As digital experiences increasingly shape how we connect and engage, ensuring accessibility for all users is crucial. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), introduced in 2019, is set to standardize accessibility requirements across the European Union by June 28, 2025. This regulation covers a wide range of products and services, from e-commerce platforms to banking and public transport, mandating that they are accessible to people with disabilities. For companies developing and delivering digital products in the EU, compliance with the EAA is not only necessary to avoid regulatory repercussions but also an opportunity to lead in inclusivity and broaden market reach.
With the EAA compliance deadline approaching, businesses need to understand the impact of these new standards on their operations and take proactive steps to prepare their digital products. DO OK is here to guide your business through this transition, ensuring your products are compliant and optimized for accessibility to provide a seamless experience for all users.
Take the first step towards compliance with our Web Accessibility Testing Tool, designed to provide instant insights into your website’s accessibility.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) was established to promote inclusivity and ensure equal access to essential products and services for everyone. This legislation aims to address the persistent barriers that people with disabilities face when engaging with both digital and physical services. By setting minimum accessibility requirements across the European Union, the EAA harmonizes standards across member states, fostering a more unified and inclusive society.
The Act covers a wide range of products and services, including e-commerce platforms, banking apps, telecommunications systems, public transport booking systems and other commonly used digital interfaces. Aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the EAA emphasizes the importance of creating a barrier-free environment where everyone can participate fully in everyday life.
The EAA not only ensures compliance but also encourages innovation, enabling businesses to improve user experiences and meet the growing demand for accessibility. Starting in June 2025, companies offering digital products and services within the EU will be required to ensure they meet accessibility standards. Non-compliance could lead to significant financial penalties and market restrictions, making it crucial for businesses to proactively adapt to these standards.
The European Accessibility Act introduces regulations that affect a wide range of businesses and organizations providing digital and physical products or services to the public. Its scope extends to companies operating within the European Union as well as to those based outside the EU that offer services or products to European consumers. By setting minimum accessibility standards, the EAA aims to ensure inclusivity across industries.
The Act applies to a variety of products and services, including:
— Computers and operating systems
— ATMs, ticketing and check-in machines
— Smartphones
— TV equipment related to digital television services
— Telephony services and related equipment
— Access to audio-visual media services such as television broadcast and related consumer equipment
— Services related to air, bus, rail and waterborne passenger transport
— Banking services
— E-books
— E-commerce
Compliance with the European Accessibility Act requires organizations to make their products and services accessible to all users, regardless of ability. For example, actors within healthcare—including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies and digital health platforms—must ensure their websites and mobile applications are accessible. Similarly, educational institutions and companies offering online learning platforms or digital courses must ensure that learners of all abilities can engage fully with their tools and resources.
In e-commerce, businesses need to make product listings, checkout systems and customer service accessible, while banking and financial institutions must adapt their platforms to accommodate users with disabilities. Telecommunications and transport providers are also required to make booking systems, travel updates and customer support inclusive for all users.
While the EAA applies broadly, there are a few exemptions. Most notably, microenterprises—defined as businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet not exceeding €2 million—are exempt from the Act’s obligations. However, this exemption should not be seen as a reason to disregard accessibility but rather as an opportunity to voluntarily adopt practices that align with modern standards and consumer expectations.
Ensuring compliance with the European Accessibility Act is essential for businesses offering digital products in the EU, not only to avoid legal and financial repercussions but to stay competitive in a market that increasingly values inclusivity. The EAA mandates accessibility standards that, if ignored, could result in fines or restricted market access. Enforcement will be carried out by each EU member state, which means businesses must be prepared to demonstrate compliance locally, reinforcing the importance of integrating accessibility into their products from the start.
Beyond regulatory compliance, accessible digital products open doors to a vast and underserved audience. Around 100 million people in the EU live with some form of disability, representing a large customer base with unique needs. By making their products accessible, companies can expand their reach and foster loyalty with a diverse audience that is often excluded from traditional digital experiences.
