Part 1

General accessibility requirements related to all products covered by these Regulations in accordance with Regulation 3(1)

Products must be designed and produced in such a way as to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with disabilities and shall be accompanied where possible in or on the product by accessible information on their functioning and on their accessibility features.

1.      The following requirements apply in relation to the provision of information:

(a)    the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself (labelling, instructions and warning) shall be –

 

(i)     made available via more than one sensory channel,

(ii)    presented in an understandable way,

(iii)    presented to users in ways they can perceive, and

(iv)   presented in fonts of adequate size and suitable shape, taking into account foreseeable conditions of use, and using sufficient contrast, as well as adjustable spacing between letters, lines and paragraphs;

(b)    the instructions for use of a product, where not provided on the product itself but made available through the use of the product or through other means such as a website, including the accessibility functions of the product, how to activate them and their interoperability with assistive solutions shall be publicly available when the product is placed on the market and shall –

 

(i)     be made available via more than one sensory channel,

(ii)    be presented in an understandable way,

(iii)    be presented to users in ways they can perceive,

(iv)   be presented in fonts of adequate size and suitable shape, taking into account foreseeable conditions of use and using sufficient contrast, as well as adjustable spacing between letters, lines and paragraphs,

(v)    with regard to content, be made available in text formats that can be used for generating alternative assistive formats to be presented in different ways and via more than one sensory channel,

(vi)   be accompanied by an alternative presentation of any non-textual content,

(vii)   include a description of the user interface of the product (handling, control and feedback, input and output), which –

(I)      is provided in accordance with paragraph 2, and

(II)     shall indicate for each of the subparagraphs in paragraph 2 whether the product provides those features,

 

(viii)  include a description of the functionality of the product which –

(I)      is provided by functions aiming to address the needs of persons with disabilities in accordance with paragraph 2, and

(II)     shall indicate for each of the subparagraphs in paragraph 2 whether the product provides those features, and

 

(ix)   include a description of the software and hardware interfacing of the product with assistive devices, which description shall include a list of the assistive devices that have been tested together with the product.

2.      User interface and functionality design:

The product, including its user interface, shall contain features, elements and functions that allow persons with disabilities to access, perceive, operate, understand and control the product by ensuring that –

(a)    when the product provides for communication, including interpersonal communication, operation, information, control and orientation, it shall do so via more than one sensory channel, including providing alternatives to vision, auditory, speech and tactile elements,

(b)    when the product uses speech, it shall provide alternatives to speech and vocal input for communication, operation control and orientation,

(c)    when the product uses visual elements, it shall provide for flexible magnification, brightness and contrast for communication, information and operation, as well as ensure interoperability with programmes and assistive devices to navigate the interface,

(d)    when the product uses colour to convey information, indicate an action, require a response or identify elements, it shall provide an alternative to colour,

(e)    when the product uses audible signals to convey information, indicate an action, require a response or identify elements, it shall provide an alternative to audible signals,

(f)     when the product uses visual elements, it shall provide for flexible ways of improving vision clarity,

(g)    when the product uses audio, it shall provide for user control of volume and speed, and enhanced audio features including audio clarity and the reduction of interfering audio signals from surrounding products,

(h)    when the product requires manual operation and control, it shall provide for sequential control and alternatives to fine motor control, avoiding the need for simultaneous controls for manipulation, and shall use tactile discernible parts,

 

(i)     the product shall –

(i)     avoid modes of operation requiring extensive reach and great strength,

(ii)    avoid triggering photosensitive seizures,

(iii)    protect the user’s privacy when he or she uses the accessibility feature,

(iv)   provide an alternative to biometrics identification and control,

(v)    ensure the consistency of the functionality, and provide enough, and flexible amounts of, time for interaction,

(vi)   provide software and hardware for interfacing with the assistive technologies, and

 

(vii)   in the case of each of the following products, comply with the following sector-specific requirements:

 

(I)     self-service terminals shall –

(A)    provide for text-to-speech technology,

(B)    allow for the use of personal headsets,

(C)    where a timed response is required, alert the user via more than one sensory channel,

(D)    give the possibility to extend the time given,

(E)    have an adequate contrast and tactilely discernible keys and controls when keys and controls are available,

(F)    not require an accessibility feature to be activated in order to enable a user who needs the feature to turn it on, and

(G)    when the product uses audio or audible signals, be compatible with assistive devices and technologies available at Union level, including hearing technologies such as hearing aids, telecoils, cochlear implants and assistive listening devices;

 

(II)     e-readers shall provide for text-to-speech technology;

 

(III)    consumer terminal equipment with interactive computing capability, used for the provision of electronic communications services shall –

(A)  when such products have text capability in addition to voice, provide for the handling of real time text and support high fidelity audio,

(B)  when such products have video capabilities in addition to or in combination with text and voice, provide for the handling of total conversation including synchronised voice, real time text, and video with a resolution enabling sign language communication,

(C)  ensure effective wireless coupling to hearing technologies, and

(D)  avoid interferences with assistive devices;

 

(IV) consumer terminal equipment with interactive computing capability, used for accessing audio visual media services shall make available to persons with disabilities the accessibility components provided by the audiovisual media service provider, for user access, selection, control, and personalisation and for transmission to assistive devices.

