The European Accessibility Act (EAA) marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive digital world. This landmark legislation, set to be fully implemented by 2025, aims to ensure that products and services within the EU are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The EAA covers a wide range of areas, from websites and mobile apps to ATMs and e-commerce platforms.

This act not only addresses the moral imperative of inclusivity but also responds to the growing economic importance of accessibility. By mandating that businesses and public institutions remove barriers, the EAA fosters innovation and opens up new opportunities in the digital market.

The European Accessibility Act, set to take effect on June 28, 2025, presents Poland and other EU countries with the challenge of building a more accessible and inclusive digital society. This directive aims to remove barriers to the free movement of accessible products and services within the EU, stemming from divergent national regulations. By establishing a coherent approach to accessibility, the directive ensures that all EU citizens will have equal access to selected products and services.

The Importance of Digital Accessibility

The digital transformation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of accessible digital products and services. For many people in isolation, digital accessibility was the only way to connect with the outside world. The European Accessibility Act recognizes this need and aims to expand accessibility beyond the public sector, impacting private enterprises as well. This shift introduces a new economic dimension to accessibility, encouraging businesses to adopt universal design principles that cater to the needs of all users, including those with disabilities and the elderly.

A Milestone in the Marketization of Accessibility

Until now, systemic solutions for ensuring accessibility have primarily focused on the public sector, with less emphasis on private businesses. The European Accessibility Act redefines how businesses will be required to offer accessible products and services, particularly in the digital realm. It complements the Polish government's Accessibility Plus Program by adding a market dimension, covering areas such as e-commerce, banking, information technology, and passenger transport. This opens up new opportunities across the supply chain for manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers, distributors, and service providers.

The Impact on Businesses and Consumers

As the new regulations come into force, businesses will need to ensure their products and services meet the accessibility requirements outlined in the implementing law. However, micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding 2 million EUR will be exempt from these obligations. Despite this, they will be encouraged to comply with accessibility standards voluntarily. A transitional period will allow businesses to fully adapt to the new requirements, with existing contracts for services continuing under their original terms until June 28, 2030.

The European Accessibility Act raises the bar for ensuring the accessibility of certain products and services. By unifying accessibility requirements across the EU's internal market, the directive guarantees equal access to digital products and services for everyone, including people with disabilities and seniors. This initiative also promotes transparency, as businesses will be required to provide clear information about the accessibility of their products and services.

The Cost and Benefits of Accessibility

While adapting to the new accessibility requirements may initially incur costs for businesses, it will ultimately bring significant benefits—both reputational and economic. From a business perspective, the return on investment in accessibility can be substantial. Ensuring product and service accessibility will drive creativity and innovation, helping businesses gain a competitive edge in the market. Moreover, catering to the diverse needs of users can inspire the creation of more universal offerings.

Accessible businesses are sensitive to the needs of all consumers. As technology, social dynamics, and demographics evolve, the needs of users will continue to change. For businesses, the European Accessibility Act presents an opportunity to tap into a previously underserved market segment, including people with disabilities and seniors—a group of potential consumers that is expected to grow steadily.

Monitoring and Enforcement of the European Accessibility Act

Each EU member state will be responsible for enforcing Directive 2019/882, with the authority to impose administrative fines for non-compliance. In Poland, the President of the State Fund for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons (PFRON) will be responsible for monitoring and assessing the accessibility of products and services for people with specific needs.

However, effective implementation requires not only state oversight but also social monitoring. Transparency and engagement of all stakeholders, including NGOs, are essential to identify areas for improvement and ensure more effective enforcement of the regulations. Feedback from consumers, particularly those with specific needs, will be crucial in identifying gaps in accessibility and adapting to changing demands.

Building a More Accessible Digital Society

In the era of digital society development, protecting the rights of people with disabilities, seniors, and those with low digital skills has become a priority. The European Accessibility Act supports the creation of an inclusive society by ensuring that accessibility is a fundamental standard in the design of spaces, products, and services, allowing the widest possible range of people to use them independently. As businesses prepare to comply with the new accessibility requirements, educational programs will be necessary to enhance their understanding of the changing legal landscape.

Although the European Accessibility Act applies only to EU member states, its impact will extend beyond the borders of the European community. Successful implementation of Directive 2019/882 will ensure that Poland and other EU countries remain leaders in the field of accessibility and social inclusion.