EAA 2025 compliance deadline is June 28; EU businesses must ensure digital accessibility for disabled individuals. UsableNet emphasizes urgent action to meet standards (EN 301 549, WCAG 2.1 AA) affecting various sectors. Non-compliance risks enforcement actions and customer alienation. UsableNet provides resources and managed services for compliance support.
A study reveals only 31% of Europe's largest fintech platforms comply with essential web accessibility standards, risking exclusion of 100 million Europeans with disabilities ahead of the European Accessibility Act in June 2025. Many fintechs partially meet requirements, illustrating a substantial tech accessibility gap despite the potential revenue benefits of increased accessibility.
Despite existing regulations, web accessibility remains poor globally and in Italy, with significant compliance failures among websites. Developers recognize the importance of accessibility but often lack the skills needed to implement it. Training is essential, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Accattivante Accessibile competition, enhancing student interest and website quality. Accessibility should be viewed as an opportunity to improve search engine rankings and user engagement, rather than just a regulatory obligation.
TLDR: The European Accessibility Act mandates that businesses provide digital access for people with disabilities by June 28, 2025, or face penalties. Compliance includes ensuring websites are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. North American companies doing business in the EU must also adhere to these standards. Early action is crucial for compliance through effective planning, automation, and integration of accessibility tools to tap into the potential of the $13 trillion disability market while avoiding fines and market access loss.
European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance risk becoming mere box-ticking. Companies are opting for accessibility widgets for fast compliance, but these often create new accessibility issues and fail to address deeper problems. True accessibility requires foundational improvements in website design rather than superficial fixes. Developers should integrate accessibility from the start, ensuring ongoing testing and compliance as standards evolve.
https://thenextweb.com/news/european-accessibility-act-becoming-box-ticking-exercise
