Today, we issued a press release on the looming European Accessibility Act deadline that was featured in The Irish Times , The Irish Independent and RTE. The press release can be found below.
Businesses are at risk of legal action from users as the June 28 deadline to meet the European Accessibility Act (EAA) fast approaches according to Irish tech company, the UX Design Institute.
The Act aims to ensure digital equality across the EU by requiring websites, apps and digital services to meet certain accessibility standards, particularly for the 22% of the population living with a disability.
As the deadline looms, the Dublin-based company warns that many businesses remain unaware of the serious consequences of non-compliance, including the risk for potential legal claims from individual users against non-compliant businesses in Irish courts.
A recent survey by Mason Hayes and Curran found that 58% of Irish businesses are not confident they understand the Act’s requirements, and 42% lack the expertise to make the necessary changes.
The EAA applies to a wide range of industries – from e-commerce and banking to transport and media – and covers all companies operating within the EU regardless of location.
“The requirements are not just technical features—they’re essential for enabling independent access to digital services,” said Rachael Joyce, Head of Product and Research at the UX Design Institute, which is helping businesses prepare with a new Designing for Accessibility course.
“In Ireland, enforcement is particularly robust: not only can users initiate legal proceedings, but groups who advocate for accessibility can also back these cases.
“Complying with the Act means designing digital products that work for a wide range of physical and cognitive needs. For example, websites should support screen readers for users who are visually impaired, offer keyboard navigation for people who cannot use a mouse due to mobility issues and include text alternatives to describe images for users who cannot see them.”
Ireland’s enforcement framework is among the strictest in the EU, with serious or repeated breaches potentially carrying criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to 18 months.
While compliance may seem like an operational burden, Joyce stresses that accessibility should be viewed as a fundamental responsibility.
“Accessibility isn’t about ticking boxes to avoid fines – it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate the digital world without barriers. It’s something that will affect all of us at some point in our lives, whether due to disability, temporary injury, or age-related changes.”
She adds that a lack of understanding around accessibility standards is leaving businesses overwhelmed. “The guidelines can seem complex, and many organisations don’t know where to start. The key is taking proactive steps now rather than waiting until legal action or enforcement catches up.”
To help businesses and professionals bridge this gap, the UX Design Institute has launched a Professional Certificate in Designing for Accessibility. The 12-hour online course provides practical, expert-led training for product teams, developers, and business leaders who need to comply with accessibility standards. Rather than relying on superficial fixes, the programme goes beyond the basics and focuses on embedding accessibility into the design process from the outset, ensuring long-term, sustainable compliance.
“This self-paced course is designed to provide a clear roadmap for businesses who may not have the time or expertise to navigate accessibility requirements on their own,” Joyce explained. “With the deadline fast approaching, companies that take steps now will be in a far stronger position to meet their obligations and do the right thing for users.”
For more information on accessibility compliance and training, you can visit: https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/courses/designing-for-accessibility.
