What is EN 301 549?

What is EN 301 549?

EN 301 549 is a European standard that outlines accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services. This standard is developed by ETSI in collaboration with CEN and CENELEC, targeting inclusivity and accessibility, particularly in public procurement within Europe.

Key Elements of EN 301 549

  1. Scope:
    • The standard applies to a broad range of ICT products and services, including web-based technologies, non-web technologies, software, hardware, and hybrids.
    • It is designed for use by both providers and procurers of ICT products and services​​.
  2. Functional Performance Statements:
    • These statements describe the necessary functionality for ICT to be usable by people with various disabilities, ensuring accessibility without vision, with limited vision, without perception of color, without hearing, with limited hearing, without vocal capability, with limited manipulation or strength, with limited reach, and with limited cognition, language, or learning​​.
  3. Generic and Specific Requirements:
    • Generic Requirements: Address general accessibility needs, such as non-visual access and auditory output.
    • Specific Requirements: Tailored criteria for different types of ICT, including hardware, software, web content, non-web documents, and real-time communication​​.
  4. Testing and Evaluation:
    • Descriptions of test procedures and evaluation methodologies are included for each accessibility requirement, ensuring consistent and reliable results across implementations​​.
  5. Annexes:
    • Annex A: Details the minimum requirements of the European Web Accessibility Directive (Directive 2016/2102)​​.
    • Annex B: Maps the relationships between requirements and functional performance statements​​.
    • Annex C: Provides a framework for determining conformance​​.
    • Annex D: Offers resources for cognitive accessibility​​.
    • Annex E: Guidance for using the standard​​.
    • Annex F: Change history​​.

Importance of EN 301 549

  • Public Procurement: Provides clear criteria for accessible ICT procurement, ensuring that publicly funded products and services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities​​.
  • Legal Compliance: Supports compliance with European accessibility directives and regulations, such as Directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies​​.
  • Inclusive Design: Promotes the development of ICT products and services that are usable by the widest possible range of users, fostering inclusivity and equal access to technology​​.

Application

  • ICT Providers: Use the standard to design and develop accessible products and services​​.
  • Procurers: Evaluate and select accessible ICT products and services based on the criteria set out in the standard​​.
  • Policy Makers: Reference the standard to support legislation and policies aimed at improving accessibility​​.

EN 301 549 is a comprehensive guide for ensuring the accessibility of ICT products and services, promoting digital inclusion for all users, including those with disabilities​​.