Missions

OSAPS ensures that products and services are accessible to all by monitoring compliance, supporting economic operators and raising public awareness.

Monitoring the compliance of products and services

OSAPS verifies that products and services covered by the law meet the accessibility requirements.

Example: Ensuring that a banking website can be used by a visually impaired person with the aid of a screen reader.

Checking CE marking and declarations of conformity

It ensures that products bear the CE marking and that declarations of conformity demonstrate compliance with European accessibility requirements.

Example: A transport ticket dispenser incorporates text-to-speech technology, enabling blind people to use a personal headset.

Check for exemptions from accessibility requirements

OSAPS verifies that exemptions provided for by law are duly justified, in particular in the event of a substantial modification of a product or a clear disproportion.

Example: A company may invoke an exemption if adapting a service would entail disproportionate costs.

Supporting micro-enterprises

OSAPS provides advice and resources to help micro-enterprises comply with the legislation.

Example: Providing a guide to help a small business make its online sales site accessible to deaf people.

Informing and raising awareness

It informs citizens and economic operators about their rights and obligations in terms of accessibility.

Example: Publishing educational videos on the adaptations needed for digital services.

Collecting data on accessibility

OSAPS collects information on the actual accessibility of products and services in order to improve enforcement.

Example: Assess how many online banking services are actually usable by people with motor disabilities.

Cooperate with the relevant authorities

It forwards its observations and analyses to the market surveillance authorities to strengthen compliance with the rules.

Example: Alert the authorities if a telephone service provider does not offer a solution suitable for people with hearing impairments.