European Harmonized Standard for Digital Accessibility in Public and Private Sectors
EN 301 549 is the European harmonized standard for digital accessibility in the public and private sectors. It sets guidelines and requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services to make digital content accessible to people with disabilities. This critical standard covers various digital products and services, including websites, software apps, mobile apps, electronic documents, and more.
EN 301 549 is based on existing accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), cover text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, and design that supports device independence. EN 301 549 is also a standard required by the European Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Notably, there are substantial differences between EN 301 549 and WCAG. For example, EN 301 549 requires that people with disabilities have access to biological data scans like facial recognition or fingerprints. EN 301 549 also includes digital accessibility aspects that extend beyond WCAG, particularly regarding websites. While WCAG focuses on making web content accessible, EN 301 549 more broadly addresses ICT accessibility requirements.
The following website provisions demonstrate areas where EN 301 549 goes beyond WCAG:
Requirements for computers, mobile devices, operating systems, and web browsers can affect how end users access websites.
Standards for making telecommunications services accessible could impact websites offering communication features.
EN 301 549 has specific requirements for documents (like PDFs or office documents) and software used to access or interact with web content, beyond what WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 address.
EN 301 549 strongly emphasizes the need for websites to be compatible with standard assistive technologies, ensuring seamless use with screen readers, magnification software, and other assistive tools.
While WCAG includes principles related to website usability, EN 301 549 frames these within a broader context of user interface design and interaction, providing a more holistic view.
EN 301 549 adherence ties to legal and contractual obligations for entities within the European Union, particularly for public sector bodies, introducing additional compliance considerations beyond WCAG technical specifications.
In addition, EN 301 549 outlines various requirements that digital products and services must meet to be considered accessible. These requirements include but are not limited to:
Information and user interface features must be perceivable to users, regardless of their audiovisual and tactile abilities. Requirements include providing alternatives for non-textual content like images, videos, and audio.
Digital products should be operable through different input methods, including voice commands, keyboard navigation, and gestures. Users should be able to navigate and interact with the content without barriers.
Content and controls must be comprehensible to all users, regardless of their cognitive abilities or language proficiency. Clear instructions, error messages, and navigation mechanisms are essential for ensuring comprehension.
Digital products should be strong enough to withstand technological changes and adapt to different assistive technologies used by people with disabilities. This standard helps ensure that content stays accessible over time.
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the European Electrotechnical Committee for Standardization (CENELEC), and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) launched EN 301 549 in 2014. These official groups are responsible for producing and defining voluntary standards for the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
2014
Initial Launch
EN 301 549 standard introduced
2018
WCAG 2.1 AA Integration
Updated to use WCAG 2.1 AA standards
2021
Latest Update
Most recent revision
EN 301 549 has been updated four times, most recently in 2021, to support the European Directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies' websites and mobile applications (the Web Accessibility Directive - WAD). The 2018 update uses WCAG 2.1 AA standards for its foundational compliance.
Global Adoption: Twenty-eight European Union member states and other diplomatic organizations and countries, including the European Free Trade Union (EFTA) countries, Iceland, Norway, Turkey, and Australia, adopted EN 301 549. By embracing this standard, these countries simplify trade with the EU and make their products more accessible to everyone.
EN 301 549 revision V4.1.1 is slated for publication in 2025 to support the European Directive (EU)2019/882 concerning accessibility requirements for products and services (the European Accessibility Act).
EN 301 549 meets the public-sector requirements of the Web Accessibility Directive, which improves access to public-service websites and mobile applications for people with disabilities.
The European Accessibility Act uses EN 301 549 as its presumptive conformity standard. Therefore, EN 301 549 also adheres to the EAA, including its current and upcoming private-sector requirements.
EN 301 549 plays a crucial role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the digital landscape. Organizations that take the initiative to meet this standard make their digital products and services more accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Together, these standards and laws can create a more inclusive digital environment where everyone can fully participate and benefit from technology.
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