Accessibility

Brazilian Chamber Committee Approves Bill on Support for Neurodivergent People at Large Public Events

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies disability-rights committee has approved a bill amending the Brazilian Inclusion Law to require organisers of large public events to provide accessibility resources and tailored support for neurodivergent attendees. If enacted and further regulated, this will create new compliance expectations for event design, staffing and communication, signalling a broader push for enforceable accessibility standards across major festivals, shows, conferences and other mass gatherings in Brazil.

10 Apr 2026, 15:32camara.leg.brBrazil

European Commission Secretariat-General Issues SEC(2026) 2561 Indicative Agenda For April–May 2026 Meetings

The European Commission has published its indicative agenda for April–May 2026, signaling upcoming policy shifts in energy, technology, and regulatory enforcement. Strategic focus areas include a "Tech Sovereignty Package" impacting AI and semiconductors, alongside new energy security and electrification strategies that will shape future market access.

27 Mar 2026, 19:32ec.europa.euEuropean Union

HSE/BSR Consultation On Changes To Approved Document B Fire Safety Guidance In England

The UK Building Safety Regulator has launched a consultation on significant updates to Approved Document B fire safety guidance in England, closing June 17, 2026. These changes will tighten restrictions on combustible materials in external walls and introduce new requirements for evacuation lifts and PV panel installations, impacting building design and material procurement.

27 Mar 2026, 18:37consultations.hse.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UN Human Rights Council Drafts Resolution on Disability-Inclusive Digital Technologies and Infrastructure (A/HRC/61/L.5)

The UN Human Rights Council released a draft resolution in March 2026 establishing global expectations for disability-inclusive digital technologies and infrastructure. This signals a strategic shift toward embedding universal design into human rights due diligence, likely shaping future national accessibility laws and ESG reporting requirements.

27 Mar 2026, 07:54docs.un.orgGlobal

ANEC Submits Input to European Commission Evaluation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive

ANEC has submitted recommendations to the European Commission’s evaluation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, targeting material substitution and product usability. Manufacturers should prepare for potential shifts toward mandatory accessibility testing for packaging and stricter enforcement against "reusable" marketing that lacks supporting infrastructure.

26 Mar 2026, 09:53anec.euEuropean Union

Lithuania Adopts Amendments to Accessibility Requirements for Goods and Services (Law XV-760)

Lithuania has finalized amendments to its accessibility laws, mandating CE marking and stricter compliance documentation for products and digital services starting April 2026. Businesses must formalize "disproportionate burden" assessments and ensure technical alignment with EU standards to mitigate market surveillance risks and enforcement penalties.

24 Mar 2026, 12:57e-tar.ltLithuania

Aragon Approves 2026 Road Transport Inspection Plan (Orden FOM/455/2026)

Aragon has launched its 2026 Road Transport Inspection Plan, prioritizing enforcement of dangerous goods (ADR) regulations and EU Mobility Package standards. Operators should prepare for intensified scrutiny of ADR documentation and the mandatory transition to smart tachographs for light commercial vehicles by July 2026.

21 Mar 2026, 15:49boa.aragon.esSpain

CJEU Imposes EUR 1.5 Million Lump-Sum Penalty on Bulgaria for Late Transposition of European Accessibility Act

The CJEU has imposed a €1.5 million fine on Bulgaria for the late transposition of the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882). This ruling confirms that Bulgaria has now implemented the Act while signaling the EU's readiness to use significant financial penalties to enforce timely compliance with product accessibility standards.

21 Mar 2026, 09:11eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionBulgaria

Netherlands State Commission Publishes Preadvies Bundle On Future Non-Discrimination Law Reforms

The Dutch State Commission against Discrimination and Racism has published a comprehensive reform proposal (March 2026) aimed at modernizing the Netherlands' non-discrimination legal framework. Businesses should prepare for potential new proactive duties regarding "transformative equality," including stricter requirements for algorithmic transparency, equality data management, and enhanced workplace accessibility adjustments.

20 Mar 2026, 06:41zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Slovenia Launches Accessibility Inspections of Public-Use Buildings

Slovenia has launched a targeted inspection campaign to enforce new accessibility and universal design requirements for public-use buildings following the ZIMI-D amendment's entry into force. Facility owners must ensure immediate compliance with barrier-free access and communication standards or document technical infeasibility to mitigate heightened enforcement risks.

