The EAA Is Coming: 5 Steps to Prepare Your Self-Service Terminals
Point of view article by imageHOLDERS nails it. A five-step roadmap that will not only help you comply with the EAA kiosk compliance but also future-proof your kiosk deployments — and create better user experiences for all. imageHOLDERS deploys kiosks for airlines and international. They are extremely aware of regulations which must be met.
The write-up discusses the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and how businesses can prepare their self-service kiosks to comply with its requirements. Starting June 28, 2025, any new consumer-facing digital devices in the EU, including ATMs, ticketing kiosks, and check-in terminals, must meet accessibility standards to accommodate people with disabilities. Listening to an experienced European kiosk manufacturer already serving the airline industry (think Air Carrier Act…) is very smart.
Their article provides a five-step roadmap for ensuring compliance:
- Understanding the EAA – Recognizing it as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time task.
- Integrating accessibility into procurement – Ensuring vendors prioritize accessibility in hardware and software design.
- Designing for both physical and digital accessibility – Making kiosks easy to use for individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive impairments.
- Conducting inclusive usability testing – Validating kiosk accessibility with real users to identify friction points.
- Planning for long-term compliance – Maintaining accessibility through regular testing, software updates, and vendor accountability.
The webpage emphasizes that accessibility improves customer experiences and future-proofs self-service devices while avoiding last-minute compliance issues.
The usability testing recommendations are very useful. Check with real people.
For further testing, the RNIB offers Tried and Tested certification.
Excerpt
Whether you’re issuing an RFP or working through preferred vendors, make accessibility a core requirement alongside functionality, security, and cost.
That includes:
- Hardware conformance with EN 301 549 (e.g., tactile controls, reachability, audio output)
- Software that meets EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA (at a minimum) requirements
- Support for assistive tech like screen readers and tactile navigation
- Physical accessibility features like adjustable height, instructions for using the kiosk, and headphone jacks
More EAA Kiosk Compliance Resources
- 301 549 3.2.1 which incorporates WCAG
- Disability Checking Kit from Cambridge UK
- Yes, there is a checklist — KMA Kiosk ADA Checklist Draft_2024
- Quick and Easy Initial WCAG Check
- Web Accessibility and the ADA Guidance
- FAQ Kiosk ADA
- Accessibility ADA Disability Status 2025 – Kiosk Industry
- EAA Regulation Timelines – Kiosk Industry
- European Accessibility EAA Guidelines & Storm Interface
- ACAA Final Rule PDF – November 2013