This opinion article was originally published in SAPO Tek and was written by André Mira, Lead UX/UI Designer, DXspark.
Accessibility is, or should be, one of the most important principles in the development of digital products and services. Activities such as online shopping, tax payments, or access to public services rely on digital platforms. Ensuring that all people, regardless of their limitations, can use them is crucial for an inclusive society.
To promote inclusion, the European Union has created the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which will become mandatory from June 28, 2025.
Discover how DXSpark can help your company to comply with the legislation and create inclusive digital experiences.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is an innovative regulation that establishes clear requirements for the accessibility of digital products and services. It covers areas such as:
- IT equipment (computers, tablets, smartphones) and operating systems.
- Self-service terminals (ATMs, ticket machines).
- Electronic communication services (mobile phones, internet).
- Banking and e-commerce services.
- E-books and related software.
- Emergency call services for 112.
All covered products and services must comply by June 28, 2025. Non-compliance may result in legal penalties, and ignoring these requirements is not an option. The obligations regarding emergency call services for 112 will take effect from June 28, 2027.
The Role of WCAG in Digital Accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards that define how to make digital content accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines focus on fundamental principles such as:
- Perception: Making content adaptable, such as adding subtitles to videos.
- Operability: Ensuring features are easily navigable, for example, using a keyboard.
- Comprehension: Using clear and consistent language.
- Robustness: Ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers.
Currently, 97.4% of websites do not meet WCAG’s minimum requirements, highlighting a significant digital exclusion issue.
Why Make Your Digital Products Accessible?
Digital accessibility is more than just a legal obligation—it is a strategic opportunity for businesses. The benefits include:
- Market expansion: Making products more accessible attracts users with diverse abilities.
- Improved user experience: Simplified access benefits all users, not just those with disabilities.
- Increased market share: Around 15% of the European population lives with some form of disability.
- Reduced legal risks: Avoid hefty fines and damage to your company's reputation.
- Enhanced brand reputation: Being an inclusive company builds trust and loyalty in the market.
- Stronger international reach: Accessible products have better acceptance in global markets.
Practical Examples of Accessibility in Digital Products and Services
There are countless ways to implement accessibility. Here are some key examples:
- E-commerce: Adding keyboard navigation options and alternative text descriptions for images.
- Mobile applications: Ensuring adequate contrast between text and background for users with low vision.
- Banking services: Making online forms readable by screen readers.
- Online education: Providing transcripts and subtitles for all audiovisual materials.
Implementation of the EAA in Portugal
In Portugal, Decree-Law No. 83/2018 regulates digital accessibility in public institutions. With the transposition of the EAA into national legislation (Decree-Law No. 82/2022), private companies are now also required to comply.
How to Ensure Compliance with Digital Accessibility Requirements?
Ensuring your digital products comply with accessibility requirements is a challenge but also an opportunity to create truly inclusive experiences.
At DXspark, we believe accessibility should be present at every stage of product development, from the initial concept to final delivery.
Our process includes:
- Conducting detailed audits to identify accessibility issues in digital products and services.
- Developing a clear, customized action plan to guide teams in implementing necessary corrections in both design and development.
- Helping companies build accessible solutions from the start of a project. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but also prevents costly future fixes, promoting an efficient and sustainable approach to accessibility.
With DXspark’s collaborative and strategic approach, companies will be well-equipped to:
✔ Improve user experience
✔ Stand out as leaders in digital accessibility
✔ Ensure full compliance with legislation
Contact DXspark today and schedule an audit to ensure compliance and create accessible digital experiences for all.