19 Mar 2026, 10:06gov.siSlovenia

Slovenia Amends Accessibility Act and Adopts Functional Performance Regulation

Slovenia has amended its Act on Accessibility of Products and Services (ZDPSI) and adopted new functional performance criteria to strengthen accessibility standards for digital, transport, and e-commerce sectors. Businesses must ensure compliance with expanded requirements for rail services, public procurement, and online purchasing interfaces, as the update introduces clearer technical benchmarks and enhanced legal remedies for non-compliance.

12 Mar 2026, 12:10gov.siSlovenia

US NCD Requests Information on Disability-Inclusive SLTT Emergency Management Toolkit

The US National Council on Disability is seeking input through April 2026 to develop a toolkit for disability-inclusive emergency management at the state and local levels. This initiative signals a move toward standardized accessibility requirements in public safety, which may eventually impact compliance expectations for emergency response infrastructure and service providers.

11 Mar 2026, 17:10federalregister.govUnited States

Norway: Parliament Adopts Amendments to Public Procurement Act on Societal and Environmental Considerations

Norway has adopted amendments to the Public Procurement Act, mandating a minimum 30% weighting for climate and environmental criteria in public tenders starting July 2026. Suppliers must enhance sustainability performance and supply chain transparency to maintain market access and competitiveness in the Norwegian public sector.

11 Mar 2026, 16:02stortinget.noNorway

Brazil – Urban Development Committee Approves Water and Sewage Service Data Transparency Bill

Brazil’s Urban Development Committee approved a bill requiring sanitation providers to disclose real-time water quality and service coverage data via digital platforms. This shift toward radical transparency increases litigation and regulatory risk for utilities failing to meet quality standards or universalization targets.

11 Mar 2026, 11:42camara.leg.brBrazil

UNECE Group of Experts Presents Case Studies on Accessible Passenger Information in Rail Stations

UNECE has released best-practice case studies on accessible rail station information systems ahead of its May 2026 expert session. These benchmarks signal a shift toward integrated digital and tactile wayfinding as the expected standard for meeting EU accessibility (PRM TSI) and international signage requirements.

10 Mar 2026, 14:39docs.un.orgEuropean UnionGermanyPolandDenmarkSpainRussia

Washington DOH Seeks Informal Comments on Draft WAC 246-385 for Private Detention Facilities Serving Adults

Washington has released draft health and safety standards for private detention facilities, initiating an informal comment period through March 19, 2026. Impacted operators must prepare for stringent new mandates covering indoor air quality, non-toxic cleaning protocols, and infrastructure upgrades to avoid substantial civil penalties.

10 Mar 2026, 11:17doh.wa.govUnited States

Norway Publishes NS 11044 Standard on Universal Design for EV Charging Infrastructure

Norway has introduced standard NS 11044, establishing universal design requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure to ensure accessibility for all users. Operators and developers must align charging station design with these standards to meet national zero-emission goals and ensure long-term regulatory compliance in the Norwegian market.

9 Mar 2026, 18:27standard.noNorway

Netherlands Answers Parliamentary Questions on Draft Verzamelbesluit Bouwwerken Leefomgeving 2025

The Dutch government has clarified upcoming amendments to building and environment decrees, introducing mandatory digital reporting and stricter process controls for sprayed PUR foam insulation. Businesses must prepare for new information duties and codified safety standards aimed at mitigating isocyanate exposure risks for residents and ensuring building compliance.

9 Mar 2026, 18:12open.overheid.nlNetherlands

US FMCSA Renews Hearing Exemptions for 16 Commercial Drivers and Seeks Comment

The US FMCSA has renewed two-year hearing exemptions for 16 commercial drivers through February 2028, with a public comment period open until April 1, 2026. This action affirms the agency's commitment to case-by-case medical flexibility, allowing qualified drivers to maintain interstate operations provided they meet strict safety and reporting conditions.

5 Mar 2026, 09:14federalregister.govUnited States

Spain Adopts Royal Decree 143/2026 Establishing Technical Support and Coordination Unit for Accessibility Surveillance Authorities

Spain has established a centralized Technical Support and Coordination Unit to harmonize market surveillance and enforcement of accessibility requirements for products and services. This move signals a shift toward more rigorous and consistent technical scrutiny, requiring economic operators to ensure robust alignment with European Accessibility Act standards.

4 Mar 2026, 16:45boe.esSpain