Accessible documents: a priority with the force of law

On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force, a European directive that imposes legal obligations on the accessibility of digital products and services. Although it doesn't apply to all sectors, this legislation covers areas such as banking, transport, telecommunications, e-commerce, e-book readers, check-in kiosks and mobile websites and applications.

But digital accessibility goes far beyond legislation. Creating accessible documents is a gesture of social responsibility and a clear commitment to the quality of communication. People with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive disabilities - as well as temporarily limited or senior users - benefit from well-structured, contrasted, navigable and explanatory digital content. As a result, all users benefit.

The technical requirements defined by the EAA are aligned with the EN 301 549 standard, which in turn is based on the WCAG 2.1 guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These guidelines are organized into three levels: A (basic), AA (intermediate) and AAA (advanced). European legislation requires compliance with levels A and AA as a minimum.

The requirements include aspects such as:

• For level A, it is necessary to guarantee basic functionalities such as the existence of alternative text in images, coherent title structure, and keyboard-only navigation.
• At AA level, minimum contrast between text and background is required, subtitling of videos, accessible forms with clear labels and instructions, and responsive design adapted to various devices.
• The AAA level, although not required by law, represents the highest standard of accessibility, including even stronger contrast, audio description in videos, and simplified language, among other measures.

Practical document accessibility checklist

Accessibility is not just an obligation - it's an opportunity. Organizations that adopt these good practices anticipate regulation, promote inclusion, improve the user experience and strengthen their institutional reputation. And they do so with tools that are already at our fingertips: accessibility checkers, screen readers, and platforms for creating PDFs and digital content with support for WCAG standards (such as those we use to produce documents for Unicks).

Creating accessible documents is preparing for the future of communication, where no one is left behind.