What you need to know
EN 301 549 is the European standard for digital accessibility, establishing requirements for ICT products and services. It serves as the technical standard for the European Union's accessibility legislation and public procurement rules.
This standard applies to a wide range of digital technologies, including websites, software, electronic devices, and mobile applications. It's particularly important for organizations doing business in the EU or providing products and services to EU public sector bodies.
EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements for web content and extends beyond them to cover various ICT products and services, making it a comprehensive accessibility standard.
Key Requirements
EN 301 549 covers various aspects of ICT accessibility, including:
- Web and Software Requirements - Including WCAG 2.1 compliance and additional software accessibility features
- Hardware Requirements - Covering physical devices and their accessibility features
- Documentation and Support Services - Ensuring accessible documentation and support
- ICT with Two-Way Communication - Addressing accessibility in communication systems
The standard ensures that ICT products and services are accessible to users with various disabilities, supporting both direct access and compatibility with assistive technologies.
Meeting EN 301 549 Standards
To achieve EN 301 549 compliance, organizations must address these key areas:
- Implement all WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements for web content
- Ensure software accessibility features are properly implemented
- Provide accessible documentation and support services
- Support standard assistive technology interfaces
- Include accessibility features in hardware products
- Ensure two-way communication features are accessible
- Provide caption and audio description capabilities where relevant
- Support user preferences and accessibility settings
The standard provides detailed technical specifications and testing procedures to verify compliance with each requirement.
Next steps with DevAlly
Achieving EN 301 549 compliance requires a comprehensive approach to accessibility across all ICT products and services.
DevAlly can help you meet EN 301 549 requirements through:
- Comprehensive accessibility audits covering all applicable EN 301 549 requirements
- Technical consultation on implementing accessibility features in ICT products
- Testing and validation against EN 301 549 specifications
- Documentation and training support for ongoing compliance maintenance
Note: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.