Accessibility in academic publishing isn’t just good ethics, it’s now firmly embedded in international regulations. Publishers can no longer view accessibility as optional; it’s an essential compliance issue. But what exactly are these laws, and how can publishers effectively meet these requirements?
Understanding the Accessibility Legal Landscape
Accessibility regulations have significantly expanded in recent years. Two critical laws shaping accessibility standards globally include:
- European Accessibility Act (EAA):
The EAA requires certain key products and services in the EU to be accessible, specifically targeting those critical for persons with disabilities. These include:
- Computers and operating systems
- ATMs, ticketing, and check-in machines
- Smartphones
- TV equipment related to digital television services
- Telephony services and related equipment
- Access to audiovisual media services (e.g., television broadcasts and consumer equipment)
- Air, bus, rail, and waterborne passenger transport services
- Banking services
- E-books
- E-commerce platforms
These accessibility requirements apply to relevant products and services placed on the EU market from June 28, 2025. Non-compliance penalties vary across EU countries, with significant fines (e.g., up to €100,000 in Germany).
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
In the United States, the ADA ensures digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities, directly affecting academic institutions, publishers, and other organizations offering digital content and services. Under recent updates to ADA Title II regulations, public institutions, including state-funded universities and colleges, are required to make all digital resources, websites, mobile apps, course materials, and other online content fully accessible according to established guidelines.
Key Compliance Deadlines:
- April 24, 2026: For public entities serving populations of 50,000 or more.
- April 26, 2027: For public entities serving populations below 50,000.
Organizations must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards to comply effectively.
Risks of Non-Compliance:
Failing to meet ADA requirements can result in significant consequences, including legal action, mandatory corrective measures enforced by the Department of Justice, and potential loss of federal funding.
Key Guidelines Publishers Need to Know
Beyond these major laws, specific international guidelines help publishers ensure their content meets accessibility standards:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): WCAG serves as the global gold standard for accessibility, outlining how digital content should be structured for easy access. These guidelines cover key areas like text readability, clear navigation, multimedia alternatives (captions and transcripts), and compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.
- Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA): This technical specification ensures interactive web content like videos, animations, and dynamic visuals is accessible. WAI-ARIA helps publishers create websites where everyone, regardless of disability, can engage seamlessly.
Practical Steps Publishers Can Take Right Now
Accessibility doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are actionable steps publishers can immediately implement:
- Offer Accessible Formats: Make research content available in different formats like audio, braille, and easily navigable digital text. Compatibility with screen readers and assistive devices significantly boosts accessibility.
- Educate Your Teams: Train your authors, editors, and designers about accessibility best practices. An informed team ensures that inclusivity is integrated into every stage of content creation.
- Collaborate with Experts and Users: Actively engage with disability communities and accessibility specialists to gain real-world insights. This collaboration can pinpoint specific areas needing improvement.
- Invest in Assistive Technology: Use AI-powered tools designed specifically to check and improve accessibility. These tools can quickly identify and correct potential issues, significantly reducing the manual workload.
- Lead by Example: Publishers who prioritize accessibility don’t just comply—they inspire. Industry leaders can set new standards and encourage broader adoption of accessibility practices.
Accessibility as a Strategic Advantage
While accessibility compliance is mandatory, it also brings strategic benefits:
- Improved Discoverability: Accessible content aligns well with search engine optimization (SEO), boosting your content’s visibility and reach.
- Audience Expansion: By catering to the global disability community, over one billion people worldwide, publishers tap into a significantly underserved market.
- Enhanced Reputation: Publishers embracing accessibility demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, bolstering their credibility and market position.
What’s ahead?
Navigating accessibility laws and guidelines isn’t merely about ticking compliance boxes, it’s about cultivating inclusive, innovative, and resilient publishing environments. As regulations tighten and audiences become more diverse, accessibility becomes a pivotal factor in determining long-term publishing success.
Download the whitepaper “AI and Accessibility in Publishing: Planting Seeds for an Equitable Future” to explore how accessibility is transforming the publishing world.
