CHAT @NDA – European Accessibility ACT – September 2025 

CHAT Report: Exploring the European Accessibility Act in Ireland

Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
Hosted by: FreedomTech (Enable Ireland + DFI)
Sponsor: Sight & Sound Technologies Ireland

Overview

This CHAT session focused on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and its implications for products, services, and everyday accessibility in Ireland. The event brought together 90 registered participants, including 23 new attendees.

Sarah Boland opened the session by underlining the importance of the EAA for digital inclusion and universal access. She highlighted CHAT’s role as a trusted space for dialogue and knowledge-sharing and acknowledged sponsors Sight & Sound for their support.

Highlights

Breaking Down the EAA

  • Mikey O’Doherty (Virtual Services, Enable Ireland) presented the  Easy Read guide (12 pages) and PowerPoint that the Virtual Services co-designed on the EAA.

  • 12 online sessions and 5 in-person workshops have already been delivered, with strong positive feedback.

  • Participants welcomed the clarity and accessibility of the materials.

Accessible Information & Media

  • Padhraic Dormer (Enable Ireland) introduced the Enable Talks podcast, designed for people with visual impairments.

  • Positive feedback was received from DFI, St. Michael’s House, HSE, IWA, Microsoft Ireland, and others.

  • Both Mikey and Padhraic shared personal stories about barriers with online ticketing and banking, illustrating how the EAA is beginning to make real improvements.

Policy & Standards

  • Orla Kennedy and Avery Horne (National Disability Authority) explained the regulatory framework for the EAA in Ireland.

  • Key points included:

    • EAA covers electronic services (banking, e-books, passenger transport, e-commerce) and products (computers, ATMs, ticketing machines, payment terminals).

    • Accessibility is defined as the ability to access, understand, and use products and services.

    • Around 90 requirements are included in the Act, with implementation supported by standards from the NSAI.

  • Avery highlighted opportunities for disabled people and DPOs to engage in standards development.

Real-World Impact

  • Jackie McBrearty (Fighting Blindness, DigiCoach) shared her first independent use of an ATM thanks to EAA-required screen reader functionality.

  • Jackie called for improvements in chip-and-pin terminals, many of which are touchscreen and inaccessible.

  • Discussion highlighted complexities of lodging complaints, with guidance from Dónal Rice (ComReg).

Accessibility in Training

  • Susan Lovatt (Library Services) raised issues with inaccessible staff training for deaf and hard-of-hearing colleagues.

  • NDA clarified that while the EAA does not cover training, best practice standards are emerging for accessible support services.

Key Themes

  • Clarity and trust: Easy Read documents and podcasts are vital for public understanding of complex legislation.

  • Legislation as leverage: The EAA is already driving real accessibility improvements (e.g., ATMs).

  • Challenges remain: Particularly around chip-and-pin terminals, online service updates, and staff training.

  • Collaboration is key: Regulators, DPOs, service providers, and industry must work together.

Next Steps and links

Conclusion

This CHAT session highlighted both the potential and challenges of the European Accessibility Act in Ireland. Participants valued the balance of first-hand lived experience and expert policy insight, reinforcing CHAT’s role as a national platform for inclusive dialogue on assistive technology and accessibility.