European Accessibility Act Statement

Our Commitment to Digital Accessibility and Inclusion

Introduction

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents an important step forward for inclusivity and equal access in the digital age. At OptimistEyes, our commitment to accessibility is deeply rooted in our values of equality, respect, and user empowerment.

As technology becomes an integral part of daily life, we believe that everyone—regardless of ability—should be able to access and benefit from digital products and online services.

This statement outlines our approach to complying with the European Accessibility Act and describes ongoing and future initiatives to ensure our website meets or exceeds required accessibility standards.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is a legislative framework designed to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services by removing barriers created by divergent rules in EU Member States. Coming into effect progressively, with key obligations enforceable from 28 June 2025, the Act applies to a range of products and services, including websites, e-commerce platforms, mobile applications, electronic communications, and more.

The EAA aims to make digital products and services more accessible for people with disabilities, fostering greater independence and participation in society. It also benefits older people, those with temporary impairments, and anyone in challenging situations.

Our Accessibility Commitment

I am dedicated to creating an inclusive digital environment. Accessibility is integral to our design, development, and content management processes. Our efforts are not just about legal compliance, but about ensuring positive, barrier-free experiences for all users.

  • Equality and Inclusion: We believe access to information and services is a fundamental right, and we strive to remove all digital barriers that could impede access for people with disabilities.

  • User-Centred Approach: Accessibility is built into our workflows from the earliest stages, including user research, design, development, and testing.

  • Continuous Improvement: We regularly review our platforms, engage with users, and adapt to evolving standards and technologies.

How We Comply with the European Accessibility Act

We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our digital assets to ensure alignment with EAA requirements. The following are some of the steps we have taken and continue to pursue:

1. Conformance to Recognised Standards

Our website follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, as recommended by the EAA. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Ensuring sufficient colour contrast between text and background.

  • Providing alternative text for images and non-text content.

  • Enabling full website functionality using only a keyboard.

  • Designing for screen reader compatibility.

  • Offering captions or transcripts for audio and video content.

  • Maintaining resizable text and scalable layouts.

  • Providing clear and consistent navigation throughout the site.

2. Ongoing Training and Awareness

We invest in regular accessibility training for our web developers, designers, content creators, and customer support staff. This ensures our teams remain up-to-date with best practices and legal responsibilities under the EAA.

3. User Testing and Feedback

We involve users with diverse abilities in our testing processes, gathering feedback on usability and accessibility. We encourage visitors to contact us with suggestions or reports of any barriers they encounter. This feedback loop directly informs our continuous improvement efforts.

4. Procurement and Third-Party Services

When selecting third-party services, plugins, or technologies, we prioritise accessibility and require our vendors to demonstrate EAA compliance. We review all integrations to minimise the risk of introducing inaccessible elements.

5. Accessibility Roadmap

We have developed a roadmap to track our journey towards full accessibility compliance. This roadmap includes:

  • Regular audits using automated and manual testing tools.

  • Scheduled updates to address newly identified issues.

  • Public progress updates on our accessibility initiatives.

Accessibility Features on Our Website

To support all users, Robert Forde provides a suite of accessibility features, including:

  • Screen reader compatibility and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks.

  • Adjustable font sizes and high-contrast viewing options.

  • Keyboard navigability for all interactive elements.

  • Clear and descriptive labelling for links, buttons, and form fields.

  • Minimised use of complex animations or flashing elements that could trigger discomfort.

  • Customisable display settings for enhanced readability.

Mobile Accessibility

Our website and digital content are fully responsive and tested for accessibility on smartphones and tablets. We follow mobile-specific WCAG guidelines and ensure all mobile services are equally accessible.

Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

Accessibility is an ongoing process. We perform regular evaluations using a combination of automated tools and manual checks, complemented by user testing. Our accessibility team stays informed about updates to regulations and best practices, adapting our strategies as necessary.

Accessibility Statement Updates

This statement will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in our accessibility posture, new features, or legislative developments related to the European Accessibility Act.

User Support and Contact Information

If you experience any difficulty accessing content on our website, require information in an alternative format, or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us at robert@optimisteyes.com or by telephone at +353 87 670 5530. We are committed to responding to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe and to providing the support necessary to ensure full access to our services.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Digital Inclusion

The European Accessibility Act is more than a set of legislative requirements; it is a call to action for organisations to make the digital world open to everyone. At OptimistEyes, we see this as an ongoing journey. We are proud to play a role in breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where all individuals can participate equally online.

Further Resources

For more information about web accessibility and the European Accessibility Act, you may wish to consult the following resources:

European Commission: Accessibility Requirements

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview

European Disability Forum: EAA Guidance

We thank you for your trust and engagement as we continue to build a more accessible digital future for all.