Companies in Ireland could face legal action if their websites, apps, and digital services are not user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. This warning comes as the deadline for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) approaches on June 28. The EAA aims to improve the accessibility of products and services across the EU by standardising rules and removing barriers created by divergent regulations in member states.
The UX Design Institute, an Irish tech company, has highlighted the importance of complying with the Act. Rachael Joyce, head of product and research at the institute, explained that designing digital products to meet a wide range of physical and cognitive needs is essential. This includes supporting screen readers for visually impaired users, offering keyboard navigation for those with mobility issues, and providing text alternatives for images.
The Act is intended to ensure digital equality across the EU, benefiting businesses by reducing costs, facilitating cross-border trading, and creating more market opportunities for accessible products and services. However, a recent survey by Mason Hayes and Curran revealed that 58% of Irish businesses are not confident they understand the Act’s requirements, and 42% lack the expertise to implement the necessary changes.
Ms Joyce emphasised that accessibility is not just about avoiding fines but about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate the digital world without barriers. She noted that accessibility is crucial for enabling independent access to digital services and that it will affect everyone at some point in their lives, whether due to disability, temporary injury, or age-related changes.
In Ireland, enforcement of the EAA is particularly robust. Not only can users initiate legal proceedings, but advocacy groups for accessibility can also support these cases. This means that businesses failing to comply with the Act could face significant legal risks.
To help businesses meet these requirements, the UX Design Institute has launched a Professional Certificate in Designing for Accessibility. This 12-hour online course provides training for product teams, developers, and business leaders on how to comply with accessibility standards.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports that 22% of the Irish population lives with a long-lasting condition, difficulty, or disability. This underscores the importance of making digital services accessible to all users. Ms Joyce pointed out that the requirements of the EAA are not just technical features but essential elements for enabling independent access to digital services.
