What You Need to Know About the European Accessibility Act

By: Keiran Davies | August 2024

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will likely change the way businesses operate within the European Union and how they cater to customers across the continent.

And it’s not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about embracing inclusivity and making sure your products and services are accessible to everyone, including the 135 million people in the EU who live with disabilities.

Obviously, we won’t know the true impact just yet, but this blog is a deep dive into what you need to know about the EAA.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act

The EAA is designed to create a unified set of accessibility standards across the European Union. This act covers a broad range of products and services, aiming to make them accessible to everyone.

The Act covers services like electronic communications, audio-visual media, transport, online banking, e-commerce and tourism. It also includes physical products, primarily in the technology and electronics sectors, that are launched after the deadline. The idea is to make sure that these products and services are available through more than one sensory channel, catering to people who might have different needs.

For businesses, this means adapting to new standards that might include integrating subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), audio descriptions, sign language interpretation and spoken subtitles. These adjustments are not just about legal compliance – they represent an opportunity to tap into a wider consumer base by making your services more inclusive.

Key Requirements You Need to Meet

The EAA sets out clear requirements for businesses to have met by June 28, 2025. These are mandatory if you want to avoid fines or other penalties. 

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Web Content Accessibility: Every business with a website must make it accessible to people with disabilities. This includes integrating alt text for images, providing captions for video content and ensuring that the website can be navigated without a mouse. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a good benchmark to follow.
  2. Product Accessibility: Products like ATMs, ticket machines and other public interfaces must be accessible to people with visual impairments. This might involve adding Braille keypads or audio assistance.
  3. Audio-Visual Content: All audio-visual content, whether on television, online platforms or other media, must be accessible to those with visual or hearing impairments. This can be achieved through captions, subtitles and audio descriptions. The content should be fully synchronised, allowing for user control over how they interact with these features.
  4. Transport Services: Transport providers must make their services accessible both in terms of physical access and communication. This includes making general and emergency announcements clear through both audio and visual means, catering to those with sensory impairments. Transport services must also ensure that vehicles and facilities are accessible to wheelchair users.
  5. Staff Training and Regular Audits: It’s not enough to update your website or products. Your staff needs to be trained on these new accessibility standards and your business should conduct regular audits to make sure you’re compliant with the EAA. These audits will help you identify any gaps in your accessibility features and address them before the deadline.

For more detailed information about the EAA, check out the European Accessibility Act Toolkit.

The Business Benefits of Accessibility

By making your products and services more accessible, you’re opening your business up to a much larger consumer base. Accessibility can strengthen your brand’s image, showing that you’re committed to inclusivity and equality.

In addition, making your services more accessible can give you a competitive edge. Those that go above and beyond the basic requirements of the EAA will stand out. Customers are increasingly valuing companies that prioritise inclusivity and being seen as a leader in this area can enhance your reputation and attract more business.

Who Needs to Comply?

The EAA applies to a wide range of businesses, particularly those involved in e-commerce, technology, broadcasting, transport and financial services. Whether you’re a tech giant or a small e-commerce shop, if you operate within the EU or serve customers in the EU, you need to make sure your products and services comply with the EAA.

Even if your business is not based in the EU, if you have customers within the EU, these rules apply to you. The EAA is all about ensuring that everyone has access to the same level of service, regardless of where they are or what their abilities might be.

How VoiceBox Can Still Support You

We get that navigating the EAA requirements can be challenging, but that’s where we come in. From integrating subtitles and audio descriptions to offering sign language interpretation and live captions, we have all the expertise you need to meet the EAA’s standards.

These services are designed to help you not only comply with the law but also improve the overall accessibility of your content. This can lead to better customer engagement, a wider audience and a stronger brand reputation.

Conclusion

Yes, the deadline has now passed. But you may still be wanting to meet the EAA requirements. Or, you may be curious about finding more ways to be accessible.

So, get accessibility friendly and book a free accessibility consultation today.

Skip to content