What is the European Accessibility Act and how can AI help you in your journey to become compliant

Prerequisite
Nothing really. I'll explain all of the EAA and accessibility concepts from ground zero.

Outline
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is knocking on the door. As of June 28, 2025, certain companies must ensure that their products and services (yes, websites included) are accessible. Whether you're a business leader, web developer, designer, or compliance officer, understanding the EAA is crucial for ensuring you meet the upcoming accessibility standards and regulations.
An in-depth look at the specific accessibility requirements mandated by the EAA will highlight how they align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and what this means for your digital content. Here you'll learn the basics of web accessibility (a11y) with practical examples that will help you understand the key concepts and be able to spot problems on the go.
After that we'll delve into the business implications of the EAA, examining the risks of non-compliance such as legal penalties and reputational damage. We'll also highlight the benefits of accessibility, including market expansion, improved SEO, and enhanced user experience.
The cherry on top will of course be the AI in its current state and how it can help us to become more accessible. Here we'll talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of utilizing AI, so you know where to draw the line.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to identify and interpret the key components, scope, and legal requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), including understanding who must comply and the timeline for implementation.
They will be equipped to develop a strategic plan to achieve compliance with the EAA by conducting AI-powered accessibility audits, integrating accessibility into development processes, and utilizing available resources and tools.

Experience level
Beginner