Learn all about the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and how to adapt your website to comply with digital accessibility regulations by June 2025.
Introduction to the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
L'European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882) is a European regulation that establishes accessibility requirements for digital products and services, including websites and mobile applications. Entered into force on 17 April 2019, the directive was implemented by Italy in May 2022 and will become mandatory from 28 June 2025.
Its main objective is to create an inclusive society by eliminating barriers for people with disabilities and harmonising accessibility requirements across EU Member States.
Who is Affected by the Accessibility Act?
1. Economic Operators
The Directive applies to all economic operators producing, distributing or supplying digital products and services.
- Exemptions:
- Microenterprises: Companies with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover of less than 2 million euros are completely exempt.
- PMI (Small and Medium Enterprises): They can invoke thedisproportionate burden in specific cases.
2. Products Involved
- Interactive hardware and software systems.
- Self-service terminals.
- Interactive equipment for audiovisual media.
- E-book readers and related software.
3. Services Involved
- Electronic communication services.
- Digital banking services.
- Electronic commerce (e-commerce).
- Access to audiovisual media and transportation.
Accessibility Requirements for Websites
From 28 June 2025, all websites and mobile applications of non-exempt companies and organisations will have to comply with specific accessibility criteria:
1. Accessible Navigation
- Ability to navigate the site without a mouse, using only the keyboard or assistive technologies such as screen readers.
- Clear labels for links, buttons and input fields.
2. Textual and Multimedia Contents
- Easily readable texts with the possibility of enlargement.
- Videos with subtitles and audio descriptions.
- Podcast with text transcripts.
3. Digital Documents
- Accessible PDFs, generated from Word files or compatible software.
- Avoid scanned documents that are not readable by screen readers.
4. Intuitive User Interface
- Adequate color contrasts for visually impaired users.
- Adaptive layouts for different devices.
Benefits of an Accessible Website
A website compliant with the Accessibility Act is not only a legal obligation, but also represents a strategic opportunity:
- Audience Expansion: Engage users with disabilities and the elderly.
- Improved Reputation: Demonstrate social and ethical responsibility.
- Improved SEO: Accessible sites are better indexed by search engines.
- Legal Compliance: Avoid fines and forced compliance requests.
What Changes with the Accessibility Act in Italy
In Italy, the reference legislation for digital accessibility is the Law 4/2004 (Stanca Law), applicable mainly to Public Administrations and companies with a turnover exceeding 500 million euros.
The Accessibility Act extends these obligations to a broader audience, including private economic operators and products placed on the market from 2025.
How to Adapt Your Website
1. Preliminary Analysis
Evaluate the current accessibility level of your website using tools such as:
- WAVE Accessibility Tool.
- Google Lighthouse.
2. Technical Interventions
- Code Optimization: Using semantic HTML and WCAG 2.1 standards.
- Assistive Technology Test: Check with screen readers such as JAWS or NVDA.
- Creating Accessible Content: Inclusive writing and video subtitles.
3. Accessibility Statement
Publishes an annual declaration of conformity, as required by Italian law.
4. Team Formation
Educate your team of developers and content creators on digital accessibility practices.
Disproportionate Burden: What Does It Mean?
The Directive allows for exemptions for SMEs when the adaptation would entail excessive costs or substantially alter the nature of the product or service. However, the disproportionate burden must be:
- Documented: Keep the reasons for at least 5 years.
- Updated Periodically: Evaluations every 5 years or in case of changes to the service.
Services to Adapt Your Site to EAA
If you run a website or online business, we can help you:
- Analyze Accessibility: Complete evaluation of your site.
- Implementing Accessible Solutions: WCAG 2.1 compliance and creation of compliant digital content.
- Training and Consulting: Customized sessions for your team.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act represents a turning point for a more inclusive and accessible society. Don't be caught off guard: invest today to make your website compliant, improving your visibility and accessibility for all users.
