VILT Deadline Approaches: Are You Ready for the European Accessibility Act?

The clock is ticking for businesses operating within the European Union. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities, is rapidly approaching its enforcement deadlines. For many, the implications of VILT (accessibility compliance for ICT products and services), a key component of the EAA, are still unclear. This article will shed light on the key aspects of the EAA, focusing on the VILT requirements and what businesses need to do to ensure compliance before the deadlines hit. Ignoring this legislation could result in significant fines and reputational damage.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The EAA is a groundbreaking piece of EU legislation aiming to create a truly accessible digital single market. It mandates accessibility standards for a wide range of products and services, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to goods, services, and information. This goes far beyond website accessibility; it encompasses everything from ATMs and e-readers to software and online banking platforms.

Key Areas Covered by the EAA:

• ICT products and services (VILT): This is a crucial area, focusing on the accessibility of software, websites, mobile apps, and other digital technologies. This is where the majority of businesses will need to focus their efforts.
• Public procurement: The EAA mandates accessibility considerations in public procurement processes, ensuring that public bodies only acquire accessible products and services.
• Transportation: Improved accessibility in transportation, including trains, buses, and airports, is another key objective.
• Financial services: Financial institutions must make their services more accessible to people with disabilities.

VILT: The Heart of the EAA for Businesses

VILT, or the accessibility requirements for ICT products and services, is perhaps the most impactful aspect of the EAA for many businesses. It mandates that products and services meet specific accessibility standards, ensuring they are usable by people with a wide range of disabilities, including:

• Visual impairments: Proper use of alt text for images, sufficient color contrast, and keyboard navigation are essential.
• Auditory impairments: Providing captions and transcripts for audio content is crucial.
• Motor impairments: Ensuring products are usable with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and switch controls, is paramount.
• Cognitive impairments: Simple and intuitive design, clear and concise language, and avoidance of confusing information are key considerations.

These requirements are largely based on the EN 301 549 standard, harmonizing accessibility regulations across the EU.

Understanding EN 301 549: The Technical Standard

EN 301 549 is the technical standard that defines the specific accessibility requirements for ICT products and services under the EAA. It's crucial to understand this standard to ensure compliance. Key aspects include:

• WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): Many provisions align with WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria, a widely adopted set of guidelines for web accessibility.
• Specific requirements for different types of ICT: The standard outlines specific requirements for different ICT products and services, such as software, websites, and mobile apps.
• Conformance levels: Businesses need to understand the different conformance levels (A, AA, AAA) to determine the level of accessibility they need to achieve.

The Approaching Deadlines: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

The EAA's deadlines are staggered, meaning different types of products and services have different compliance dates. Failure to comply by the relevant deadline can result in substantial fines. This creates an urgent need for businesses to assess their compliance status immediately. The lack of clear communication about these deadlines has left many companies scrambling to catch up.

Key deadlines to be aware of include (Always check the official EU website for the most up-to-date information):

• Specific product and service deadlines: These vary depending on the type of product or service being offered.
• Public sector procurement deadlines: Public bodies have their own deadlines for ensuring accessibility in procurement.

How to Achieve VILT Compliance

Achieving VILT compliance requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Accessibility audit: Conduct a thorough audit of your existing ICT products and services to identify areas needing improvement.
• Remediation: Implement necessary changes to bring your products and services into compliance with EN 301 549.
• Accessibility testing: Thoroughly test your products and services to ensure they meet the required accessibility standards. User testing with people with disabilities is highly recommended.
• Ongoing monitoring: Maintain ongoing monitoring and testing to ensure continued compliance.

Employing experienced accessibility consultants can significantly assist in navigating the complexities of VILT compliance and avoiding potential pitfalls.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Beyond legal compliance, making your products and services accessible is good business practice. It expands your potential customer base, enhances brand reputation, and improves user experience for everyone.

Conclusion: Act Now!

The European Accessibility Act and its VILT provisions are not just legal requirements; they represent a fundamental shift towards inclusivity and equal access. The deadlines are approaching rapidly, and businesses need to act now to ensure compliance. Proactive planning, thorough auditing, and professional assistance can help you navigate the process effectively and avoid potentially costly consequences. Don't wait until it's too late; start your VILT compliance journey today.