Is Your Association Ready for the European Accessibility Act?
As the June 28, 2025, compliance deadline for the European Accessibility Act (EAA) arrives, many associations—especially those headquartered in the U.S. but serving global audiences—are grappling with an urgent question:
Does this apply to us?
If your association delivers digital content, event registration, e-learning modules, or member resources that are accessed by people in the European Union, then the answer is likely yes.
Here’s what you need to know—and more importantly, what you need to do right now.
The EAA at a Glance
The European Accessibility Act is an EU-wide law designed to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. While similar in spirit to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the EAA goes further by targeting private-sector offerings—especially consumer-facing services.
All 27 EU member states were required to adopt the EAA into national law by 2023, and enforcement begins June 28, 2025. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, service suspensions, product withdrawal, and reputational harm.
But the most important takeaway for association professionals is this:
You don’t have to be headquartered in the EU to fall under the EAA—if your digital services reach EU residents, you may be required to comply.
Does the EAA Apply to Your Association?
If your association offers any of the following services to international members or site visitors, take note:
Virtual learning modules, webinars, or e-courses
Downloadable PDFs, e-books, or member-exclusive reports
Event registration platforms for global conferences
Mobile apps or digital publications
Online directories, mentoring portals, or resource hubs
Even if your site isn’t targeted to the EU, but EU residents can access it, you’re potentially offering a “covered service” under the EAA.
Key Indicators of EAA Applicability:
Traffic from EU member states
International membership (including European chapters or delegates)
Conference attendance or exhibitors from the EU
Digital products or services sold to consumers in the EU
Next Steps for Association Professionals
1. Identify Your Exposure
Begin by reviewing your analytics and membership data. Are EU-based users signing up for webinars? Are your PDFs or LMS platforms available globally?
If the answer is yes—even for a portion of your offerings—you’re exposed to EAA expectations.
2. Audit Your Digital Inventory
Make a list of all digital touchpoints:
Public website
Members-only content
Event registration systems
PDFs, video archives, or courseware
Mobile apps and microsites
Each of these must be reviewed for compliance with EN 301 549 (the EU’s harmonized standard for accessibility), which references WCAG 2.1 Level AA as its baseline.
3. Address Core Accessibility Issues
Focus on the essentials:
Ensure alt text is provided for all meaningful images
Enable keyboard-only navigation
Confirm compatibility with screen readers
Caption all video content
Structure documents and PDFs with correct tagging
Provide transcripts for audio materials
4. Publish an Accessibility Statement
Your accessibility statement should include:
A commitment to accessibility
The standards you adhere to (e.g., WCAG 2.1, EN 301 549)
Known limitations and improvement plans
Contact details for accessibility feedback
This not only meets compliance but shows transparency and accountability—qualities members value deeply.
5. Implement Continuous Monitoring
Accessibility isn’t a one-time project. Ongoing compliance requires:
Automated testing tools
Manual audits (especially for complex sites or dynamic content)
Accessibility training for content creators and developers
Feedback mechanisms for users to report issues
Final Note: Don’t Wait
With enforcement just days away, waiting is no longer an option. Fortunately, accessibility improvements don’t just help you meet legal requirements—they help you reach more people, more effectively.
Accessible design supports:
Higher engagement across generations
Stronger SEO performance
Enhanced mobile usability
Greater member retention
Increased sponsorship and event ROI
Inclusion is not a cost—it’s a catalyst. Don’t wait. Start now.
J. Mark Wallach CEO Emeritus, Engagement Mobile Strategies Mark leads accessibility and digital engagement strategy for associations and member-driven organizations. A frequent speaker and advocate for inclusive design, Mark has helped dozens of associations meet compliance standards, modernize member experiences, and build long-term revenue through mobile strategy, accessibility, and integrated technologies.
