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What do you need to know about the European Accessibility Act?

An image of someone holding a phone and using testing devices

There are many great reasons why taking an Accessibility First approach to the design and build of apps is so important.

One of these is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which is swiftly bringing accessibility into focus for a lot of businesses. Or, rather, the deadline for implementing its standards.

What is the European Accessibility Act

At its core, the EAA is about creating a more inclusive digital and physical environment, ensuring equal access for all and aligning with global accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA for digital products.

It is a landmark piece of legislation introduced in 2019 to improve accessibility across digital and physical products in the European Union (EU). Its goal is to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use products and services without barriers.

From 28th June 2025, the EAA becomes enforceable, giving EU member states the power to take legal action against businesses that fail to comply. This act covers a wide range of digital products and services, including websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, ticketing machines, and payment terminals.

Does this impact my clients or business?

If your business operates within the EU or provides products or services to EU customers, the EAA likely applies to you. Specifically, it impacts:

  • Websites and mobile applications

  • Self-service terminals (e.g., ticketing machines, parking meters, ATMs)

  • eCommerce platforms and online banking services

  • Telecommunications, transportation, and media services

Even businesses based outside the EU must comply if their products or services are used by EU citizens. For example, a UK-based company selling European train tickets to EU customers would need to ensure their booking platform meets EAA requirements.

However, there are exceptions. For instance, micro-enterprises offering physical goods or services are exempt, but they may still face market pressure to comply as accessibility becomes a competitive advantage.

What are the risks of not complying?

Failing to comply with the EAA can result in significant consequences for businesses, including:

  • Legal penalties: EU member states can impose fines or even force non-compliant products to be removed from the market.

  • Reputational damage: A lack of accessibility can harm your brand’s reputation, especially in an era where inclusivity is increasingly valued by customers.

  • Lost revenue: There are 1.8 billion disabled people worldwide, representing 17% of the global population. Neglecting this audience means missing out on a significant market opportunity.

Customer churn: Research shows that 70% of disabled users will not return to a business after a poor accessibility experience.

How to ensure your app is compliant with the EAA

Ensuring your app or digital product complies with the EAA involves adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which outline how to make content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. Here are some steps to get started:

  1. Use trusted resources: Familiarize yourself with accessibility guidelines and tools, such as:
    • WCAG guidelines: The foundation for accessibility standards. Comprehensive and extensive.

    • The A11Y Project: A simplified guide to understanding and implementing WCAG requirements. The ‘Checklist’ section is invaluable. The A11Y is also a fantastic resource for all things accessibility-related.

  2. Audit your current accessibility compliance: Conduct a thorough review of your app or website to identify areas that fall short of accessibility standards. This can be done internally or with the help of third-party experts. See our post on Accessibility Testing to get started.

  3. Implement changes: Based on your audit, update your app’s design, functionality, and content to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Key areas to address include:
    • Providing text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., images, videos)

    • Ensuring keyboard navigability and screenreader comprehension

    • Improving color contrast and text readability

    • Simplifying user flows for ease of use

  4. Publish an Accessibility Statement: Demonstrate your commitment to accessibility by creating a dedicated page or document that outlines your product’s compliance level, highlights any known issues and your plans to address them, and provides clear contact details for users to share accessibility-related comments and feedback.

  5. Establish ongoing practices: Accessibility isn’t a one-time project. Regularly review and update your product to maintain compliance and stay ahead of evolving standards. You could include users with disabilities in your testing process to ensure your app meets their needs effectively.

By taking these steps, not only will you meet legal requirements, but you’ll also demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity, attract a broader audience, and strengthen your brand’s reputation.



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