The digital world is evolving – and for trade associations, that means rethinking how you serve your members.
Enter the European Accessibility Act (EAA): a regulation with wide-reaching implications for how associations design and deliver digital experiences. But what does it all mean?
What is the EAA?
Think of the EAA as the EU’s way of saying, “Let’s make the digital world work for everyone.” It’s a directive designed to harmonise accessibility requirements across member states, ensuring that products and services are accessible to people with disabilities.
For trade associations, this is an opportunity to build more inclusive experiences that better serve all members – not just a legal box to tick.
Does this apply to me?
Short answer: probably. While the EAA is an EU directive, its reach extends beyond EU borders. If you’re a UK-based association, you’ll need to take note if you:
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Have members, partners, or operations in the EU
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Provide digital services to EU residents
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Plan to expand or collaborate across EU markets
Even if you’re solely UK-focused, aligning with accessibility standards is best practice, and supports compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
Key deadlines
There are two key dates to be aware of:
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June 28, 2025: All new products and services must comply.
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June 28, 2030: Existing products and services must comply.
“New” includes anything launched after June 28, 2025, or any existing product/service that gets a significant update or redesign after that date. So, if you’re planning a big website overhaul, accessibility needs to be part of the conversation now.
What trade associations need to do
At a minimum, digital services should meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, though aiming for WCAG 2.2 is a smarter, future-proof move. This means:
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Making websites and member portal accessible
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Ensuring digital content (e.g. documents, videos, forms) meets accessibility standards
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Providing captions and transcripts for media
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Supporting assistive technologies like screen readers
EAA vs WCAG – what’s the difference?
Think of the EAA as the law, and WCAG as the rulebook. The EAA mandates accessibility, while WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provides the technical standard for meeting those obligations.
For trade associations, this goes beyond just your website. It’s about making all aspects of your services accessible. For your association:
Why accessibility matters (beyond compliance)
For your association:
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Expand reach across diverse member groups
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Reduce legal and reputational risks
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Improve SEO and digital performance
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Future-proof your digital infrastructure
For your members:
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Equal access to services and opportunities
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More inclusive events, platforms and content
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Greater independence and confidence
For your brand:
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Demonstrate leadership and responsibility
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Build trust with members and stakeholders
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Reflect the values of your profession or industry
Where to start
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Book an accessibility audit
Work with a specialist to identify barriers and build a clear, actionable roadmap.
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Develop an action plan
Prioritise quick wins (like adding alt text or updating PDFs) alongside longer-term improvements.
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Create an accessibility statement
Be transparent about where you are and what you’re doing to improve. It’s not about being perfect…it’s about progress.
Why you should care
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about creating better digital experiences for everyone. The EAA might feel like just another regulation to deal with, but it’s so much more than that. It’s an opportunity to create digital spaces that work for everyone, and that’s something worth getting behind.
Ready to start your accessibility journey?
The consultants and technologists at Cantarus would be more than happy to chat to you. Explore more of Cantarus’ offering on their website or email enquiries@cantarus.com
About Cantarus
At Cantarus, we craft extraordinary digital experiences that engage, empower, and inspire. With a team of 75 experts and a Net Promoter Score of +75, we deliver award-winning digital solutions, vibrant online communities, and accessible, user-centric platforms that transform how organisations connect with their audiences. We proudly partner with trade associations, membership bodies, non-profits, global brands and enterprises to shape the future of digital engagement. Backed by a 4.7 Glassdoor rating, our team is trusted to deliver results that drive impact, loyalty, and long-term success.