Ensuring everyone has equal access to online content and services isn’t just good practice – it’s becoming law. The European Accessibility Act represents a significant step forward in making digital content accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. Let’s explore what this means for businesses.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is a piece of legislation that sets comprehensive accessibility requirements for digital products and services across the European Union. At its core, the Act is built on four fundamental principles:
- Perceivability: Content must be presented in ways that all users can perceive
- Operability: User interface components and navigation must be operable for everyone
- Understandability: Information and user interfaces must be easy to understand
- Robustness: Content must be reliable and compatible with various user agents, including assistive technologies
Who does it affect?
The Act impacts a wide range of digital services and content, including:
- Audiovisual content on websites and apps
- Banking and financial services information
- E-books and e-commerce platforms
- Public sector websites
- Digital documents and PDFs
Key requirements for digital content
Under the EAA, digital content providers must ensure their materials are accessible to users with various needs:
- Visual accessibility: Content must be usable without vision or with limited vision, including proper contrast and color alternatives
- Physical accessibility: Services must be operable for those with limited manipulation or strength
- Technical compatibility: Products must work seamlessly with assistive technologies
- Document accessibility: Digital documents must be properly structured with features like screen reader compatibility and clear navigation
Important deadlines and exemptions
Businesses should note that while the Act is comprehensive, it includes some important exemptions. For instance, digital documents published before June 28, 2025, are not required to meet the new standards unless they’re updated or republished after this date.
Universal design: a core principle
The EAA emphasizes “universal design”—the concept that products and services should be usable by all people without requiring specialized adaptation. This approach benefits not just those with disabilities but creates a better user experience for everyone.
Business implications
For businesses operating in or selling to the EU market, compliance with the EAA is crucial. Key considerations include:
- Documentation retention for 5 years after product launch
- Tracking of non-compliant products and services
- Potential penalties for non-compliance
- CE Conformity Marking requirements for market access
Moving forward
How OpenText can help accessibility in-design and post-composition
The European Accessibility Act represents more than just regulatory compliance—it’s about creating a more inclusive digital world. By embracing these accessibility requirements, businesses can:
- Expand their market reach
- Demonstrate social responsibility
- Improve user experience for all customers
- Stay ahead of evolving digital accessibility standards
As we move closer to the implementation deadlines, organizations should start evaluating their digital content and services against these requirements. If you’re looking for post-composition accessibility software or customer communications management software with accessibility built in the design, OpenText has the right solution. The investment in accessibility today will pay dividends in both social impact and business compliance.
Turn accessibility into your advantage
Make accessibility a cornerstone of your customer communications! Join us Thursday, January 30 at 11 a.m. E.T. to explore how accessible documents can go beyond compliance and drive meaningful customer connections. Reserve your spot! Register now.
