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Beyond Borders: The Global Impact of EU Accessibility Law Changes

Are you prepared and compliant - even in the UK, USA & Middle East?

Contrary to public perception, the relevance of EU accessibility laws remains significant for UK businesses even after the UK's departure from the European Union. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to be enforced in June 2025, mandates that digital products and services be accessible to people with disabilities across the EU. For UK companies that continue to trade with EU consumers or provide services within the EU, compliance with these standards is essential. Adhering to the EAA not only ensures market access but also aligns with global best practices for inclusivity, reflecting a commitment to creating a more accessible digital environment for all users. 

Let’s take a closer look at the changes: 

The upcoming changes in EU accessibility law, specifically the European Accessibility Act (EAA), will have a notable impact on digital content in the UK, especially for businesses that provide goods and services to EU consumers. 

Scope of the EAA 

The EAA, which comes into force in June 2025, aims to ensure equal access to digital products and services for people with disabilities across the EU. This includes a wide range of products and services such as websites, mobile apps, e-books, and e-commerce platforms. 

Impact on UK Businesses 

Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK businesses that trade with EU consumers or provide services to public or private bodies within the EU will need to comply with the EAA. This means that digital content must meet specific accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. 

Stricter Standards 

The EAA introduces stricter standards for digital accessibility, which will require businesses to ensure their digital content is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This includes making websites, apps, and other digital platforms more user-friendly for people with visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive impairments. 

Preparation for Compliance 

UK businesses should start preparing for these changes by reviewing their digital content and making necessary adjustments to meet the new accessibility standards. This might involve conducting accessibility audits, updating websites and apps, and training staff on accessibility best practiceshttps://www.create8.co.uk/digital-accessibility-laws-are-changing/. 

Overall, the EAA represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive digital environment, and UK businesses will need to adapt to these changes to continue serving their EU customers effectively. 

What about the impact outside the UK? 

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will also have significant implications for businesses in the USA and the Middle East, especially those that engage with the EU market. 

Impact on the USA

  1. Market Access: U.S. companies that sell products or services to EU consumers will need to comply with the EAA to maintain market access. This includes ensuring that digital content, websites, and mobile apps meet the required accessibility standards. 

  1. Global Standards Alignment: The EAA aligns closely with international accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). U.S. companies already adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may find it easier to comply, but additional specific requirements of the EAA must be met. 

  1. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the EAA can result in penalties and exclusion from the EU market, which is one of the largest global consumer markets. 

Impact on the Middle East

  1. Business Operations: Companies in the Middle East that do business with the EU will also need to ensure their products and services are accessible. This includes sectors like e-commerce, banking, and transport services. 

  1. Harmonisation of Standards: The EAA aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across the EU, which can reduce barriers for Middle Eastern companies operating in multiple EU countries. 

  1. Corporate Responsibility: The EAA emphasizes the importance of accessibility as part of corporate responsibility and sustainability, encouraging businesses to adopt inclusive practices. 

Overall, the EAA is driving a global shift towards more inclusive digital environments, and businesses worldwide will need to adapt to these changes to continue operating in the EU market. 

How will these changes affect your website? 

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will have several specific impacts on web design, particularly those organisations working with clients who operate in the EU market. Here are some key points to consider: 

1. Compliance with Accessibility Standards 

Businesses will need to ensure that all digital content, including websites and mobile apps, comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. This includes making sure that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. 

2. Increased Demand for Accessibility Audits 

There will be a higher demand for accessibility audits to identify and fix issues in existing digital content. Organisations may need to use 3rd party software or develop inhouse skills in conducting these audits or use consultants to implement necessary changes. 

3. Focus on Inclusive Design 

Designers will need to adopt an inclusive design approach from the outset of projects. This means considering the needs of users with various disabilities during the planning and design phases, rather than retrofitting accessibility features later. 

4. Training and Certification 

Teams may need to undergo training and obtain certifications in digital accessibility to stay current with the latest standards and best practices.  

5. Collaboration between Designers and Developers 

Effective collaboration between web designers and developers will be crucial to ensure that accessibility features are correctly implemented. This includes using semantic HTML, ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles, and other technical solutions. 

6. User Testing with Disabled Individuals 

Involving users with disabilities in the testing phase will become more common. This helps to identify real-world accessibility issues and ensures that digital content is genuinely usable by everyone. 

7. Legal and Financial Implications 

Non-compliance with the EAA can result in legal and financial penalties for businesses. Organisations will need to be aware of these implications and ensure their work meets the required standards to avoid potential liabilities. 

Next steps 

The European Accessibility Act is not just a regulatory requirement but an opportunity to enhance digital inclusivity and reach a broader audience. For businesses looking to navigate these changes effectively, partnering with experts can make all the difference. ClerksWell, an award-winning leader in web accessibility, offers comprehensive accessibility audits and tailored solutions to ensure your digital content meets the highest standards. Contact ClerksWell today to learn how they can help you create a more inclusive digital experience and stay ahead of the compliance curve.