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Accessibility of events: from law to practice (EAA, EU)

26 July 2025
Inclusive art gallery with diverse visitors, including a person using a wheelchair, a blind man with sunglasses and cane, a deaf person using sign language, and children, all engaging with artworks enhanced by AR technology.

Accessibility isn’t an add‑on - it’s a duty and a proven way to grow audiences. From 28 June 2025, EU countries apply national laws implementing the European Accessibility Act - Directive (EU) 2019/882 (EAA). It covers consumer products and services, incl. e‑commerce, e‑banking, e‑books, platforms and mobile apps, ticketing systems, and self‑service terminals. New or substantially modified services after that date must be accessible; existing products/services generally have a transition period until 28 June 2030 (self‑service terminals may operate until end of economic life, max 20 years). Service micro‑enterprises may benefit from exemptions, but equal treatment and reasonable accommodation still apply. (EAA - 2019/882)

The EAA complements Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public‑sector websites and mobile apps, which references the harmonised standard EN 301 549 (implementing WCAG 2.1 AA). In Poland, this is aligned with the Act on Digital Accessibility of Public Entities and the Act on Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Special Needs. For event organisers this means ensuring accessibility of websites, registration/ticketing, PDFs, apps, as well as the venue and programme.

What to do in practice

1) Digital (must‑have): WCAG 2.1 AA, captions for video, alt text, sufficient contrast, keyboard navigation, accessible PDFs. A form to state access needs and a named accessibility contact. 2) Ticketing & payments: simple, barrier‑free flow (e.g., no CAPTCHA), a “carer goes free” option, accessible phone/email contact. 3) Space: step‑free routes or ramps, wide routes, wheelchair spaces, hearing loop, quiet room, clear signage incl. tactile. 4) Programme: live or post‑event captions, sign‑language interpretation where critical, audio description for visual content. 5) People: short training for staff/volunteers (communication, assistance, evacuation). 6) Feedback & evidence: a simple complaints/feedback form, a register of issues and fixes, and counting which adjustments participants used.

Helpful sources & checklists

Author’s view

The biggest risk isn’t technology - it’s postponing decisions. “We’ll add accessibility at the end” usually means higher cost and poorer results. Start by asking: who won’t come today, and why? Then co‑design with disabled people. You’ll cut legal risk, improve everyone’s experience and grow your audience.

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