The EAA is a step forward to reduce barriers persons with disabilities face every day. It makes it easier for persons with disabilities to fully participate in society, for example in employment by making IT equipment accessible and facilitating assistive technologies. It will also contribute to greater mobility, as the level of accessibility will be similar across the EU.

The Act sets common accessibility requirements across the EU for selected products and services, from adequate font size, to text-to-speech features in self-service payment terminals, e-readers and smartphones and more. This will simplify rules for economic operators who until now have been confronted with divergent, and often contradictory accessibility requirements across borders. The Commission is supporting Member States through regular meetings with national contact points, including to address country-specific issues.

Hadja , Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said:

Around 100 million people in the EU live with a disability. Accessibility is a precondition for participation in society. The European Accessibility Act is a measure of fairness and justice, but also of growth and innovation. It is a further step in enabling people with disabilities across the EU to enjoy their lives the same way as those without disabilities. As we celebrate this achievement, let’s put it into action and enforce it, making sure these new rules bring about real and lasting change for everyone.

Find more information about the European Accessibility Act (EAA).