Moreover, prioritizing accessibility reflects a commitment to social responsibility. As digital spaces become more integral to everyday life, ensuring that everyone can engage equally is not just a legal obligation—it’s an ethical one. Businesses that proactively design for accessibility help create inclusive digital environments, building trust and goodwill with users while setting themselves apart in user-centered design.
Although the EAA was introduced in 2019, it becomes enforceable on June 28, 2025, allowing companies time to assess, redesign and test their digital products to ensure accessibility compliance. Key changes needed for digital products include:
— Assess accessibility compliance: Conduct a comprehensive audit to identify usability gaps in your digital products, including navigation, readability and compatibility with assistive technologies
— Design and implement accessibility features: Make updates such as voice navigation, screen reader support, alternative text for images and readable fonts. Both websites and apps should provide seamless usability across various devices.
— Continuous testing and updates: Establish a regular testing process to maintain compliance over time. Accessibility requires ongoing commitment as user needs and technologies evolve.
— Documentation and accessibility statements: Many organizations may be required to publish an accessibility statement outlining compliance, accessible features and channels for user feedback.
To help you take the first step toward EAA compliance, we have developed a custom Web Accessibility Testing Tool. It provides an instant overview of your website’s accessibility status, highlighting areas for improvement and offering insights into how well your site aligns with EAA standards.
Accessible directly from your browser, our checker gives you a clear starting point on your compliance journey. Whether you are just beginning to address accessibility or need a quick health check for an existing website, this user-friendly resource offers a straightforward way to understand your current level of compliance.
Take your assessment now to see where your site stands.
For other digital products, such as mobile apps or custom software, a more tailored, hands-on assessment is necessary. Reach out to us for a personal consultation, and let us guide you in creating a fully inclusive experience across all your platforms.
At DO OK, we want to help businesses bring their digital products into alignment with the European Accessibility Act’s requirements, ensuring compliance while enhancing the user experience for all. Our approach starts with a thorough accessibility audit, where we identify barriers in your digital products and outline necessary improvements. Using this analysis as a foundation, we provide guidance on implementing the features and functions that align with EN 301 549, the EU’s harmonized accessibility standard, which includes references to WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
When it comes to web applications, we focus on creating seamless and accessible experiences. By assessing and improving elements such as readability, color contrast and navigational ease, we make sure websites can be used effectively by people with a range of abilities. Our experts use tools like Axe, Lighthouse and WAVE to ensure that your website meets compliance standards while delivering an inclusive user experience.
For mobile applications, we optimize accessibility on both iOS and Android platforms, incorporating features like VoiceOver and TalkBack compatibility. This includes designing interfaces that support adaptable text, touch navigation and haptic feedback, making it easier for users with disabilities to interact with the app. Our work for Vestfold Audio reflects our commitment to accessible mobile design. In this project, we developed a cross-platform fire alarm app for specific buildings, like hotels, that uses visual alerts and provides access to evacuation plans. Designed with hearing-impaired users in mind, the app enhances safety for everyone while addressing the unique needs of those with hearing impairments.
In addition to enhancing standard digital platforms, we offer tailored accessibility solutions for custom software. Our team works closely with our clients to address the specific needs of custom software solutions, such as developing custom interfaces compatible with assistive technologies. DO OK delivers full implementation of accessibility solutions, ensuring your digital products meet EAA requirements while improving usability for all users.
The European Accessibility Act provides a meaningful opportunity for companies to make their digital products—including websites, mobile apps and custom software—accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. With the June 2025 compliance deadline approaching, now is the time to take action. Preparing digital products for accessibility not only ensures compliance but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and user-centered design.
DO OK offers support through every stage of this journey, from initial audits to implementing accessibility across websites, mobile apps and custom software. Taking proactive steps now helps create digital experiences that meet EAA standards while also extending reach and promoting social responsibility.
Begin by assessing your website with DO OK’s Web Accessibility Testing Tool, or reach out to us for a more tailored approach to mobile and custom software needs.
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