Accessibility Audits: Preparing for the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) set to come into force on 28 June 2025, organisations in Ireland must ensure that their digital services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

For public sector and not-for-profit teams, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. And the best place to start? An accessibility audit.

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA is an EU directive that aims to improve the accessibility of key products and services across member states. It applies to websites, mobile apps, digital documents, e-commerce, banking, transport, and more.

While public sector websites have already been subject to accessibility regulations under the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the EAA will expand obligations to include private providers and introduce stronger enforcement and fines for non-compliance.

If your organisation provides digital services to the public, now is the time to act.

Why Accessibility Audits Matter

An accessibility audit helps you understand how well your digital platforms meet the needs of users with disabilities. It typically involves a mix of automated testing and manual checks, including screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, and more.

At Path, our audits go beyond checklists. We combine technical reviews with user-centred design expertise and real-world context to help you:

• Identify accessibility issues across websites, apps, and documents
• Prioritise improvements based on user impact
• Align with WCAG 2.1 standards
• Build a roadmap toward EAA compliance

Who Needs to Prepare for the EAA?

While the EAA applies broadly, these organisations should pay particular attention:

• Public bodies and state agencies
• Not-for-profit service providers
• Educational institutions
• Transport, banking, and e-commerce providers
• Any organisation offering services to the general public

Even if your organisation isn’t yet legally required to comply, preparing now puts you ahead and ensures your services are inclusive by design.

How to Get Started

1. Audit your existing digital services, including websites, apps, PDFs, digital newsletters, intranets, and online platforms.
2. Prioritise fixes that impact usability and legal compliance.
3. Publish and accessibility statement outlining the current accessibility status of your digital services
4. Training your communications and web teams to understand and follow accessibility best practice.
5. Embed accessibility into your design, development, and procurement processes going forward.

Need support? Our team can guide you through the process, from audits and user research to training and strategic planning.

How we can help

The European Accessibility Act is a major step forward for digital inclusion. But compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it is about creating better experiences for everyone.

Talk to us about running an accessibility audit and building a clear, sustainable path to EAA readiness.

Contact hello@path or book an initial conversation with us.