3.      Support services:

Where available, support services (help desks, call centres, technical support, relay services and training services) shall provide information on the accessibility of the product and its compatibility with assistive technologies, in accessible modes of communication.

Part 2

Accessibility requirements related to products in Regulation 3(1), other than the self-service terminals referred to in Regulation 3(1)(b)

In addition to the requirements of Part 1, the packaging and instructions of products covered by this Part shall be made accessible, in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with disabilities, as follows:

 

(a)    the packaging of the product including the information provided in it (e.g. about opening, closing, use, disposal), including, when provided, information about the accessibility characteristics of the product,    shall –

(i)     be made accessible, and

(ii)    when feasible, provide that information on the package;

(b)    the instructions for the installation and maintenance, storage and disposal of the product not provided on the product itself but made available through other means, such as a website, shall be publicly available when the product is placed on the market and shall comply with the following requirements:

(i)    be available via more than one sensory channel;

(ii)   be presented in an understandable way;

(iii)  be presented to users in ways they can perceive;

(iv)  be presented in fonts of adequate size and suitable shape, taking into account foreseeable conditions of use, and using sufficient contrast, as well as adjustable spacing between letters, lines and paragraphs;

(v)   content of instructions shall be made available in text formats that can be used for generating alternative assistive formats to be presented in different ways and via more than one sensory channel;

(vi)  instructions containing any non-textual content shall be accompanied by an alternative presentation of that content.

Part 3

General accessibility requirements related to all services covered by these Regulations in accordance with Regulation 3(2)

The provision of services in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with disabilities, shall be achieved by –

  1. ensuring the accessibility of the products used in the provision of the service, in accordance with Part 1 and, where applicable, Part 2,

     

  2. providing information, in the following manner, about the functioning of the service, and where products are used in the provision of the service, its link to these products as well as information about their accessibility characteristics and interoperability with assistive devices and facilities:

(i)     making the information available via more than one sensory channel;

(ii)    presenting the information in an understandable way;

(iii)    presenting the information to users in ways they can perceive;

(iv)   making the information content available in text formats that can be used to generate alternative assistive formats to be presented in different ways by the users and via more than one sensory channel;

(v)    presenting in fonts of adequate size and suitable shape, taking into account foreseeable conditions of use and using sufficient contrast, as well as adjustable spacing between letters, lines and paragraphs;

(vi)   supplementing any non-textual content with an alternative presentation of that content;

(vii)   providing electronic information needed in the provision of the service in a consistent and adequate way by making it perceivable, operable, understandable and robust;

(c)    making websites, including the related online applications, and mobile device-based services, including mobile applications, accessible in a consistent and adequate way by making them perceivable, operable, understandable and robust, and

(d)    where available, support services (help desks, call centres, technical support, relay services and training services) providing information on the accessibility of the service and its compatibility with assistive technologies, in accessible modes of communication.

 

Part 4

Additional accessibility requirements related to specific services

The provision of the following services in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with disabilities, shall be achieved by including functions, practices, policies and procedures and alterations in the operation of the service targeted to address the needs of persons with disabilities and ensure interoperability with assistive technologies as follows:

(a)    in relation to electronic communications services, including emergency communications referred to in Article 109(2) of Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018[1] –

(i)     providing real time text in addition to voice communication,

(ii)    providing total conversation where video is provided in addition to voice communication, and

(iii)    ensuring that emergency communications using voice, text (including real time text) is synchronised and where video is provided is also synchronised as total conversation and is transmitted by the electronic communications service providers to the most appropriate PSAP;

 

(b)    in relation to services providing access to audiovisual media services –

(i)     providing electronic programme guides (EPGs) which are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust and provide information about the availability of accessibility, and

(ii)    ensuring that the accessibility components (access services) of the audiovisual media services such as subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, audio description, spoken subtitles and sign language interpretation are fully transmitted with adequate quality for accurate display, and synchronised with sound and video, while allowing for user control of their display and use;

 

(c)    in relation to air, bus, rail and waterborne passenger transport services except for urban and suburban transport services and regional transport services, ensuring the provision of information –

(i)     on the accessibility of vehicles, the surrounding infrastructure and the built environment and on assistance for persons with disabilities, and

(ii)    about smart ticketing (electronic reservation, booking of tickets, etc.), real-time travel information (timetables, information about traffic disruptions, connecting services, onwards travel with other transport modes, etc.), and additional service information (e.g. staffing of stations, lifts that are out of order or services that are temporarily unavailable);

(d)    in relation to urban and suburban transport services and regional transport services, ensuring the accessibility of self-service terminals used in the provision of the service in accordance with Part 1;

(e)    in relation to consumer banking services –

(i)     providing identification methods, electronic signatures, security, and payment services which are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust, and

(ii)    ensuring that the information is understandable, without exceeding a level of complexity superior to level B2 (upper intermediate) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

