not limited to conducting regular accessibility audits, providing staff training on accessibility best practices, and incorporating accessibility features into your digital platforms and physical spaces. Make sure to make your services as inclusive and accessible as possible, and we welcome any feedback on how you can further improve in this area.
Conclusion:
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