Page 2 - Whitepaper: The European Accessibility Act and What it Means for the Global Publishing Industry

2 Straive | The European Accessibility Act and What it Means for the Global Publishing Industry

Introduction

In Europe, there are about 135 million people
with disabilities, and this number is likely to rise
as the population ages. Many individuals in the
modern world rely on computers, smartphones,
and other digital devices. However, because
there are no universally accepted standards for
digital accessibility, many users run into
roadblocks that make it difficult for them to
carry out daily chores.

The European Accessibility Act is closely related to the Web Accessibility Directive, which
intends to define digital accessibility requirements for European Union public institutions.
Both regulations are based on WCAG standards, but the EAA is more widely applicable to
private businesses that offer products or services. The act aims to standardize accessibility
for smartphones, eBook readers, tablets, TV equipment, and several other devices in addition
to websites.

The EAA has not reached its final phase of implementation, unlike the Web Accessibility
Directive.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Commission states that the goal of the EAA (also known as Directive 2019/882)
is to "enhance the operation of the internal market for accessible products and services, by
reducing impediments generated by varied regulations within Member States."

Previously, the accessibility requirements for goods and services varied across each EU
member state, which led to a narrow market with few opportunities for businesses and
inadequate choices, and high prices for consumers.

The EAA establishes a set of uniform accessibility guidelines that all EU member states must
adhere to, making it simpler for private businesses to offer compatible goods and services
throughout the EU and expanding choice for consumers.

The act aims to consolidate and standardize accessibility laws in order for goods and services
to adopt a "design for all" philosophy. This strategy, as stated in the UN Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, "means the design of products, environments, programs,
and services should be usable by all persons, to the maximum extent possible, without the
need for adaption or specialized design."

The act also mandates that websites and apps be made accessible in accordance with the
four accessibility principles - POUR: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
These principles serve as the foundation for WCAG, the global standard for web accessibility.