In today’s interconnected world, digital accessibility is more important than ever. At ACT | The App Association, we and our small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) member companies believe that all technology users deserve a fully accessible software experience and, ultimately, way of life. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) was designed to ensure this inclusivity, setting new standards for digital products and services. Ahead of the EAA becoming effective in 2025, this blog outlines how the EAA is helping to ensure tech accessibility and why it’s crucial for SMEs to understand and implement these regulations not only to stay compliant and expand their market reach, but to meet each user where they are with the most inclusive products.
Understanding the EAA
Adopted in 2019, the European Accessibility Act is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to create a barrier-free Europe. This directive harmonises accessibility requirements across Member States, ensuring a consistent approach to accessibility in the digital market. By aligning with international standards like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), the EAA aims to promote equal access and inclusion for all users.
The EAA aims to address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities by promoting equal access to digital products and services. It covers a wide range of products and services, including computers and operating systems, ATMs, ticketing machines, smartphones, telephony services, audio-visual media services, e-books, and e-commerce. These requirements are designed to make everyday digital interactions more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in the digital economy.
What this means for App Association members
For SMEs, embracing accessibility is not only a matter of compliance, it’s about tapping into a broader customer base, enhancing brand reputation, driving innovation, and empowering users of all abilities. Our members have always prioritised accessibility, often exceeding regulatory requirements well before such regulations are in place. And as active advocates for accessibility, we have a history of filing on this issue to better support our SME members. This proactive approach means that while the EAA presents both compliance challenges and opportunities, our members are well prepared.
The EAA sets forth specific obligations for businesses to ensure their products and services are accessible. We have outlined those below, and recommend that as a best practice, SMEs consider conducting an accessibility audit to identify areas within each of these obligations where they may need to make improvements and to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies.
Moving forward
Compliance with the European Accessibility Act is mandatory by June 28, 2025. By prioritising accessibility, SMEs can tap into new markets, enhance customer satisfaction, and continue to position themselves as leaders in inclusivity and innovation. The App Association remains committed to supporting our members in advancing digital accessibility solutions and collaborating with European institutions to develop these initiatives.
For SME developers, embracing the principles of the EAA is not just about meeting regulatory requirements but also about driving innovation and ensuring that all users can benefit from their products and services. By taking these steps, they can contribute to a more inclusive digital economy and set up businesses for long-term success. To learn more about how to comply with the EAA or to join our advocacy on this issue, email Brad here.