Since yesterday, June 28he Emergency number 112, banks and their services, and public transportamong others, They have to be accessible For the more than 440 million European citizens, as marked by the European Accessibility Law (EU 2019/882). This is especially important for almost 100 million people with disabilities residing in the EU.
In addition, according to data from the European Commission, from now on until 2050, the percentage of people over 65 will grow up to 30%, compared to the current 20%, so this change is an important advance.
ATMs must have accessible and multisensory interfaces, so that blind people with low vision can access banking services. In addition, they must comply with certain height measures to facilitate their use to people who move in a wheelchair or have low stature. The online operation of financial services management, and contracts related to the hiring of services must also be accessible.
Public transport systems operators must inform about the accessibility of stations and their services. Websites or mobile applications that offer information about transport services, such as schedules or purchase of tickets, as well as information screens at the stations, will have to be accessible and meet the accessibility requirements established by law.
This legislation also includes the obligation to apply accessibility requirements in computers, smartphones, electronic commerce platforms, televisions, digital books and audio and video reproduction systems, among other products and services. The law also requires mandatory training in response to people with disabilities to the personnel in charge of providing services.
Jesús Hernández-Galán, Director of Accessibleeuemphasizes that «Being able to call 112, getting money from a cashier or booking a ticket without barriers should not be a challenge for anyone. This law recognizes that accessibility is not an addition, but an essential condition for living with autonomy, security and dignity. It is a decisive step for all people, regardless of their age or disability, can be released with everyday.
Accessibleeu, the European Accessibility Center of the European Commission, is managed by a group of entities with an accessibility experience. From Spain the ONE Foundation is in charge, and the Johannes Kepler of Linz (Austria) University, the European Accessible Tourism Network (ENAT), the Spanish Association of Standardization (UNE) and the European Association of Service Suppliers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) participate.
The center is responsible for facilitating that this change arrives in a real and homogeneous way to all corners of Europe, and It contributes to the implementation of the directive being consistent in all Member Statesand thus avoid inequalities between countries and to facilitate that both administrations and companies meet the new accessibility requirements.
