In 2025, a significant shift in disability rights and accessibility will take place across the European Union. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into full effect on June 28, 2025, requiring businesses and service providers to ensure their products and services are fully accessible to people with disabilities. This legislation marks a turning point for inclusion, moving beyond goodwill to legal obligation. But what does this mean in practice? And how should organisations prepare?
What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The EAA is designed to break down barriers by enforcing accessibility standards in key areas, such as:
Banking services – ATMs, online banking platforms, and card readers must be accessible.
E-commerce – Online shopping websites must accommodate users with disabilities.
Digital products and services – Apps, websites, and electronic communication tools must meet accessibility requirements.
Public transportation – Ticket machines, travel information systems, and passenger rights services must be designed inclusively.
Previously, accessibility laws in the EU varied from country to country. The EAA creates a consistent framework across all member states, ensuring businesses and institutions meet a minimum accessibility standard.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is designed to break down barriers by enforcing accessibility standards in key areas.
What’s Changing in 2025?
For businesses operating in the EU, these new rules mean compliance is no longer optional. The key changes include:
Stronger digital accessibility requirements – Websites, apps, and online platforms must be navigable by screen readers and adaptable for different abilities.
Wider scope of products covered – The EAA extends beyond physical spaces to include digital environments.
Enforcement and penalties – Non-compliance could lead to fines and legal consequences, making accessibility a legal necessity, not just a corporate social responsibility initiative.
Why Does This Matter?
1. Improved Inclusion and Independence: According to the European Commission, 87 million people in the EU have some form of disability. For many, inaccessible digital services mean exclusion from essential activities like online shopping, banking, or public transport. The EAA ensures that people with disabilities can engage more freely in society.
2. A Business Imperative: Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s a smart business decision. The global market for people with disabilities is estimated at $8 trillion annually. By ensuring digital accessibility, businesses can tap into this significant customer base, increasing their reach and reputation.
3. Aligning with Global Trends: The EAA aligns the EU with global accessibility efforts, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. and the UK Equality Act 2010. As businesses operate across borders, a standardized approach to accessibility ensures consistency and fairness.
For many, inaccessible digital services mean exclusion from essential activities like online shopping, banking, or public transport. The EAA ensures that people with disabilities can engage more freely in society.
How Can Organisations Prepare?
Businesses must audit their current accessibility measures and implement changes before the deadline. Key steps include:
Conducting accessibility audits of websites and apps.
Training staff on inclusive design and digital accessibility best practices.
Updating policies to align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Consulting with disability advocacy groups to ensure meaningful improvements.
We think the European Accessibility Act is a milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive society. Organisations will be held to account more and it will no longer enough to have an “accessible version” of a service, accessibility must be embedded from the start. As 2025 approaches, organisations must act now to avoid penalties and create a more equitable future for all.
SLS 360 supports organisations and individuals to be bold and brave in your efforts to affect positive change and be more inclusive and accessible. For more on how SLS 360 can support your organisation and for more information on the I.D.E.A.L Network, visit www.sls360.org. You can also subscribe to receive our fortnightly audio cast, monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about special offers and events in the world of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
This blog post was written by Samantha Stimpson, CEO at SLS 360 refined by ChatGPT.
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