There are over 135 million people in Europe and 1 billion people globally currently living with some form of disability*, and with an ageing population the number of people affected by accessibility is set to keep increasing in the coming years. The European Union is finally addressing this and committed to making digital products and services more inclusive and accessible to everyone through the European Accessibility Act.
This new legislation is expected to be fully implemented by June 2025 and it’s a clear message that designing products and services with accessibility in mind is no longer a ‘nice to have’, but a ‘must have’.
What’s the impact?
The legislation will require businesses to meet specific standards for digital accessibility, covering everything from websites and mobile apps to e-readers and online shopping. It’s a significant shift that emphasises inclusive design and equal access for all users.
While the details of potential fines will be determined at a local level, we are expecting that failure to comply could result in substantial fines and equally as important – especially as this topic becomes more and more spoken about – reputational damage.
What should you do now?
There are a few steps you should take right now to make sure you’re in a good position well before the legislation is implemented.
- Familiarise yourself with the details of the EAA: The legislation is extensive but provides detailed minimum requirements for compliance.
- Audit your digital assets: Establish whether your website falls under the Act (ie does it have any traffic or sales within the EU), although we’d recommend the same principles should be looked at by every brand globally. Conduct a thorough review of your websites, apps, emails, and other digital assets to identify areas that need improvement.
- Build a roadmap: Prioritise the list of required changes and build a roadmap for implementation, ensuring you have sufficient time for all changes to be implemented.
- Educate your team: Ensure that your designers, developers, and content creators are aware of accessibility guidelines and best practices. Show your teams that this is an opportunity to improve your services for all users, which can lead to an increased customer satisfaction.
- Implement changes: Don’t wait for the deadline. Start making incremental changes now to avoid a last-minute rush. 12 months might seem like a long time, but the changes required for some businesses could be quite extensive.
How much time do you have?
You will have until 28th June 2025 to make all necessary changes.
The earlier you implement all the required changes, the earlier your customers will see improvements to their experience.
Not sure where to start?
With expertise in CRM and UX, SYZYGY can help ensure that your digital assets meet the required accessibility standards, mitigating the risk of fines and enhancing your brand’s reputation for inclusivity. Reach out to find out more.
