The European Accessibility Act is now in force. Is your LMS ready?
As of 1st July 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is now active, requiring digital products and services across the EU to meet strict accessibility standards. That includes learning platforms like Moodle, Mahara and Totara.
If you’re delivering education or training in any EU member state, the time for preparation has passed. Institutions are now expected to demonstrate active compliance.
But here’s the catch: using an accessible platform isn’t enough. Accessibility depends on how that platform is configured, used, and maintained day to day, from theming and content creation to staff training and learner tools.
We believe this isn’t just a compliance issue. It’s a chance to deliver better digital learning for everyone.
What the European Accessibility Act Means for Moodle & Totara Platforms
The EAA aims to ensure equal access to digital services for all users, especially those with disabilities or additional learning needs. That includes everything from websites and apps to self-service terminals and, crucially, eLearning platforms.
You might assume that using Moodle or Totara ticks the compliance box. But the reality is more complex. The platform itself may meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, but what about your custom theme? Your content? The way your staff create and structure courses?
This is a shared responsibility between the platform, the people who manage it, and the content that fills it.
Without training, standards, and the right tools in place, it’s easy for accessibility issues to creep in, unnoticed until it’s too late.
Why Non-Compliance with the EAA Puts Your LMS at Risk
Now that the EAA is active, failing to ensure your LMS is accessible can have real consequences, legal, reputational, and educational. More importantly, it means some learners may be excluded or disadvantaged.
These risks aren’t always obvious. But they’re avoidable with the right support and level of awareness.
Building a Culture of LMS Accessibility
Accessibility can’t be solved by technology alone. It’s a mindset. A shared value. Something that is baked into the way your team builds, delivers, and maintains the curriculum.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
Accessible platform theming
Many barriers stem from custom themes that don’t follow semantic structure or keyboard logic. – Read our blog on theming pitfalls
Staff training and workflows
Your content authors and course admins play a crucial role. We offer an Accessibility Workshop that builds confidence and skills across your team.
Tooling that supports accessibility at scale
The right tools and partnerships can help you scale accessibility efforts more effectively.
- AHEAD – A leading organisation in Ireland focused on creating inclusive education and employment environments for people with disabilities. – Explore AHEAD
- Brickfield Accessibility Toolkit – Provides real-time accessibility checks and recommendations directly within Moodle, helping to identify, fix, and prevent content issues. – Learn more
- Jisc – Supports UK higher education and research institutions with digital solutions, including accessibility best practices and strategic guidance. – Explore Jisc Accessibility Services
- ReadSpeaker – Offers instant text-to-speech tools that allow learners to access content in alternative formats, promoting Universal Design for Learning. – Explore ReadSpeaker’s blog on the EAA and eLearning
Templates and consistency
Course templates help standardise layouts, structures, and navigation. That’s key for screen reader users, neurodivergent learners, and those with cognitive impairments. – See how templates improve the experience
A commitment to UDL (Universal Design for Learning)
UDL supports not just accessibility but learner engagement by offering multiple ways to engage, process, and respond to content. – Explore UDL in Moodle
LMS Accessibility Services from Catalyst IT Europe
We support universities, NGOs, and training providers across the UK, Europe, and beyond to build secure, scalable learning platforms that prioritise accessibility.
Whether you need a full accessibility audit, expert theming support, or hands-on staff training, we can help you embed accessibility into your platform and your culture.
There is so much to consider and to learn with regards to accessibility. Recently, we worked with a visually impaired staff member from a client who pointed out some issues with our Moodle theme – CatAwesome. We worked with that staff member and implemented every improvement that he recommended, and even better was the fact that those changes were then rolled out to every client that uses our theme. We didn’t just leave it there, we took those learnings and embedded them in any theme development we have done for clients since.
Another example of supporting clients with accessibility was that we ran workshops for all staff on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which overlaps with accessibility.
– Dr Mark Glynn, Head of Business Development, EMEA
The EAA is just the beginning
The EAA sets the minimum standard. But your institution can go further, designing inclusive digital learning that empowers every learner.
Now is the time to assess where you are, strengthen your processes, and upskill your team.
LMS Accessibility Checklist: Is Your Platform EAA Compliant?
To support your team in building and maintaining an inclusive learning environment, we’ve adapted this checklist using principles from the THRIVES framework developed by Queen’s University Belfast, with reference to DCU’s HOUSE model.
This framework provides a practical way to assess your current accessibility maturity across key areas of your LMS.
THRIVES Framework Overview
- T – Templates: Use accessible, consistent course templates
- H – Headings: Apply clear semantic structure (H1, H2, H3…)
- R – Resources: Ensure all multimedia includes transcripts, captions, alt text
- I – Instructions: Provide clear guidance and inclusive expectations
- V – Visual Design: Use accessible colour contrast and avoid overload
- E – Evaluation: Regularly audit and test for accessibility
- S – Structure: Ensure platform navigation is keyboard-friendly and intuitive
Ready to prepare your LMS for the EAA?
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to enhance what you already have, we’re here to help. Our Accessibility Workshop is the best place to start or speak with our expert team about accessibility support
With Catalyst, you have the Freedom to Innovate.
