Featured Story
75% of firms risk fines as EU Accessibility Act deadline nears
With just over three months until the EU’s European Accessibility Act’s highly anticipated implementation date, new research by Storyblok reveals that only 25% of European businesses say they are fully prepared to comply with the Act’s provisions. According to an extensive analysis of 200 European senior professionals involved in digital accessibility, only 47.5% of companies are fully aware of the regulations and have a solid understanding of the Act. A third (34%) say they are somewhat aware of the Act but need more information. Concerningly, a fifth (18.5%) admit they are still not aware of the Act’s requirements at all, despite the serious potential legal and financial ramifications of non-compliance.
BarrierBreak Highlight
BarrierBreak at CSUN 2025: Driving Accessibility Forward with Innovation
BarrierBreak made an amazing impact at CSUN 2025, the world’s leading assistive technology conference.
This year was special with the launch of two new innovative products: A11yInspect and A11yNow with the aim of making accessibility testing and management easier for organizations. BarrierBreak’s booth was filled with enthusiasm as attendees tried these products, experienced live demos and provided some valuable feedback. Have a closer look at our experience at CSUN 2025.
People Stories
The US right is coming for disabled people. Here’s why that threatens everyone
By The GuardianTrump’s administration is dismantling disability rights and education. History has shown this can be a warning sign for all civil liberties. Historically, the way a government treats disabled peoplecan be an early indicator of its broader social policy intentions. For instance, disabled people are the proverbial canary in the coalminewith respect to the effects of global climate change. “Disabled and older people face significant barriers during these disasters, such as the inability to evacuate … or [access] important information,” said the MacArthur Fellow and Disability Visibility author Alice Wong via email.
Top Picks
HBO’s Max Expands Availability Of New Accessibility Option
A major streaming service is beefing up its commitment to accessibility by adding a unique option for people with disabilities to one of its biggest hits. HBO’s Max said it will offer an American Sign Language version of “The Last of Us.” With the show’s second season debut this month, viewers will be able to watch episodes with an ASL interpreter superimposed on the screen. The ASL version will be available as an option each week as new episodes are released.
Designing Inclusive Cities: The Role of Universal Design in Creating Accessible Urban Atmospheres
According to the World Bank, the urban population will continue to trend upward, with 90% of new urban residents concentrated in Africa and Asia. This growth raises essential questions: How can we consolidate a design approach that ensures equitable access to spaces, resources, and services? How can we make emerging and consolidated metropolises more inclusive and accessible? The configuration of many cities often creates barriers that hinder the participation of all people in their dynamics, as if there were fissures in the urban atmosphere that affect cohesion and inclusion.
Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale:
Audit – Manage – Comply
BarrierBreak is a global leader in Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.2 & 2.1, Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product