European Accessibility Act Enters into Force

The entry into force of the European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882) marks an important step towards achieving a truly accessible Europe. As of 28 June, the emergency number 112, banks, public transport and other products and services must be accessible to the more than 440 million European citizens, especially the 100 million people with disabilities living in the EU.

The 112 number should enable people with communication difficulties to access emergency services using voice, text or video in real time and from anywhere in Europe.

ATMs must include accessible, multi-sensory interfaces so that people with vision impairments can access banking services. They must also comply with certain height requirements to facilitate their use by wheelchair users and people of small stature. The online operations associated with the management of financial services must also be accessible, as well as the contracts linked to the contracting of services.

Public transport systems operators will have to report on the accessibility of stations and their services. Websites or mobile applications that provide information on transport services, such as timetables or ticket purchase, and information screens at stations, must comply with the accessibility requirements established by law.

The legislation also includes mandatory accessibility requirements for computers, smartphones, e-commerce platforms, televisions, digital books and audio and video playback systems, among other products and services.

The Act also requires mandatory training in disability and accessibility for service providers.

On the occasion of the full entry into force of the EAA, AccessibleEU is holding a series of events in Brussels on 1 and 3 July to highlight its impact on the daily lives of European citizens and to make visible the efforts to ensure a uniform application of the legislation in all EU countries. Both events are designed to be attended both in person and online.