The European Accessibility Legislation establishes guidelines and laws to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities, can access products and services in the European Union (EU). With the implementation of these regulations in 2025, companies must urgently adapt to comply with the requirements and avoid penalties.
What is the European Accessibility Legislation?
The European Accessibility Legislation is a legal framework that promotes inclusion and the removal of barriers in products and services. Through Directive (EU) 2019/882, the EU aims to ensure that websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities, also benefiting an aging population.
Key date: The deadline for implementing the legislation is June 2025, by which time EU member states must transpose it into their national laws.
Why is it urgent to adapt?
With the deadline approaching, adapting not only ensures compliance but also protects businesses from negative consequences:
- Legal penalties: Fines and legal actions will be a reality for those who do not comply.
- Reputational impact: Companies that ignore these laws may be seen as non-inclusive.
- Loss of customers: Users will prefer companies with accessible services, leaving behind non-compliant competitors.
How to ensure compliance?
To comply with the European Accessibility Legislation, it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Accessibility audit. Perform a thorough review of your website and applications to identify areas for improvement according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
- Strategic planning. Develop an action plan with clear objectives and allocated resources to address identified deficiencies.
- Implementation of changes. Apply improvements in the following key areas:
- Perceptible content: Make images, videos, and text accessible to assistive technologies.
- Operability: Ensure all elements are accessible via keyboard.
- Understandability: Use clear language and descriptive labels.
- Robustness: Ensure compatibility with browsers and assistive technologies.
- Staff training. Train your team on accessibility principles to ensure they understand and apply best practices.
- Testing with real users. Involve people with disabilities to validate that the changes meet accessibility standards.
Benefits of acting now
Companies that anticipate the changes gain significant advantages:
- Competitive advantage: Being one of the first to comply will attract more customers.
- Improved user experience: Accessible websites benefit all users.
- Early compliance: Avoid urgency and reduce the risk of errors.
Success stories in accessibility
Companies that have already implemented improvements report:
- Increased web traffic: Users appreciate the improved usability.
- Customer loyalty: Accessibility fosters trust and loyalty.
- Improved SEO: Accessible websites tend to rank better in search engines.
Resources for adaptation
Useful tools:
- Accessibility validators: Detect errors and suggest corrections.
- Simulators: Help understand how users with disabilities interact with your site.
Professional assistance:
- Accessibility consultants: Experts in audits and technical solutions.
- Specialized training: Practical workshops for development and design teams.
Upcoming legislative steps
Stay informed about key updates:
- National transposition: Check how your country is incorporating the legislation and if there are additional requirements.
- Sector-specific standards: Some sectors, such as transport or finance, may have stricter regulations.
Conclusion
The implementation of the European Accessibility Legislation is not only a legal obligation but an opportunity to position yourself as a leader in inclusion and social responsibility. Acting early ensures compliance and maximizes the benefits of accessibility.
Don’t wait until the last moment. Start your adaptation process today and ensure your business is ready for an inclusive future.
