Morais Leitão hosts AccessibleEU Portugal workshop on the new legal framework for accessibility

The new legal framework for accessibility, resulting from the transposition of the European Accessibility Act, was the central theme of the workshop “AccessibleEU Portugal – Legal Framework for Accessibility: From Theory to Practice”, held on 8 July at Morais Leitão’s Lisbon office.

Organised in partnership by Morais Leitão, the AccessibleEU Centre, the Portuguese Association of Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the Salvador Association, the event brought together corporate representatives, digital accessibility experts and civil society organisations for a practical discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by the new national legislation (Decree-Law no. 82/2022 and Ordinance no. 220/2023).

The opening session featured remarks by Mariana Soares David, followed by an in-depth presentation on the national transposition of the European directive, led by Helena Tapp Barroso, Mariana Soares David and Diogo Martins (AccessibleEU).

In the keynote “Portugal + Accessible: AMA’s Commitment to Inclusion”, Jorge Fernandes from the Agency for Administrative Modernisation (AMA) highlighted the role of the public sector in promoting digital accessibility and driving inclusive transformation across services and platforms.

The panel discussion on “Accessibility Best Practices”, moderated by Helena Tapp Barroso, featured speakers from companies that have already taken significant steps toward implementing accessibility measures:

• Nuno Próspero dos Santos (Jerónimo Martins)
• Paula Neves Pereira (CP – Portuguese Railways)
• Duarte Pereira (ASFAC)

The programme also included a practical workshop led by Sandra Costa (Accessibility Office – APD), with commentary from Diogo Martins and the Morais Leitão team.

The activity focused on analysing a product or service and challenging participants to identify areas requiring adaptation to comply with accessibility regulations. This hands-on approach fostered critical thinking, peer learning and the co-creation of actionable, real-world solutions.

More information here.