(f)     in relation to e-books –

(i)     ensuring that, when an e-book contains audio in addition to text, it then provides synchronised text and audio,

(ii)    ensuring that e-book digital files do not prevent assistive technology from operating properly,

(iii)    ensuring access to the content, the navigation of the file content and layout including dynamic layout, the provision of the structure, flexibility and choice in the presentation of the content,

(iv)   allowing alternative renditions of the content and its interoperability with a variety of assistive technologies, in such a way that it is perceivable, understandable, operable and robust,

(v)    making them discoverable by providing information through metadata about their accessibility features, and

(vi)   ensuring that digital rights management measures do not block accessibility features;
 

(g)    in relation to e-commerce services –

(i)     providing the information concerning accessibility of the products and services being sold when this information is provided by the responsible economic operator,

(ii)    ensuring the accessibility of the functionality for identification, security and payment when delivered as part of a service instead of a product by making it perceivable, operable, understandable and robust, and

(iii)    providing identification methods, electronic signatures, and payment services which are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.

Part 5

Specific accessibility requirements related to the answering of emergency communications to the single European emergency number ‘112’ by the most appropriate PSAP

  1. In order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with disabilities, the answering of emergency communications to the single European emergency number ‘112’ by the most appropriate PSAP, shall be achieved by including functions, practices, policies and procedures and alterations targeted to address the needs of persons with disabilities.

  2. Emergency communications to the single European emergency number ‘112’ shall be appropriately answered, in the manner best suited to the national organisation of emergency systems, by the most appropriate PSAP using the same communication means as received, namely by using synchronised voice and text (including real time text), or, where video is provided, voice, text (including real time text) and video synchronised as total conversation.

Part 6

Accessibility requirements for features, elements or functions of products and services in accordance with Regulation 25(2)

The presumption to fulfil the relevant obligations specified in other Union acts concerning features, elements or functions of products and services requires the following:

1.      In relation to products –

(a)    that the accessibility of the information concerning the functioning and accessibility features related to products complies with the corresponding elements specified in paragraph 1 of Part 1, namely information on the use of the product provided on the product itself and the instructions for use of a product, not provided in the product itself but made available through the use of the product or other means such as a website,

(b)    that the accessibility of features, elements and functions of the user interface and the functionality design of products complies with the corresponding accessibility requirements of such user interface or functionality design specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1, and

(c)    that the accessibility of the packaging, including the information provided in it and instructions for the installation and maintenance, storage and disposal of the product not provided in the product itself but made available through other means such as a website, except for self-service terminals complies with the corresponding accessibility requirements specified in Part 2.

2.       In relation to services, that the accessibility of the features, elements and functions of services complies with the corresponding accessibility requirements for those features, elements and functions specified in the services-related Parts of this Schedule.


 Part 7

Functional performance criteria

  1. In order to maximise the foreseeable use by persons with disabilities, when the accessibility requirements specified in Parts 1 to 6 do not address one or more functions of the design and production of products or the provision of services, those functions or means shall be accessible by complying with the related functional performance criteria specified in subparagraphs (a) to (k) of paragraph 3.

     

  2. Those functional performance criteria may only be used as an alternative to one or more specific technical requirements, when these are referred to in the accessibility requirements, if, and only if, the application of the relevant functional performance criteria complies with the accessibility requirements and it determines that the design and production of products and the provision of services results in equivalent or increased accessibility for the foreseeable use by persons with disabilities.

     

  3. The functional performance criteria referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 are the following:

(a) usage without vision: where the product or service provides visual modes of operation, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require vision;

(b) usage with limited vision: where the product or service provides visual modes of operation, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to operate the product with limited vision;

(c) usage without perception of colour: where the product or service provides visual modes of operation, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user perception of colour;

(d)    usage without hearing: where the product or service provides auditory modes of operation, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require hearing;

(e)    usage with limited hearing: where the product or service provides auditory modes of operation, it shall provide at least one mode of operation with enhanced audio features that enables users with limited hearing to operate the product;

 

(f)     (i)      usage without vocal capability: where the product or service requires vocal input from users, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require vocal input.

(ii)    In this subparagraph, “vocal input” includes any orally-generated sounds like speech, whistles or clicks;

 

(g)    usage with limited manipulation or strength: where the product or service requires manual actions, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of the product through alternative actions not requiring fine motor control and manipulation, hand strength or operation of more than one control at the same time;

 

(h)    (i)      usage with limited reach: the operational elements of products shall be within reach of all users.

(ii)    Where the product or service provides a manual mode of operation, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength;

 

(i)     minimising the risk of triggering photosensitive seizures: where the product provides visual modes of operation, it shall avoid modes of operation that trigger photosensitive seizures;

(j)     usage with limited cognition: the product or service shall provide at least one mode of operation incorporating features that make it simpler and easier to use;

(k)    privacy: where the product or service incorporates features that are provided for accessibility, it shall provide at least one mode of operation that maintains privacy when using those features that are provided for accessibility.