The European Accessibility Act is here: What is it and What do I do Now?
The WAM programme at AHEAD hosted a webinar aimed at current WAM employers and potential WAM employers.
When: Thursday June 26th, 2025 from 10.00am – 12.00pm
What: Webinar delivered by Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) at the National Disability Authority in collaboration with AHEAD’s WAM Programme and AccessibleEU explored the European Accessibility Act (EAA) – what it is, why it matters and what actions are required.
Event Information
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into effect on 28th June 2025 requiring a wide range of products and services including websites, mobile apps, ticketing machines, e-commerce platforms, and more to meet specific accessibility standards. The webinar:
- Brought diverse stakeholders together to share perspectives on the EAA.
- Highlighted the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and show how the EAA will help to overcome them.
- Showcased information and guidance which is available to help understand the EAA, including its accessibility requirements.
The session was hosted by Donal Fitzpatrick from (CEUD) and opened by Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, the main architect behind this ground-breaking piece of legislation and there is input from Irish government officials, regulators, and a User Experience Panel who all offered differing perspectives on the EAA.
About the Organisers
The Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme is the transition to employment initiative of AHEAD. It offers graduates with disabilities the benefit of a 6-month minimum fully paid and mentored work placement with high profile employers. WAM was established in 2005 and, to date, have placed over 770 graduates with both private and public sector employers.
The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) is dedicated to enabling the design of environments that can be accessed, understood and used regardless of a person's age, size, ability or disability. They work to develop guidelines based on international best practice and contribute to National and European standards as well as highlighting good practice in relation to Universal Design. This provides stakeholders with practical and easy to use information and advice on how to ensure society is as inclusive as possible. They are a part of the National Disability Authority (NDA), the independent statutory body, providing evidence-based advice and research to Government on disability policy and practice and promoting Universal Design.
