Preparing for the European Accessibility Act: Bridging gaps with Verbit’s solutions

With the June 28 European Accessibility Act 2025 deadline now behind us, many organizations are taking a renewed look at their digital accessibility readiness and long-term accessibility strategy. While the initial requirements are now active, the next major date – June 2030, when additional product and service categories must comply – underscores the need for ongoing accessibility improvements rather than one-time adjustments.

Applause’s 2025 State of Digital Quality in Accessibility report revealed that 94% of organizations were preparing for European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance, reflecting a growing global priority around digital inclusion. Yet despite stronger awareness, many businesses still struggle with accessibility barriers, skill gaps, and the complex accessibility requirements they must now meet.

Verbit plays a critical role in helping organizations address these challenges, including video accessibility, through technology, human expertise, accessibility training, and tools like Verbit’s Smart Player, an accessible video player.

Awareness is rising, but accessibility gaps remain

The Applause report shows progress in inclusive design and accessibility awareness, including 86% are employing inclusive design principles at the planning stage and 77% are incorporating accessibility early in the software development life cycle. However, it also highlights significant accessibility gaps:

• 68% of organizations lack the expertise and resources to continuously test for digital accessibility.
• Only 33% engage people with disabilities in accessibility processes.
• Many teams evaluating AI systems do so without representation from under-represented groups, increasing risks around usability and bias.

Some organizations are still at the beginning stage of understanding “what is the European Accessibility Act?” and assessing their responsibilities. However, it’s clear that for all companies, meeting accessibility guidelines requires more than basic tooling. It demands thoughtful execution, ongoing accessibility management and a commitment to design for all.

Verbit: A strategic partner for EAA compliance

Verbit goes beyond automated solutions by offering sector-specific captioning, transcription, audio description, translation, dubbing and support for accessibility requirements aligned to major standards. Our technology and services help organizations address accessibility barriers across content, workflows and user experiences.

High-accuracy captioning & transcription that scale

In Applause’s report, missing captions were one of the most reported accessibility issues. Verbit solves this with its proprietary AI-powered Captivate™ engine, supported by human expertise. This hybrid approach produces highly accurate transcripts and closed captions, even for technical or domain-specific content.

These capabilities also power Verbit’s Smart Player, which delivers improved discoverability, transcript interactivity and accessibility features that support compliance with leading accessibility guidelines.

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Industry-tailored accessibility solutions to help with EU Accessibility Act needs

Education

Verbit helps educational institutions deliver accessible lectures and course materials through accurate captioning, transcription, and integrations with major LMS platforms. Solutions are built to align with digital accessibility best practices and accessibility guidelines required in higher education.

Media & Entertainment

As a leader in media accessibility, Verbit provides captioning, subtitling, audio description and transcription for global broadcasters and streaming platforms. Our solutions evolve with media industry expectations and support accessible video players and enriched accessibility features.

Government & Public Sector

Verbit supports government organizations in meeting accessibility compliance, ensuring public meetings, press events and official communications are clear, accurate and accessible. Services align with inclusive design principles and modern accessibility guidelines.

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Continuous testing, QA & long-term support

A key issue found in the Applause report is the lack of continuous accessibility testing. Verbit mitigates this by serving as a long-term accessibility partner, not just a vendor. Verbit provides:

• Human-driven QA
• Regular platform updates
• Customer support
• Ongoing accessibility training
• Assistance developing a sustainable accessibility strategy

This approach supports organizations as they adapt not only to the immediate 2025 requirements, but also to the extended 2030 timeline.

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Compliance-focused, secure & adaptable

With increased scrutiny around digital accessibility legal obligations, Verbit’s platform prioritizes security, compliance, and reliable delivery. Our services are regularly audited, and we help customers maintain accessibility statements, document accessibility efforts, and support long-term accessibility management.

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Moving toward a more inclusive digital future

The Applause report shows that improving usability and inclusivity — not only meeting regulations — is driving investment in digital accessibility. With the initial EAA deadline passed and the 2030 requirements ahead, organizations must shift from awareness to sustained action to keep up with accessibility standards.

Verbit’s comprehensive accessibility solutions help businesses reach broader audiences, meet Universal Design principles, overcome accessibility barriers, and deliver accessible content that supports a wide range of user needs, including individuals with motor or sensory disabilities.

From e-commerce platforms to online media, Verbit helps organizations build systems rooted in inclusive design and design for all, with accessibility tools and assistive technologies that support compliance expectations.

Your guide to EAA readiness

Improve your accessibility programs plans by exploring our free guide.

Read the guide

Why our European Accessibility Act guide is a must-read

The guide provides helpful information on:

• What the European Accessibility Act requires
• How to prepare an accessibility statement
• Key accessibility features to incorporate
• POUR principles and access guidelines
• How to run an accessibility audit to identify gaps

Gone are the days of simply offering sign language interpretation to check a box. Verbit helps organizations create accessible, compliant digital experiences that extend far beyond minimum regulatory requirements — supporting users of all abilities and audiovisual media services providers through thoughtful design and long-term accessibility strategy. If you have questions on everything from the EU web accessibility directive to WCAG 2.1 Level AA and more, our team is here to help. Contact us here.