Ensuring your Website will meet the 2025 European Accessibility Act

Despite a growing awareness surrounding online accessibility and inclusivity, barriers persist that prevent many individuals with disabilities from fully benefiting from your website. At Out of Place Studio, we understand the importance of making your website accessible to as many people as possible and ensuring it is compliant with upcoming regulations.

The European Commission’s approach to bridging this accessibility gap is brought together in the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The new act is scheduled to come into effect in June 2025 and includes new inclusivity regulations aimed at reducing the marginalisation of disabled individuals in our increasingly digital world.

Why This Matters for Your Business

To remain compliant, businesses operating within the EU, or trading in the EU must prioritise online accessibility. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines and the potential loss of market access. Here’s what you need to know:

A Quick Summary

• Goal: The EAA 2025 aims to ensure equal access to various online and digital services and products, including websites, e-commerce and online ticketing systems.
• Requirement: EU businesses must update their website and digital products to meet the EAA 2025 standards.
• UK Impact: UK businesses trading in the EU must also comply with these new standards.

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act is a framework established by the EU to set minimum accessibility requirements for various goods and services, benefiting approximately 135 million people living with disabilities in the EU. The EAA 2025 aims to provide maximum access to essential digital and electronic facilities, fostering a more inclusive market landscape.

The Scope of the EAA 2025

• Digital Accessibility: Ensuring websites and digital services meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.
• Audiovisual Media Accessibility: Requiring accessibility features like audio descriptions and closed captions.
• Assistive Technologies: Enhancing compatibility with technologies such as speech recognition software.
• Electronic Communication: Ensuring accessible primary electronic communication methods.

Preparing for the EAA 2025

Businesses have until 28 June 2025 to upgrade their accessibility features. This deadline may seem distant, but changes will likely be required for compliance. Starting early is crucial, and Out of Place Studio has extensive experience in building websites that adhere to web accessibility guidelines.

Steps to Prepare

1. Determine Applicability: Assess if your website falls under the EAA 2025.
2. Conduct an Audit: Perform a comprehensive accessibility and inclusivity audit.
3. Gap Analysis: Compare current accessibility levels with WCAG standards and prioritise improvements.
4. Implement Changes: Make necessary accessibility optimisations.
5. Regular Assessments: Conduct frequent accessibility reviews to stay ahead of evolving legislation.

The Principles of Accessibility

The EAA 2025 is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and adheres to WCAG 2.1 principles, ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. At Out of Place Studio, we integrate the latest WCAG 2.2 guidelines, as well as utilise ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) to enhance accessibility.

Future-Proof Your Business

While the UK has not formally adopted the EAA 2025, similar legislation will likely follow. Adopting comprehensive accessibility standards will safeguard your business against future regulatory changes and penalties.

How we can help

Out of Place Studio offers UX services and workshops to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring your website meets regulatory requirements. Our team can help you navigate the complexities of the EAA 2025, from initial audits to implementing accessibility features and enhancements.

Contact us for more information on website accessibility.