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European Accessibility Act
Ensuring that everyone can use and enjoy service & product
EAA

The European Accessibility Act

Approximately 101 million Europeans over 16 have a disability - about 25% of the population - highlighting the need for accessible services. The EAA ensures EU organizations meet accessibility standards. This guide offers practical steps for compliance, making products and services accessible.

What is the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across the EU, promoting inclusivity and expanding the market for accessible products and services.

CHECKLIST for the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Key requirements:

Operable:
Products/services must be usable by people with disabilities, including those using assistive tech.
Perceivable:
Information must be accessible to users with various disabilities.
Understandable:
Content and interfaces should be clear and easy to understand.
Robust:
Content must be reliable and compatible with assistive technologies.

EAA compliance CHECKLIST

01. Accessible multimedia
  • ⁃ Alt text for images
  • ⁃ Transcripts for audio
  • ⁃ Captions for videos
  • ⁃ Complex image description
  • ⁃ Accessible media controls
02. Keyboard Accessibility
  • ⁃ Keyboard navigation
  • ⁃ Visible focus indicators
  • ⁃ Skip to content links
03. Colour contrast
  • ⁃ Minimum contrast ratios (4.5:1 normal & 3:1 large text)
  • ⁃ Test color schemes
  • ⁃ Do not rely on color alone
04. Time-sensitive content
  • ⁃ Options for time limits
  • ⁃ Warnings before expiry
05. Feedback
  • ⁃ Channels for Accessibility issues
  • ⁃ Regular feedback review
06. Moving/flashing content
  • ⁃ Avoid flashing > 3 times/sec
  • ⁃ Controls to pause or hide
07. Accessible forms
  • ⁃ Clear labels
  • ⁃ Use fieldset & legend
  • ⁃ Helpful error messages
  • ⁃ Logical tab order
08. ARIA elements
  • ⁃ Landmarks for page regions
  • ⁃ Roles, states, and properties
  • ⁃ Accessible names/descriptions
09. Consistent Navigation
  • ⁃ Uniform layout & structure
  • ⁃ Predictable, intuitive navigation
  • ⁃ Use semantic HTML
10. Mobile Accessibility
  • ⁃ Responsive design
  • ⁃ Adequate touch target size
  • ⁃ Test with mobile screen readers
11. Clear language & labels
  • ⁃ Unique, descriptive page titles
  • ⁃ Content-relevant headings
  • ⁃ Clear button labels

EAA Checklist

  • When does the European Accessibility Act take effect?
  • ⁃ The EAA came into force on June 28, 2019. EU countries had until June 28, 2022, to incorporate it into their laws.
  • ⁃ From June 28, 2025, all new digital content must comply, and by June 28, 2030, all website content - new and existing - must be fully EAA compliant.
  • ⁃ This phased approach provides time for adaptation, but early implementation is advised.

Accessibility testing

  • ⁃ Regular audits are vital for European Accessibility Act compliance.
  • ⁃ Schedule periodic reviews of your products, services, and digital content.
  • ⁃ Use a combination of automated tools and manual checks - our accessibility checker offers valuable insights, but manual spot checks help catch any remaining issues.

Who should use the EAA compliance checklist?

Any business aiming to trade in the EU should use the EAA checklist, regardless of location.
Key points:

  • ⁃ Businesses with 10+ staff and €2M+ annual turnover
  • ⁃ Companies selling goods or services in the EU
  • ⁃ Non-EU organizations selling within the EU must also comply

Risks of EAA Non-compliance

Failing to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) can lead to significant financial and reputational consequences, impacting inclusivity efforts.
Key risks include:

  • - Legal & Financial penalties:
  • ⁃ Fines vary by severity and country
  • ⁃ Lawsuits may incur expensive legal costs
  • ⁃ In some countries like Ireland, non-compliance can lead to up to 18 months in prison
  • - Reputational damage:
  • ⁃ Negative media coverage
  • ⁃ Harm to brand image and consumer trust

Conclusion

Act Now! for EAA compliance

With 25% of European adults living with a disability, accessibility is essential. The European Accessibility Act requires new content to be compliant by June 28, 2025, and existing services by June 28, 2030.

Incorporating EAA standards into your design and culture helps avoid fines, reduce legal risks, and boost market reach, innovation, and brand reputation. Start today with a free EAA compliance check of your website.


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