European Accessibility Act: Guide for Schools & Universities

Accessibility in education has always been a cornerstone of fairness, but in today’s increasingly digital learning environment, it is more important than ever.

The European Union has recognised this with the introduction of the European Accessibility Act, which aims to break down barriers for people with disabilities across all sectors, including education.

For schools and universities, this means not only legal obligations but also the opportunity to create inclusive environments where every student can thrive.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what the European Accessibility Act means for educational institutions, what changes they need to prepare for, and how they can use this legislation as a springboard for positive transformation.

What Is the European Accessibility Act?

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The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is EU legislation designed to improve the accessibility of products and services across the single market. It covers a wide range of areas, from banking services to e-commerce and transport. Importantly, it also extends to digital education services, requiring schools and universities to ensure that their platforms, content, and systems are accessible to all.

The Act aims to harmonise accessibility standards across Europe, reducing barriers for people with disabilities and ensuring consistent rights regardless of where someone lives. According to the European Commission, the EAA also seeks to encourage innovation by standardising requirements and ensuring inclusivity becomes a core consideration in product and service design.

Why It Matters for Education

In education, accessibility is about more than ramps and lifts—it’s about digital inclusivity. With the rise of online learning platforms, e-libraries, and virtual classrooms, students with disabilities need the same level of access as their peers. The EAA ensures that schools and universities take responsibility for delivering accessible educational experiences.

The Act is particularly relevant as universities and schools increasingly adopt digital tools for teaching, assessment, and administration. Without proper accessibility measures, students risk being excluded from vital resources and opportunities.

Key Areas Schools and Universities Must Address

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1. Accessible Digital Platforms

Learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas must be designed to accommodate students with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments. This could mean integrating screen-reader compatibility, captioning video lectures, or ensuring that navigation is straightforward and keyboard-accessible.

2. Course Materials

Digital textbooks, lecture slides, and online assessments must meet accessibility standards. This includes providing alternative text for images, using high-contrast formats, and ensuring that materials can be adapted into different formats for assistive technologies.

3. Communication Tools

With communication increasingly reliant on email, chat platforms, and video conferencing, schools and universities must ensure that these tools are accessible. This may involve captioning, sign language interpretation, or providing transcripts for recorded sessions.

4. Procurement of Services

When educational institutions purchase new technology, they will need to ensure that vendors comply with EAA standards. This adds a new layer of responsibility in procurement, requiring accessibility to be part of purchasing decisions.

5. Training for Staff

Accessibility is not just a technical requirement—it is a cultural one. Staff need training to understand accessibility best practices, from designing inclusive course materials to communicating effectively with students who have diverse needs.

Challenges for Educational Institutions

While the EAA represents progress, it also brings challenges. Many schools and universities operate on tight budgets, and retrofitting old systems or investing in new accessible technologies may seem daunting. There is also the issue of awareness—staff may not fully understand what accessibility entails in a digital context.

However, non-compliance is not an option. Failing to meet accessibility standards can lead to legal consequences, reputational damage, and most importantly, the exclusion of students who deserve equal opportunities.

Benefits of Embracing Accessibility

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Rather than viewing accessibility as a burden, schools and universities can see it as an opportunity. Accessible learning environments benefit all students, not just those with disabilities. Features like captions, transcripts, and flexible formats often improve learning outcomes for everyone.

Moreover, by prioritising accessibility, institutions demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusivity. This can enhance their reputation, attract a broader student base, and position them as leaders in progressive education.

Preparing for Compliance

Schools and universities should start preparing now for the EAA’s requirements. Key steps include:

Auditing current systems: Identify which platforms and materials fall short of accessibility standards.
Engaging stakeholders: Work with students, staff, and accessibility experts to understand needs and priorities.
Updating procurement policies: Ensure that accessibility is a requirement in purchasing decisions.
Investing in training: Provide staff with resources and workshops on digital accessibility.
Monitoring progress: Create accountability structures to ensure compliance is ongoing, not one-off.

The UK Perspective

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Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, the EAA will still have relevance for British universities and schools working with European students or collaborating with EU partners. Furthermore, the UK has its own accessibility legislation, such as the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018, which requires public sector websites and apps to meet accessibility standards.

UK-based institutions must therefore remain aligned with EU developments while ensuring compliance with domestic regulations. According to the UK Government’s accessibility guidance, organisations must already meet specific accessibility standards and publish accessibility statements.

Case Study: Accessibility in Action

Some universities are already leading the way in accessibility. For example, by ensuring lecture recordings are captioned, course websites meet international standards, and libraries provide digital resources in multiple formats, these institutions demonstrate how accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into everyday operations.

These efforts not only help disabled students but also provide benefits for international students, those studying part-time, and anyone who prefers flexible learning resources.

Looking Ahead

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The European Accessibility Act represents a shift towards inclusivity that will shape education for years to come. Schools and universities that act now will not only meet their legal obligations but also set themselves apart as institutions that genuinely value equality and diversity.

Accessibility is not about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a culture where every student can succeed. By embracing the EAA, educational institutions can ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Turning Obligation Into Opportunity

The European Accessibility Act is more than just a regulation—it’s a chance for schools and universities to rethink how they deliver education. By focusing on digital inclusivity, institutions can transform challenges into opportunities, improving outcomes for all students.

In the years ahead, accessibility will no longer be an optional extra—it will be a defining feature of world-class education. By preparing now, schools and universities can ensure that they are ready for this new era.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your institution’s circumstances, consult a qualified legal professional with expertise in education and accessibility law.

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Shirley Owen: Shirley Owen is a blogger and writer who enjoys writing blogs on education, technology and general news. An avid reader, she follows all the latest news & developments to report on them through her articles.