Starting in June 2025, businesses will be required to ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone—including people with disabilities. The EAA isn’t just a legal challenge; it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive and user-friendly digital experience.

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Let’s break it down—clearly, simply, and with practical examples.

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What is the EAA, and why does it matter?

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The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is legislation that standardizes accessibility rules across the EU. In the Czech Republic, it has been implemented through Act No. 99/2019 Sb.,on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications, focusing on public sector web pages and mobile apps. and Act No. 424/2023 Sb.

The directive is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which define three levels of accessibility based on importance: A, AA, and AAA. The EAA requires at least AA compliance.

For users with disabilities, the EAA is a game changer. It removes digital barriers that have long prevented equal access to information, services, and education.

And for businesses? Accessibility means greater reach, a better user experience, and a competitive advantage.

Who needs to comply with the EAA?

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The EAA applies to a wide range of organizations, companies, and industries, including both the public and private sectors. Any business with more than 10 employees or an annual turnover exceeding €2 million must comply.

Microbusinesses below these thresholds are generally exempt, but it is recommended that they prioritize accessibility to improve user experience and protect themselves from potential legal disputes.

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What products and services are affected by the EAA?

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The EAA applies to a broad range of digital products and services, including:

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Websites and e-shops

Online stores and digital platforms must be easy to navigate without a mouse and accessible via screen readers.

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Mobile applications

If you offer online banking services, your mobile app should be accessible through screen readers and voice commands. Features like money transfers or balance checks should be fully available.

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Transport and logistics

Online booking systems, information platforms, or ticket machines must provide features such as voice control and easily readable displays.

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Hardware

Smartphones and television devices must meet accessibility standards.

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Media and entertainment

Digital television, e-books, and streaming services like Netflix or Spotify.

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How to prepare for the EAA

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Getting ready for the EAA doesn’t have to be complicated.

Just follow these steps:

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Accessibility audit

The first step is to assess the current state of your digital product and identify areas that do not meet accessibility standards. Automated tools can help, but manual audit and user testing are also essential. An accessibility audit may reveal that your website lacks sufficient color contrast or that images are missing alternative text descriptions.

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Improving design

To comply with the EAA, products and services must meet four fundamental accessibility principles:

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1. Perceivable

Information and user interfaces must be presented in ways that users can perceive. This includes text alternatives for non-text content, alternatives for audio and video content, adaptive design that allows different display methods, sufficient color contrast.

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2. Operable

User interfaces and navigation must be functional regardless of the interaction method. Full functionality must be available via keyboard. User shall have sufficient time to read and complete actions. Navigation and page orientation must be clear. Other input methods beyond the keyboard must be supported.

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3. Understandable

Information and interface controls must be easy to comprehend with readable and clear text, predictable functionality and assistance with data entry and error prevention.

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4. Robust

Content must be robust enough to be reliably interpreted by a wide range of user applications and assistive technologies. Shall be compatible with current and future technologies and shall have proper semantic structure and coding.

Example: If you run an e-shop, ensure that buttons like “Add to Cart” have clear descriptions for screen readers. For product details, don’t rely on images alone—add alt text to describe what users see.

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User testing

Engage users with disabilities in testing. Their feedback will provide valuable insights into how your product performs in real-world conditions. Regular testing and updates will ensure long-term compliance.

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Team training

Your team should be educated on best practices for web accessibility. This should not be a one-time training session but an integral part of your company culture so that everyone understands how to contribute to creating an inclusive digital environment.

Example: Retail employees should be trained to assist customers with disabilities in using accessible features. If your fashion store has a self-service kiosk, staff should know how to guide visually impaired customers through audio-supported options.

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Regular reviews

Accessibility is not a one-time task. Conduct regular audits and updates to ensure your product remains compliant even after minor changes.

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How does accessibility benefit different users?

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Accessibility in digital products and services can significantly enhance the user experience for a wide range of users—not just those with disabilities.

Below are some examples of how accessibility helps different groups and the benefits it provides.

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People with disabilities

such as

▪️Visually impaired users: Accessible websites allow for screen reader use, alternative text descriptions for images, and voice commands. For example, a visually impaired user can independently complete an online purchase thanks to well-structured forms and descriptions.

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▪️Hearing-impaired users: Video tutorials and presentations with subtitles ensure full content comprehension.

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▪️People with motor impairments: Keyboard navigation instead of a mouse makes web navigation easier.

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▪️Cognitive disabilities: Simple language, a clear structure, and visual aids like icons enhance content comprehension.

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Older adults

As people age, they often face vision, hearing, or mobility challenges. Accessible features such as larger fonts, high color contrast, and easy navigation allow them to remain active users of digital services.

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Temporarily disabled users

People with a broken arm, parents holding a child, or individuals in a noisy environment benefit from features like voice control, keyboard navigation, and subtitles.

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General users

Accessibility improves overall website usability for everyone. Features like better content structure, faster page loading, and intuitive navigation benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.

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Future users with potential impairments

Anyone may experience some form of impairment in the future due to injury or aging. Accessible products are therefore an investment in long-term usability.

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Why invest in accessibility?

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Expanding customer base and reach

Accessibility opens the door to millions of new customers and a broader audience—over 20% of the EU population lives with some form of disability.

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Improved SEO and traffic

Websites optimized for accessibility often rank higher in search engines.

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Higher conversions

Better usability leads to higher customer satisfaction and more purchases.

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Reduced legal risks

Avoid fines and lawsuits related to non-compliance.

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Stronger brand reputation

‍An inclusive approach promotes corporate social responsibility and builds trust with customers.

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Businesses that fail to comply with the EAA may face significant fines. Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation and limit access to customers with disabilities.

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How we can help?

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At Quanti, we focus on ensuring that our products are not only technically perfect but also truly usable for all users, including those with disabilities.

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We can help you:

✔️ Conduct an audit of your digital products.

✔️ Design solutions based on WCAG standards.

✔️ Test products with real users.

✔️ Train your team in accessibility best practices.

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EAA 2025 is not just about legal compliance—it is an opportunity to create a better digital world for everyone. Accessibility is neither complicated nor boring. It is a path to innovation and a superior user experience.

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If you're unsure where to start, get in touch—we're happy to help!

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