Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) – European Union
Overview
The Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive is a European Union (EU) law that ensures websites and mobile apps from public sector organizations are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The goal is to make digital services easier to use for individuals with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
1. Accessible Websites & Apps – Public sector websites and mobile apps must follow accessibility standards, such as providing text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, and readable content.
2. Accessibility Statements – Organizations must publish an accessibility statement explaining how accessible their website or app is and how to report any issues.
3. Feedback Mechanism – Users must be able to report accessibility problems, and the organization must respond within a reasonable time.
4. Regular Checks – Public sector bodies must monitor and improve accessibility over time.
Important Dates
- September 23, 2018 – Deadline for new public sector websites to comply.
- September 23, 2019 – Deadline for existing public sector websites to comply.
- June 23, 2021 – Deadline for public sector mobile apps to comply.
This explanation is based on the official Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive (2016/2102). For full details, refer to the original document here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2016/2102/oj