This photograph taken on March 19, 2025 shows European flags outside the EU headquarters in … More
The countdown has begun! In **less than a week**, on **June 28, 2025**, the **European Accessibility Act (EAA)** will officially take effect. This groundbreaking legislation aims to level the playing field for over **100 million consumers** with disabilities across the European Union, ensuring **fair and equitable access** to digital products and services.
But here’s the twist: the EAA doesn’t just target European companies. **Global organizations** selling into the EU market will also feel the impact. This comprehensive act encompasses not just web accessibility and e-commerce, but also **computers, smartphones, digital TV services, ATMs**, and more. It is a reminder that accessibility must be deeply rooted in an organization’s ethos, demanding more than just a surface-level commitment.
Non-compliance could have serious repercussions, including **fines** and even loss of access to the EU market. So, as the deadline looms, let’s dive into what accessibility specialists recommend for organizations to get on board.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
“**It’s not too late to start addressing accessibility**. Starting now is better than not doing anything about EAA compliance,” asserts **Jon Avila**, Chief Accessibility Officer at Level Access. He emphasizes that organizations should focus on **demonstrating action** and **establishing processes** aligned with EAA requirements.
One key point Avila raises is often overlooked: third-party content. Organizations frequently assume that embedded tools or plugins are off the hook, but under the EAA, that’s far from the truth. He recommends making accessibility a **priority in procurement**, ensuring proof of accessibility from vendors before making purchases.
Adding to this sentiment, **Eric Portis**, a Developer Evangelist at Cloudinary, encourages teams to **start now**. He notes, “The best time to consider accessibility was before you shipped your project, but the second-best time is today.” Tackling even a couple of items on the **Web Content Accessibility Guidelines** checklist can help build momentum toward full compliance.
The Evolving AI Landscape
In 2020, when AI accessibility tools first emerged, skepticism was high. Many believed that simply purchasing a subscription would magically fix accessibility issues. However, it quickly became clear that AI needed human oversight to effectively address accessibility challenges.
Fast forward to today, and while AI is not a complete solution, it has significantly improved. AI can handle much of the heavy lifting, allowing teams to focus on the nuanced elements of user experience. A recent **report** from **AAAnow**, a leader in digital compliance benchmarking, highlighted these improvements.
According to their study, organizations in **The Valuable 500**, which includes major corporations like Apple and Google, manage an average of **178 websites** each. Remediating accessibility issues for just 85% of the pages would require **3,480 workdays!** The cost? A staggering **$767,000** per company for initial compliance. **AAAnow CEO Lawrence Shaw** notes that only a risk-managed, AI-powered approach can address this challenge effectively.
Embracing Regulation as a Stepping Stone
When new regulations like the EAA roll out, it’s common to feel anxious about compliance. However, brands should see these regulations as **opportunities**, not obstacles. **Amit Borsok**, CEO of Accessiway, believes that the EAA shifts the narrative around accessibility from mere compliance to a **strategic investment**. No longer a hurdle, the new framework offers clarity and encourages companies to invest in accessible technologies.
Investing in accessibility has become a **competitive necessity**. With standardization, organizations can reduce uncertainty for investors and unlock new **innovation opportunities**.
Although the term “deadline” implies finality, June 28 marks the beginning of a new chapter in digital accessibility. Will organizations rise to the occasion, blending human intention with advanced technology to create an equitable digital landscape? Only time will tell.
