Academic excellence in the 21st century goes beyond content: it involves accessibility. Making accessibility in universities a priority not only complies with the law, but enriches the educational experience and enhances institutional reputation.
This entry is structured to accompany university governance, IT and publishing teams in the transformation towards accessible education.
Why should universities be accessible?
- Equal opportunities
Accessibility guarantees that students with disabilities have the same tools to learn, participate and progress. - Attraction of diverse talent
An accessible university is open to students with different needs, national and international. - Legal compliance
Laws such as the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Spain and the Directive (EU) 2019/882 in Europe are mandatory. - Reputation and inclusion
Being pioneers in accessibility is an institutional attraction that speaks of ethics, vision and social responsibility.
Applicable Regulatory Framework
Directive (EU) 2019/882 — European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Established in 2019, it seeks to harmonize accessibility requirements in products and services throughout the EU, reducing barriers and promoting free movement in the internal market
- Key dates:
- Entry into force: June 28, 2025.
- Full compliance for products/services introduced before 2025: June 28, 2030.
- Scope: Affects, among others, electronic books, e-commerce, payment platforms, educational software, hardware such as kiosks, etc.
EN301549 Standard
Harmonized standard that includes ICT accessibility requirements (software, hardware, documents, apps…), aligned with WCAG 2.1 and applicable to public administrations and the educational field.
- Versions and current status:
- Latest version published: V3.2.1 (2021).
- Upcoming version V4.1.1, expected for 2025–2026, will incorporate WCAG 2.2 AA and support EAA.
- Coverage: Websites, mobile apps, documents (PDF, Word), non-web software, hardware and digital service channels.
University products and services that must be accessible
- Electronic books and reader software (ideally in accessible EPUB3 format, compatible with readers aloud).
- Payment platforms (registrations, fees): must allow autonomous access to students with disabilities.
- Virtual classrooms and e-learning platforms: they must comply with EN301549, WCAG 2.1 standards.
- Administrative documentation: accessible forms and PDFs are essential.
Compliance deadlines and responsibilities
- General deadline: June 28, 2025 for new implementations and digitized services.
- Deadline until 2030 to adapt existing systems before 2025
Responsible parties involved
- Universities: audits, training, accessible hiring.
- Publishers: delivery of electronic books in accessible formats.
- IT and technology providers: integration of standards, compliance testing.
Real impact for students – Specific cases
Student with dyslexia:
An accessible e-book that works with voice-reading software allows you to understand the material at the group’s pace.
Student with visual impairment:
If the payment portal is not adapted, you are forced to carry out in-person procedures, losing autonomy.
How universities can improve their accessibility (Practical steps)
- Perform digital audits and conformity tests according to EN301549.
- Require accessible formats from publishers (EPUB3, TTS compatibility).
- Train teachers and administrative staff in Word and PDF accessibility.
- Implement universal design principles on new platforms.
- Establish feedback channels and continuous improvement from users with disabilities.
Conclusion
Being accessible is not just complying with the law: it is promoting modern, inclusive and reputable education. Adopting accessibility in universities as a strategic pillar strengthens the institution, benefits the entire community and builds a more just and advanced environment.
