WE DEFINE A WEBSITE'S ACCESSIBILITY
According to AGID (the agency for digital Italy) “accessibility means the ability of computer systems to provide services and provide usable information, without discrimination. Also by those who, due to disability, require assistive technologies or particular configurations" (https://www.agid.gov.it/it/design-servizi/accessibilita). A very important issue for companies that own a website, an App or software applications: accessibility means quality and profit in terms of users.
DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS FOR MINORITY USERS
Between rules relating to discrimination the digital one is also part of it. They concern those small technical specifications that we find on technological devices such as the signs on the letters F and J of the computer keyboard, the prolonged pressure of the number 5 key on the ATM keyboard (useful for the visually impaired) or if we insert the headset into the audio jack, the audio support. Useful for increasing the usability of digital services by those with disabilities but also by those with unrecognized physical minorities. Not only that, even for those who belong to the boomer generation forced, today, to take advantage of new technologies for some banking and administrative operations.
Technological tools are present in any operation or daily activity and that is why they must be accessible to everyone.
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY NOT ONLY FOR THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The European Accessibility Act (European accessibility act) is a directive aimed at eliminating the barriers created by divergent standards in the Member States. For this change, companies will benefit from common standards, products accessible to more users and new jobs that will require ever more digital accessibility skills and experience.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The Commission has established that the products and services that must be digitally accessible and therefore compliant with European standards are e-commerce, smartphones, computers, telephone services, banking services, e-books, apps, applications, software, management and interfaces .
IMPORTANT DATES FOR ALL COMPANIES PRESENT ONLINE
The European accessibility act established that from 28 June 2025 only accessible digital products and services can be placed on the market. How? The delivery of the finished product will be established on the contract together with your service provider compliant with regulations of accessibility thanks to developer analysis and verification tools. With a time frame of 5 years for the adaptation of existing websites. While, for companies that have a turnover of more than 500 million euros (in the three-year period) the legislation has already been in place since 3 May 2022.
From November, on the other hand, they will have to bring all existing internal digital tools at their disposal into compliance.
SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
The date of June 28, 2025 does not apply to micro enterprises which at the moment are not obliged to comply with the law but will still be subject to sanctions when there is a dispute about the lack of accessibility by a user.
ADVISE
Complying with European legislation is beneficial for all businesses.