A new article by ADAPT at TU Dublin’s Dr Dympna O’Sullivan and Damian T. Gordon (TU Dublin), alongside Siobhán Long (Enable Ireland), highlights how Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will need to meet strict accessibility requirements under the European Accessibility Act (EAA) now in force across the EU.
The EAA aims to ensure people with disabilities can independently access everyday digital services, from recycling machines to ATMs and self-service checkouts. While these systems are straightforward for most, they can present serious barriers for those who are blind, use wheelchairs, or have cognitive impairments.
From June 2025, new products and services covered by the EAA (such as websites, kiosks, and apps) must be accessible by design, incorporating features like tactile buttons, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast visuals. Existing services must comply by 2027.
For the one in four people in Ireland living with a disability or long-term health condition, these changes could transform access to digital services.
Read the full article here.
