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ARTICLE · 07 MARCH 2025

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Accessibility Directive Overview And Compliance

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

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Is your business ready for the EU's new Accessibility Directive, which is effective from 28 June 2025?

European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
James Gill
James Gill
Helen Hart
Helen Hart
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Is your business ready for the EU's new Accessibility Directive, which is effective from 28 June 2025?

The Directive requires that products and services must be accessible to individuals with disabilities – this is broad and covers those who

"have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others"

The requirements apply to a wide range of products put on the EU market by importers, manufacturers and distributors and to services provided to consumers in the EU from 28 June. The EU Accessibility Directive was introduced to address the need for equal access and inclusion for people with disabilities, leverage technological advancements, harmonise accessibility standards, and respond to demographic changes (the EU, like the UK, has an ageing population, which can result in more disability).

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