Regulatory control plays a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in society. Accessibility regulations are designed to remove barriers and promote equal opportunities in various aspects of life, including employment, education, transportation, and digital access. Regulatory frameworks vary by region and are influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors.

This article outlines the key accessibility statutes and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and EN 301 549.

The ADA, enacted in 1990, is a pivotal civil rights law that aims to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities across various sectors, including online platforms.

• Title III of the ADA is particularly relevant to Ipsos’ online surveys, as it mandates that places of public accommodation, including websites and web assets, must be accessible to people with disabilities.
• For online surveys, this means ensuring compatibility with screen readers, providing keyboard navigation alternatives, and offering text descriptions for non-text content.
• The act recommends that companies such as Ipsos should regularly audit their survey platforms for ADA compliance, using tools like the Axe Accessibility Checker.

Adopted by the European Union in 2019, the EAA seeks to harmonise accessibility requirements across member states, enhancing the accessibility of products and services, including digital content. 

The latest version of the EAA will enter legislation throughout Europe on June 28^th, 2025. Unlike existing regulations such as those defined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the EAA will introduce significant financial penalties for non-compliance, up to €500k, depending on the country and the offence.

• The EAA applies to a wide range of services, including e-commerce, e-books, and, crucially, web content such as online surveys.
• It requires adherence to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA as a bare minimum.
• The EAA promotes a "Design for All" approach, encouraging companies like Ipsos to incorporate accessibility considerations from the outset of survey design and survey software design.
• Compliance with the EAA not only prevents legal & financial repercussions but also expands the potential respondent base, as approximately 80 million people in the EU have some form of disability.

EN 301 549 is a European standard that outlines accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services, including online content such as surveys.

• This standard provides specific technical requirements derived from the WCAG 2.1, ensuring that digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
• EN 301 549 is particularly beneficial for Ipsos as it offers a clear framework for creating accessible surveys, from colour contrast to alternative text for images.
• It serves as a foundational document for public sector bodies across Europe to ensure compliance with the EU Web Accessibility Directive.
• The standard requires organisations to conduct compliance audits against EN 301 549 standards and implement necessary changes.