ACCESSIBILITY IS REQUIRED FOR MORE AND MORE ORGANIZATIONS

Europe has just announced some mandatory changes to be effective in 2025.

Be the first to know about it and how it will change the world of accessibility.

 

The EU and US are making things easier for everyone!  

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) was adopted on April 17, 2019, to improve accessibility across the EU for people with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in society and the economy.

US's Section 508 makes government technology inclusive, ensuring everyone can access the information and services they need.

Learn more! Get details and deadlines below.

EUROPEAN ACCESSIBILIty ACT

Who's affected?

EU Member States: All countries in the European Union must implement this directive into their national laws. This means businesses operating within the EU will need to comply with the new accessibility requirements.
 
People with Disabilities: This directive benefits individuals with various disabilities, including those with mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive, or speech impairments.
 
Manufacturers and Service Providers: Companies that create and sell products or deliver services listed in the directive (details to be filled by member states) will need to ensure these offerings are accessible to people with disabilities.

What's changing?

EU Member States: They need to define specific accessibility requirements for products and services based on the EU directive. This might involve creating new regulations or adapting existing ones.
 
People with Disabilities: They will have access to a wider range of accessible products and services across the EU. This could include anything from ATMs with voice guidance to websites with clear navigation for screen reader users.
 
Manufacturers and Service Providers: Businesses will need to consider accessibility during product development and service delivery. This might involve features like captions on videos, ramps on buildings, or improved user interfaces that work with assistive devices.

US SECTION 508

Who's affected?

Federal Agencies: Section 508 applies to all departments and agencies of the US government. This includes their employees who develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information technology (EIT).
 
People with Disabilities: This law is primarily for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. It ensures they can access information and technology comparable to those without disabilities.

How will it affect them?

Federal Agencies: They need to ensure their EIT is accessible. This could involve using screen readers for visually impaired users, closed captioning for videos for deaf users, or designing user interfaces that work with assistive technologies.
 
People with Disabilities: They will have greater access to government information and services. They can now use government websites, applications, and documents more easily, fostering equal opportunities in employment, education, and participation in civic life.

RESOURCES

Redesigning Compliance How the EU Accessibility Act Impacts Online Documents

Redesigning Compliance: How the EU Accessibility Act Impacts Online Documents

Under the new rules, accessibility goes beyond web content and mobile apps to now include digital documents such as PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files available on websites. Making these documents accessible is required to comply with the EAA and ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use the content effectively.

The EU Accessibility Act 2025

The EU Accessibility Act: The New Rules and Why Language Matters

The European Union introduced the EU Accessibility Act (EAA) to standardize relevant requirements across member states. The EAA aims to eliminate barriers caused by differing national rules, facilitating easier business operations across the EU while ensuring inclusivity. The Act covers variousproducts and services, including websites, mobile applications, ATMs, and consumer banking services.

 

How the European Accessibility Act Changes the Game for Businesses

How the European Accessibility Act Changes the Game for Businesses

For businesses within or engaging with the EU, EEA compliance is both a legal requirement and a strategic advantage. Making websites, mobile applications, and digital services accessible can expand a company’s reach to EU residents living with disabilities. Compliance enhances user experience and customer loyalty while also providing a competitive market edge.

 

Understanding what you've got to change for Accessibility

Discover accessbility compliance articles to move forward towards your transformation.

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Designing for Web Accessibility - Tips for Getting Started

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Creating accessible PDFs - Adobe

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PDF Accessibility Checker - PDF/UA Foundation

PDF Accessibility Checker - PDF/UA Foundation

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GET IN TOUCH

To learn how Argos Multilingual can guide you and your business through the new Accessibility directive and its requirements, please get in touch with us by filling in the form.