What is EAA?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a legislative initiative by the European Union aimed at improving the accessibility of products and services for persons with disabilities. The act covers a range of areas, including websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, electronic communication services, and certain consumer terminal equipment, among others.The goal of the European Accessibility Act is to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in society and have equal access to digital products and services. The act provides guidelines and standards to make digital content and services more accessible, emphasizing principles aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Who is affected by the EAA?
In the digital age, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) stands as a pivotal initiative to ensure inclusivity for persons with disabilities. Let's delve into the Act's scope, specifically honing in on the services and products it covers:Products:
- Computers and operating systems
- Smartphones and other communication devices
- TV equipment linked to digital television services
- ATMs and payment terminals (think card payment machines in supermarkets)
- E-readers
- Ticketing and check-in machines
Services:
- Phone services
- Banking services
- E-commerce platforms
- Websites, mobile services, electronic tickets, and information sources for air, bus, rail, and waterborne transport services
- E-books
- Access to Audio-visual media services (AVMS)
- Calls to the European emergency number 112
EAA’s common requirements
The European Accessibility Act sets out a roadmap for ensuring that products and services cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. Rather than imposing strict technical specifictions, the Act focuses on functional EU accessibility requirements, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability.The Act acknowledges that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. For products, accessibility can manifest through alternatives to speech for communication, flexible magnification, volume adjustment, and more. This flexibility allows companies to explore creative solutions that enhance accessibility without being bound by overly prescriptive guidelines.Notably, the EAA places a spotlight on website accessibility, requiring platforms to showcase information about their accessibility features. This empowers users to navigate websites seamlessly, ensuring that content and structure are accessible, even when using assistive devices.How the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will impact your business?
The EAA applies to businesses within the European Union or those catering to an EU audience. If your business operates primarily online, ensuring your website aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is key for compliance.For physical products and digital devices intended for the EU market, strict adherence to the EAA's accessibility requirements is essential.The EU envisions this directive benefiting both people with disabilities and businesses by establishing a unified set of accessibility rules across the EU.
Anticipated advantages include:
- Cost Reductions
- Streamlined Cross-Border Trading
- Access to a Larger Market (including the 135 million people with disabilities in the EU)
Moreover, embracing accessibility can enhance your Corporate Social Responsibility profile, fostering a positive brand image. By offering accessible products, you contribute to breaking barriers, improving user experience, and aligning with equality standards, potentially attracting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
