Post-EAA: What Compliance Leaders Are Doing Next
When the European Accessibility Act (EAA) took effect, it signaled more than just a new regulatory checkpoint—it catalyzed a broader evolution in how businesses approach accessibility. Now, with the dust settling post-EAA deadline, compliance leaders are rethinking their strategies, turning mandatory compliance into long-term opportunity. The question has shifted from “Are we compliant?” to “What more can we do?”
In this post, we explore what forward-thinking compliance and accessibility leaders are prioritizing now that the EAA is in effect.
1. From Compliance to Culture: Expanding the Accessibility Mandate
Many organizations approached the EAA as a deadline-driven initiative, sprinting to meet minimum requirements. But post-EAA, the savviest leaders are shifting focus from tactical fixes to strategic transformation. They’re embedding accessibility into product design lifecycles, procurement policies, and employee onboarding processes.
This shift recognizes a truth accessibility experts have long known: accessibility isn't just a checkbox—it's a cultural commitment. By embedding accessibility from the ground up, organizations not only reduce legal risk but create more inclusive, resilient experiences for all users.
2. Strengthening Internal Governance Structures
Post-EAA, there’s renewed attention on governance. Leaders are:
Establishing centralized accessibility task forces or COEs (Centers of Excellence).
Assigning accessibility champions across departments to evangelize and ensure local accountability.
Formalizing policy frameworks that define roles, KPIs, and escalation paths for accessibility issues.
This structured approach ensures that accessibility is no longer siloed under legal or compliance—but shared across design, development, marketing, and support functions.
3. Investing in Continuous Monitoring and Real-World Testing
EAA compliance is not a one-and-done endeavor. Websites and apps evolve constantly, and so must your accessibility strategy.
Many organizations are now implementing:
Ongoing monitoring tools that flag accessibility regressions in staging and production environments.
Real-world testing programs that go beyond automated scans to include feedback from users with disabilities.
Integrations with CI/CD pipelines to catch accessibility violations early in the development process.
This combination of automation and human insight offers a more accurate and empathetic view of accessibility performance.
4. Auditing Third-Party Vendors and Procurement Chains
The EAA doesn’t just apply to your own products—it impacts your supply chain too. Smart compliance leaders are:
Reassessing third-party platforms, tools, and services for accessibility.
Updating RFP and vendor contracts to include WCAG 2.2 or EN 301 549 conformance as a baseline.
Requiring vendors to provide accessibility conformance reports (ACRs) or VPATs with regular updates.
This proactive approach minimizes downstream risk and helps avoid last-minute surprises during audits or renewals.
5. Shifting the Narrative to Brand Trust and Market Advantage
Post-EAA, compliance leaders are reframing accessibility from a legal necessity to a brand asset. Inclusive design speaks volumes about a company’s values and priorities—especially to Gen Z and Millennial consumers who are more likely to support brands that lead with purpose.
Brands that champion accessibility stand to gain:
Customer loyalty from broader, underserved audiences.
Reputation boosts from inclusive marketing and experiences.
Differentiation in competitive markets, especially in eCommerce, banking, and travel sectors where digital access is vital.
Forward-looking leaders are partnering with marketing and brand teams to highlight accessibility progress publicly and authentically.
6. Planning for the Next Wave of Global Regulation
While the EAA may be the current focal point, global regulation is gaining momentum. Leaders are preparing for:
The expansion of U.S. DOJ and ADA guidance.
Accessibility requirements in Canada’s ACA, the UK’s Equality Act, and Australia’s DDA.
Future iterations of WCAG and international standard harmonization.
By adopting accessibility-by-default strategies now, organizations can future-proof against evolving global mandates.
Final Thoughts: Accessibility as a Strategic Differentiator
The post-EAA era marks a transition from reactive compliance to proactive accessibility leadership. Compliance leaders are no longer just regulatory gatekeepers—they’re becoming champions of inclusive innovation.
Those who rise to this challenge will not only minimize legal exposure—they’ll earn the trust of users, build stronger digital experiences, and unlock new market opportunities. In a world where access is increasingly digital, inclusive design is no longer optional. It’s a competitive edge.
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