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EN 301 549
EN 301 549 is a European standard that supports the development of digital best practices for everyone, including people with disabilities. It's like a checklist for digital accessibility that creators use to make sure their technology is easy for everyone to use. It specifies requirements for information and communications technology to be accessible for people with disabilities. For the web, the latest version, EN 301 549 v 3.2.1 includes the full text of WCAG 2.1 AA. History of EN 301 549This standard was produced by CEN, CENELEC and ETSI[4] to set requirements for products and services in the European Union. EN 301 549 is the harmonized European Standard for ICT Accessibility. It is used in public procurement, as it is important that government services are easy for everyone to use. With European Accessibility Act, it is applicable to most organizations in Europe. Since it started, the rules have been updated to keep up with best practices.[5] Versions over time
Why digital standards matterEN 301 549 has generally adopted the latest recommended version of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative, after a period of review. In version 2.1.2 the Harmonized Accessibility Standards officially adopted the W3C's WCAG 2.1 guidelines.[10] Previous versions of EN 301 549 embraced WCAG 2.0 as an ‘electronic attachment’. The next version of EN 301 549 (v4.1.1) will be released in 2026.[11] This new version is planned to support the European Accessibility Act and to include WCAG 2.2 AA, as well as significant updates to requirements related to Real-Time Text.[12] The EU approved the Web Accessibility Directive before this harmonized standard had been developed. The implemented decision provides for the presumption of conformity between member states.[13] Having a global guideline like WCAG is great, but it is easier to implement for some countries as a clear standard. Member states had until September 2018 to create the laws and regulations which enforce the relevant accessibility requirements.[14] Members states are free to determine how they achieve the standards of EN 301 549 standard and may exceed them. However, they now constitute a minimum standard for accessibility for European governments.[15][16] What is includedThe standard includes web and mobile applications but also addresses a wide range of other technologies beside those covered by WCAG:[17]
Expectations for European governmentsEuropean public entities are expected to meet the following deadlines:[18]
Global AdoptionCountries outside of Europe, like Australia and Canada, are also using these rules. This helps them make their technology easier for everyone to use and keeps their standards in line, which facilitates trade with Europe.[19] Even where it hasn't been yet adopted, it is being used as a bench-mark for evaluating digital accessibility.[20] In 2024, Canada adopted the current (2021) version of the European Union's EN 301 549, as CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024. It is now a National Standard of Canada.[21] Their version is identical to the original, but is available not only in PDF format but also in MS Word and HTML formats. The Canadian version is also available in French.[22][23][24] Future updatesThe rules are updated regularly to keep up with new technology. The next big update will be in 2025, and it will include the newest advice on how to make technology accessible. See also
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