The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is Coming But Is Your Business Ready?
The time for excuses is over, period.
On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force, requiring businesses of all sizes whether small startups or global brands selling in the EU, to meet strict accessibility standards. This isn’t just about compliance anymore it’s about staying ahead of the law and reaching 100% of your audience not just 70%, also a global market worth $13 trillion (10,501,270,000,000.00 Pound sterling). Who wouldn’t want a piece of THAT pie?!
But what does this mean for your business, website, and clients? Let’s find out shall we. But first…
What the heck IS the European Accessibility Act?
Okay so the EAA is a landmark law designed to ensure that ALL digital products, services, and physical spaces are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Neurodivergents, neurotypicals, everyone. Stay with me.
This means businesses must now actively remove any barriers they have in the following such as:
✔ Websites & Digital Platforms: Online stores, banking, travel booking, and customer portals.
✔ Financial Services: ATMs, payment terminals, mobile banking.
✔ Public Transport Booking & Ticketing Systems: Making it easier for disabled users to navigate travel.
✔ E-commerce & Customer Service: Ensuring all digital interactions are accessible.
And that’s just the beginning folks…
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Right now, around 101 million people in Europe (that’s 1 in 4 adults) have some form of disability. And for many, accessing basic online services is still way harder than it should be. The EAA is stepping in to change that by setting a consistent, Europe wide standard for accessibility.
This isn’t just for people with permanent disabilities however, it also supports those with temporary or age-related impairments, making digital experiences better for everyone.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Many companies see accessibility as some tickbox thing, a not-so-serious thing, something they’ll “get around to later.” But in 2025, accessibility will be a legal requirement with even more conditions.
Here’s why businesses just like yours can’t afford to ignore it (literally):
👉Legal Consequences: Non-compliance in this law could result in fines, penalties, or being banned from the EU market, yep it is that serious.
👉Financial Opportunity: The global disability economy is worth $13 trillion. Companies ignoring accessibility are losing customers and revenue. You are losing money literally reading this because you aren’t being accessible.
👉SEO & Brand Impact: Google favours accessible websites highly. If your competitors optimise for accessibility, they’ll rank higher than you and that is a guarantee.
👉Neurodivergent & Inclusive Workplaces: Accessibility isn’t just about mobility disabilities, no sir. Neurodivergent customers and employees also need clearer communication, adaptable interfaces, and inclusive hiring processes which in turn, will actually help everyone not just neurodivergents.
How Can You Prepare for the EAA law? Glad you asked.
✅ Audit Your Website & Digital Content: Are your pages screen reader-friendly? Are forms, buttons, and navigation easy to use for all customers?
✅ Train Your Team on Accessibility: From marketing teams to customer service, accessibility awareness must be embedded in your company culture.
✅ Implement Inclusive Marketing Strategies: Ensure your messaging, visuals, and online experience are accessible to neurodivergent, visually impaired, and disabled users.
✅ Consult with an Expert: Businesses will need guidance on making their products, services, and hiring processes more inclusive.
The Results?
Until now, accessibility laws have been all over the place different rules in different countries. The EAA finally creates a single, unified framework, which is great for businesses because:
✅ It expands your audience means accessible products mean more potential customers
✅ It makes compliance easier so no more navigating different national laws (woo hoo!)
✅ It gives businesses a competitive edge and when brands that prioritise accessibility now will stay ahead of industry shifts. Take that!
What can Tania Gerard Do to help?
📢 This is where I can help. At Tania Gerard Digital, I provide accessible marketing consulting and neurodiversity training to help businesses meet compliance standards AND reach 100% of their audiences, not just the standard 65%.
Let’s Talk About Your EAA Status.
The businesses that take action NOW will be ahead of the curve in 2025. If you want to make sure your website, marketing, and services align with the European Accessibility Act, let’s chat because quite honestly? You can’t afford not to…