By proactively addressing the steps below, Portuguese SMEs can effectively prepare for the European Accessibility Act, foster a more inclusive business environment, and ensure compliance by the June 2025 deadline. Please follow this practical checklist to meet all EAA requirements:
Phase 1: Understanding and Assessment (Now – July 2024)
- Educate Yourself:
- Familiarize yourself with the EAA directive and monitor the publication of Portugal’s national implementing legislation
- Utilize resources like EAA FAQs
- Utilize resources like EDF’s AccessibleEU Centre
- Identify applicable products and services that fall under the scope of the EAA.
- Consult your legal team to understand the specific implications of the EAA for your business in Portugal.
- Initial Accessibility Audit: Conduct a preliminary assessment of the accessibility of your websites, mobile apps, digital documents, physical spaces, and products. Consider using a free website risk assessment tool.
Phase 2: Planning and Implementation (August 2024 – March 2025)
- Develop an Accessibility Plan: Based on your audit, create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to achieve compliance. Prioritize areas requiring the most significant changes.
- Digital Accessibility Improvements:
- Ensure your website and web applications conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
- Make mobile applications accessible.
- Ensure electronic documents like PDFs are accessible.
- Review and improve the accessibility of your e-commerce platforms.
- Physical Accessibility Improvements (if applicable): Assess and address barriers in physical spaces related to service delivery, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Product Accessibility Improvements (if applicable): Review the design and functionality of your products to meet accessibility requirements.
- Accessibility Training: Implement training programs for your employees to raise awareness about accessibility and equip them with the skills to create and maintain accessible products and services.
- Establish Monitoring Processes: Develop procedures for regularly checking and maintaining the accessibility of your products and services.
Phase 3: Documentation and Ongoing Compliance (April 2025 – June 2025 and beyond)
- Create an Accessibility Statement: Develop a clear, comprehensive accessibility statement for your website and other relevant platforms. It should include:
- Information about the functionality of your products/services.
- Documentation of technical accessibility specifications and design processes.
- A description of how your products/services meet the EAA’s accessibility requirements.
- Information on Portuguese enforcement authorities where users can file accessibility complaints (Gov.PT & INR.PT).
- Update Processes: Adapt your internal processes to ensure that all new products and services created after June 2025 are compliant with the EAA.
- Review Packaging and Labelling: Ensure product packaging and labelling provide necessary accessibility information.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Improvement: Continuously monitor the accessibility of your products and services and make necessary improvements based on user feedback and evolving standards.
C-NAPSE is here to support you in this crucial transition towards a more accessible future. Contact us at [email protected] for more information. Be sure to look out for our next article addressing the AI Act! Access the guide here: Accessibility Checklist for SMEs.docx