EN 301 549 is a European standard that specifies accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services. Originally developed to guide public procurement of accessible ICT, it has evolved to support broader legislative frameworks like the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
The forthcoming version, EN 301 549 v4.1.1, is expected to introduce significant changes that businesses must understand to ensure compliance and promote inclusivity.
Expected changes in EN 301 549 v4.1.1
EN 301 549 is broadly inspired by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Many of their features are similar, like keyboard accessibility, text alternatives, and device friendliness. However, they also have some dissimilarities. For instance, WCAG doesn’t mention the requirement of a biological data scan, whereas EN 301 549 requires facial recognition or fingerprint scans of people with disabilities to access their digital accounts.
Moreover, WCAG aims to make web content accessible for all, on the other hand, EN 301 549 addresses ICT accessibility requirements. For example, hardware and software used by businesses, non-web documents, telecommunication, etc. ought to be accessible.
However, it is anticipated that EN 301 549 v4.1.1 will be releasing with some major changes:
- Incorporation of the latest WCAG 2.2 standards
The upcoming version might shift its guidelines from WCAG 2.1 to WCAG 2.2. The update will focus to include additional success criteria for users with cognitive and learning disabilities to enhance user experience for them. Therefore, businesses must get familiarize with these new standards.
- Requirements for Real-Time Text (RTT)
EN 301 549 v4.1.1 might emphasize RTT functionalities, ensuring that communication services support real-time text to aid users with hearing or speech impairments. This change will necessitate for businesses to offer communication services integrated with RTT features into their platforms.
- Alignment with the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The upcoming revision will align the standard more closely with the EAA, which mandates accessibility across various products and services by June 28, 2025. This harmonization means that adherence to EN 301 549 v4.1.1 will serve as a presumption of conformity with the EAA, simplifying compliance processes for businesses.
Importance of the forthcoming update for businesses!
- Legal compliance
With the EAA enforcement date approaching, businesses operating within the EU must ensure their ICT products and services comply with the updated accessibility requirements to avoid legal penalties and potential exclusion from the market.
- Market expansion
By adopting enhanced accessibility standards, businesses can cater to a broader audience, including the estimated 135 million people with disabilities in Europe, thereby tapping into an underserved market segment.
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Embracing accessibility demonstrates a company’s commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, enhancing brand reputation and fostering customer loyalty.
Proactive measures can be taken to prepare for EN 301 549 v4.1.1!
- Conduct comprehensive audits
Evaluate existing ICT products and services against the existing latest EN 301 549 standards and understand WCAG 2.2 criteria to identify areas requiring improvement.
- Implement necessary updates
If a digital asset is lacking conformance with EN 301 549 current version, address identified gaps to ensure the platform is ready for upcoming version.
- Provide training
Educate development and design teams on the updated accessibility requirements to ensure ongoing compliance in future projects.
- Engage in continuous monitoring
Establish regular review processes to maintain accessibility standards, considering that accessibility is an uninterrupted commitment rather than a one-time effort. Also, keep an eye on forthcoming update’s documentation to stay ahead of the competition.
In a nutshell,
By proactively taking steps to the expected changes in EN 301 549 v4.1.1, businesses will not only ensure compliance but also contribute to a more inclusive digital environment, benefiting both the organization and its diverse user base.
Ensuring compliance with EN 301 549 v4.1.1 is crucial for businesses aiming to meet European accessibility standards. At Skynet Technologies, we offer expert website accessibility remediation services to help you identify and resolve compliance gaps efficiently. Our tailored solutions start from WCAG accessibility audit, remediation, document accessibility remediation, to ongoing monitoring, integrated support, and VPAT, ACR for enhancing digital inclusivity, minimizing legal risks, and improving user experience for everyone. Stay ahead of evolving regulations—reach out [email protected] for more information.
