Better for all: the European Accessibility Act
The EAA Act comes into force in June 2025. This act ensures accessible software and services. We outline how to get there.
Marino Software is running “Better for All” sessions with our clients. We have an open invitation to organisations to work with us to quickly review and explore the implications of incoming compliance directives, including the EU European Accessibility Act (deadline July 2025). Apply for a “Better for all” working session.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark piece of legislation that will significantly impact the lives of millions of Europeans. By requiring everyday products and services to be accessible to persons with disabilities, the EAA aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Public sector and government bodies are particularly attuned to the implications of the act, as they have been designing to the existing Web Accessibility Directives as they bring citizen services online, within the EU Digital Decade Policy Programme to 2030.
The act comes into force in June 2025. For organisations across healthcare, financial services, transport & travel, the upcoming months are the final window for assessment, planning and action of measures to ensure compliance.
The far-reaching impact of the EAA
The EAA will affect a broad spectrum of industries:
- Finance. ATMs, apps, payment terminals, and banking services.
- Telecommunications. Phone services, IVRs, contact centres and apps.
- Transportation. Ticketing, check-in machines, websites, apps, and information sources.
- Retail. E-commerce and digital purchase experiences of all kinds.
- Media and entertainment. TV, players, A/V devices, eBooks.
This wide range of sectors highlights the importance of organisations taking steps now to ensure their compliance with the EAA. The act’s common accessibility requirements will not only benefit persons with disabilities, but also companies who will be able to trade more easily across the EU.
Inclusive design: better for everyone
At Marino Software, our mantra is Software Made Human. This commitment to human-centric design extends to ensuring that our software is accessible to all. We believe that inclusive design is not just about meeting legal requirements. It’s about creating better experiences for everyone.
While the EAA specifically focuses on accessibility for persons with disabilities, the principles of inclusive design have wider benefits. ATMs with sensory cues are helpful for everyone, particularly in low-light or noisy environments. Clear website navigation and consistent help mechanisms benefit all users.
Inclusive design recognises that everyone has different needs and abilities, and that these can change over time. By considering a diverse range of users in the design process, we can create products and services that are more usable, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.
Marino Software’s commitment to accessibility
At Marino Software, we are committed to building accessible and inclusive software by default. We adhere to the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards, ensuring that our products meet the highest accessibility standards.
Our portfolio of work also includes specific projects and platforms created for those with disabilities, in partnership with organisations such as Iarnród Éireann and Motor Neurone Disease Ireland. But overall, we adopt a fully inclusive approach to all of our work with clients across many sectors.
We have an in-house accessibility working group dedicated to championing inclusive design principles and ensuring that our work consistently delivers the best possible user experience for everyone. We also partner with validation and acceptance experts, such as Vially.io, who act as an independent third party to ensure that our work with our clients is making the grade.
Delivering our promise of Software Made Human means that we strive to create technology that is usable, enjoyable, and empowering for all. By embracing inclusive design principles, we can create software that not only meets the needs of a diverse user base but also exceeds expectations and fosters a more inclusive digital world.
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