The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark regulation aimed at ensuring equal access to digital and physical services for individuals with disabilities. With a compliance deadline set for June 28, 2025, industries across Europe are facing the urgent need to adapt their digital platforms, software, and services.
For businesses, failing to comply with the EAA can lead to legal penalties, loss of customers, and reputational damage. This blog explores the top five industries most affected by the EAA and the critical role of Accessibility Testing Services in ensuring compliance.
1. E-Commerce & Online Retail
Why It’s Affected
The EAA mandates that online shopping platforms must be fully accessible, covering everything from website navigation to checkout processes. E-commerce businesses must ensure that users with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, can browse, select, and purchase products without barriers.
Challenges
- Poorly structured websites making navigation difficult for screen readers.
- Lack of keyboard accessibility for users who cannot use a mouse.
- Insufficient color contrast, impacting readability.
- Inaccessible payment gateways preventing seamless transactions.
How Accessibility Testing Services Help
- Conducting WCAG 2.2 audits to identify accessibility gaps.
- Implementing automated and manual accessibility testing for seamless user experience.
- Ensuring ARIA roles and semantic HTML for screen reader compatibility.
- Providing alternative text for images and accessible CAPTCHA solutions.
2. Banking & Financial Services
Why It’s Affected
The EAA sets strict requirements for online banking, ATMs, and payment terminals, ensuring all users can manage finances independently.
Challenges
- Mobile banking apps lacking voice command and screen reader support.
- Inaccessible online banking forms and authentication methods.
- ATMs and payment kiosks without tactile feedback or audio guidance.
- Complex financial data representation without accessible charts and reports.
How Accessibility Testing Services Help
- Performing assistive technology compatibility testing (screen readers, voice commands, braille displays).
- Ensuring compliance with WCAG, EN 301 549, and ISO 30071-1 standards.
- Testing mobile banking apps for gesture-based and voice-controlled navigation.
- Verifying ATMs and self-service kiosks for audio and tactile guidance.
3. Public Transport & Mobility Services
Why It’s Affected
Transport services—including booking platforms, ticketing systems, and real-time travel updates—must be accessible to people with visual, motor, and cognitive disabilities under the EAA.
Challenges
- Inaccessible mobile apps for ride-hailing and public transport.
- Ticketing systems that lack keyboard and screen reader compatibility.
- Absence of real-time voice-based travel updates for visually impaired users.
- Digital maps that are not adapted for color-blind users.
How Accessibility Testing Services Help
- Testing and optimizing public transport websites and apps for accessibility.
- Implementing voice-enabled navigation and real-time announcements.
- Ensuring touchscreen kiosks are fully accessible with assistive technology.
- Validating alt text for interactive maps to support visually impaired users.
4. Telecommunications & Digital Media
Why It’s Affected
The EAA requires that telecommunications providers, TV broadcasters, and streaming services make their digital platforms accessible to all users, including those with hearing or visual impairments.
Challenges
- Lack of real-time captioning and subtitles for video content.
- Unintuitive menu navigation for smart TVs and streaming services.
- Mobile apps that do not support voice commands or screen readers.
- Web interfaces with poor contrast, small fonts, and non-resizable text.
How Accessibility Testing Services Help
- Implementing AI-powered automatic captioning and transcripts.
- Ensuring streaming platforms comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
- Testing and enhancing voice-controlled navigation for smart TVs.
- Performing usability testing with disabled users to ensure real-world accessibility.
5. Education & E-Learning Platforms
Why It’s Affected
Educational institutions and e-learning providers must ensure that digital learning materials, course platforms, and virtual classrooms are accessible to students with disabilities.
Challenges
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) that do not support screen readers.
- Online courses without audio descriptions or sign language interpretations.
- Interactive content (quizzes, assignments) that lacks keyboard navigation.
- Poor compatibility with assistive technologies like speech-to-text software.
How Accessibility Testing Services Help
- Conducting inclusive usability testing with students who have disabilities.
- Enhancing LMS platforms with text-to-speech and captioning tools.
- Ensuring compliance with WCAG, EN 301 549, and ADA guidelines.
- Providing alternative learning formats (e.g., transcripts, audio lessons, braille support).
Conclusion: Preparing for EAA Compliance
With the EAA’s enforcement deadline fast approaching, businesses across these industries must take proactive steps to enhance their digital accessibility. Failure to comply may result in legal penalties, customer dissatisfaction, and loss of market share.
Investing in Accessibility Testing Services ensures that digital platforms, apps, and services meet regulatory requirements while offering a seamless user experience for all individuals, regardless of ability.
How We Can Help
Our expert accessibility testing solutions cover:
- Automated & Manual Accessibility Audits
- Compliance with WCAG, EN 301 549, and EAA Standards
- Usability Testing with Assistive Technologies
- Remediation Support for Websites & Applications
Get in touch today to ensure your business is fully EAA-compliant!
