European Accessibility Act FAQs

The main categories covered by the EAA, include:

1. Computers, Tablets and Operating Systems: This includes desktop computers, laptops, and their operating systems to ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities.

2. Self-Service and Payment Terminals:

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): Ensuring that ATMs are accessible for people with various disabilities.
• Ticketing Machines: Accessibility requirements for machines used for purchasing tickets for transport or events.
• Check-in Machines: Accessibility for self-service check-in machines used at airports, hotels, and other venues.

3. Smartphones: Ensuring smartphone accessibility for people with disabilities, covering both hardware and software aspects.

4. Audio-Visual Media: Ensuring the accessibility of services providing video content, such as streaming platforms, as well as smart TVs and TV equipment

5. E-Books: Ensuring that e-books and their associated reading software are accessible.

6. E-Commerce: Making sure that websites and mobile applications used for buying products and services online are fully accessible.

7. Consumer banking services: Ensuring banking activities including withdrawing money, transfers, online banking, and opening a bank account are accessible

8. Transport Services:

• Air, Bus, Rail, and Waterborne Passenger Transport Services: Ensuring the accessibility of services including websites, mobile applications, and self-service terminals required by the Act.

The European Accessibility Act requires banks to enhance the accessibility of their services and products, train their staff, ensure compliance with the regulations, and promote financial inclusion for people with disabilities. This involves making digital and physical banking services more accessible, ensuring effective communication, and regularly monitoring compliance to meet the needs of all customers.

There are a various of penalties for not complying with the Act in Europe, which include:

• Fines: Member states may impose fines on businesses that fail to comply with the accessibility requirements.
• Public Notification: In some cases, authorities may publicly announce the non-compliance of a business, which can damage the business's reputation and encourage compliance.
• Legal Action: Member states can take legal action against businesses that persistently fail to comply with the EAA. This can involve court proceedings and potential additional penalties imposed by the judiciary.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Businesses may be required to regularly report on their compliance with the EAA, and failure to do so can result in penalties. Authorities may also conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance.

By following the Act, businesses supplying products and services in Europe could benefit by:

• Improved Usability for All Customers: Accessibility improvements often result in better usability for all customers, not just those with disabilities.
• Employee Benefits: An accessible workplace can benefit employees with disabilities, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. This can improve employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility contributes to a positive impact on society and could enhance your business’s overall ethical profile and align with your broader CSR goals .

The Act came into force in 2019, however the deadline to make sure that all the accessibility measures have been met is the 28 June 2025.

While all aim to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, they target different sectors and aspects of accessibility.

The EU Web Accessibility Directive focuses on digital accessibility of websites and apps in the public sector, however the European Accessibility Act has a broader scope encompassing various products and services in both the public and private sectors.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines provides international guidelines for web content accessibility. In general, the WCAG provides the "how" for creating accessible digital content, while the EAA provides the "what" and "where" within the EU context, ensuring that accessibility is legally mandated and standardised across a variety of products and services.

To make sure that your digital services are legally compliant, you should not rely on an overlay to achieve the required level of accessibility.

Talk to accessibility experts on how to make your content, product or services more accessible.

Make plans for changes and budget for any upgrades needed.

Stay up to date on the legislation and keep your teams in the loop on best practise.

While the Act provides the minimum guidelines that need to be followed, there are a few exemptions including electronic ticketing providing real-time information, and non-consumer banking services.

Also, smaller organisations employing less than ten people and have an annual turnover of less than two million euros are exempt from the EAA.

However, its important that all service providers work to design and provide products that are accessible as possible.

For more information on how we can help you to prepare for the EEA, contact our accessibility team