Today marks the deadline for Member States to transpose the European Accessibility Act into national law. The Act delivers on the EU’s commitment to break down barriers for persons with disabilities, one of its obligations as Party to the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Act ensures that everyone has access to a range of everyday products and services, including public transport, banking services, computers, TV, e-books, and online shopping. To comply with the accessibility requirements, ATMs for example could be equipped with visual and audible signals that indicate where to insert your bank card, or where the cash comes out.
Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, said:
“The achievement of the European Accessibility Act is a milestone of the Union of Equality agenda. Everyday products and services must be accessible for all. These new rules will make life easier for at least 87 million people – almost one in five Europeans – who have disabilities, including many older people, as well as for those who have a temporary impairment. I therefore call on EU Member States to work with companies and stakeholders to ensure the European Accessibility Act is properly implemented.”
Implementation of the Accessibility Act contributes to the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 and the Act foresees actions to support full participation of persons with disabilities in its implementation. Companies will now have three years to make their services and products comply with the common EU accessibility requirements. This will drive innovation, ensure common standards across the EU internal market, and in turn, benefit consumers who will benefit from a wider and more inclusive offer at competitive prices.
More information can be found in the online Q&A.
Détails
- Date de publication
- 28 juin 2022
- Auteur
- Représentation au Luxembourg