Mário Cruz / Lusa
The European Accessibility Law, which aims to transform the way people with disabilities access essential products and services, requires ATM terminals to use accessible interfaces to visual or physical users, and encompasses a wide range of products and services.
This mandatory Saturday was the application of the European Accessability Act (EAA), which aims to transform the way people with disabilities access Essential products and services.
The most visible changes will occur in the ATM Terminals. Equipment installed from this date should include features adapted to visually impaired users, such as increase in letter size on the screens, Relief keyboards or brailleand audio options with simplified commands.
As interfaces will also become more intuitive for people with reduced mobility or cognitive difficulties.
Existing terminals may continue to work, but operators have a period of 20 years to proceed to the necessary adaptations.
The European Law of Accessibility, which stems from the EU, was transposed to Portuguese law through the, which covers a Vast range of products and services.
Among technological equipment, include computers, smartphonestablets and their operating systems, televisions with digital services integrated and Electronic Book Readers.
Os public utility services They are also contemplated, namely public transport, banking services, sales machines of tickets and automatic registration equipment.
In the digital level, the law applies to e-commerce, multimedia and audiovisual services, electronic communications and mobile applications.
This initiative responds to a PARTY NEED OF SOCIAL INCLUSION of citizens with disabilities.
According to Eurostat data of 2023, 27% of the EU population with over 16 years – about 101 million people Has some kind of disability. The harmonization of laws between member states aims to ensure consistent accessibility conditions throughout the European space.
The new rules impose specific obligations to different entities. You manufacturers must guarantee that development and production fulfill accessibility requirements.
Os importers have to ensure compliance Foreign products with EAA, while service providers are required to provide accessible information and implement measures that ensure continuous accessibility.
The EAA proposal was presented by the European Commission in December 2015, receiving approval from the European Parliament in March 2019. This legislation complements the, already in force since 2020 for the public administration sites.
One important exception refers to emergency services: The calls for 112 have until June 28, 2027 to meet accessibility requirements.
