What are "accessible websites"?
A barrier-free website is designed to be used by all people without restrictions - regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. Accessibility means much more than just good readability: it is about comprehensive, accessible usability. For example, content must be readable by screen readers for blind or visually impaired people, color schemes and contrasts must be clearly distinguishable, and navigation must be fully possible using only the keyboard - without complicated mouse interactions. People with cognitive impairments benefit from a clear page structure and easily understandable language, while subtitles or video transcriptions are essential for people with hearing impairments.
The basis for the implementation of barrier-free web services is formed by the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as well as in Germany the Barrier-Free Information Technology Regulation (BITV 2.0).
Accessibility according to the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an important step by the EU to break down digital barriers and provide better access to digital services for all people. It obliges many private companies to... Sitios webI'm sorry, but the text you provided is too short for me to translate. Please provide a longer text for translation. Applications and other digital products accessible. In Germany, this is regulated by the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG). As of June 28, 2025, the obligation applies primarily to companies that offer digital services to consumers - for example, online shops, banks, mobile phone providers, or e-book platforms. Small businesses with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than two million euros are generally exempt, unless they offer particularly relevant digital services. The Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) in Germany ensures that the requirements of the EAA are also implemented in Germany.
The EAA clearly specifies the requirements that a website must meet to be considered accessible. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all people - regardless of their limitations - can equally access digital content.
Typical barriers on websites
Many companies are not aware that their websites are not accessible to people with disabilities. The most common barriers that are overlooked in the development of websites include:
01 Visual barriers: Poor contrasts, non-scalable texts, missing alternative texts for images.
02 Insufficient keyboard operability: Users without a mouse cannot navigate through the pages.
03 Unstructured content: Missing subheadings, complex forms, no logical order.
04 Non-accessible multimedia content: videos without subtitles or without control options.
05 Missing feedback options: No indications for incorrectly filled out forms.
Valentina v. Cramm
Managing Partner Hamburg
Why Accessibility is More Than Just a Duty
Barrier-free websites offer numerous advantages - for companies and users alike.
Extended target group
In Germany, approximately 10 million people live with disabilities. In addition, there are elderly users, people with temporary limitations (e.g. broken arm), or in noisy environments. An accessible website is more accessible for all these groups. Implementing accessibility on websites can increase reach and reach target groups that have not been reached before.
Better user experience
Accessibility means not only meeting legal requirements, but also providing an overall better user experience. Accessible websites offer a structured and easy-to-navigate interface that makes it easier for all users to quickly and efficiently find the information they are looking for. Clear fonts, understandable color contrasts, or alternative text formats allow visitors to achieve their goals without obstacles. A clear structure, simple language, intuitive navigation, and good readability make the overall use of the website more pleasant - for everyone.
SEO benefits
Another advantage of accessibility is the optimization of websites for search engines. Accessible websites often stand out due to a better structure, such as clear headings, alt texts for images, and a clean code base. These factors not only improve usability but also indexing by search engines. Search engines like Google prefer well-structured pages and often rank accessible websites higher. This can lead to better placement in search results, which in turn means more organic traffic.
Legal protection
The implementation of accessibility on websites is not only a good and recommended measure, but also a legal necessity. In many countries, including EU member states, there are legal requirements such as the Accessibility Act (BFG) or the standard EN 301 549, which oblige companies to make their online offerings accessible. Non-compliance with these regulations can have legal consequences including fines or other penalties. Compliance with legal requirements such as EAA, BFSG, or BITV 2.0 protects against warnings, lawsuits, or damage to reputation. This is particularly relevant for companies that accept public contracts or are active in e-commerce.
How we implement accessibility
Accessibility is an ongoing process. We support companies in further developing their corporate websites to meet the requirements of accessibility - from analyzing existing content to optimizing design and code to sustainable implementation.
Analysis of the existing website
At the beginning, there should be a thorough analysis of the existing website. This is done based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the BITV 2.0, which define the requirements for accessible websites. Through a detailed examination, weaknesses and optimization potentials in navigation, structure, or visual design can be identified. In this process, we support as the Digital strategy consulting Assist companies in deriving clear recommendations for action and implementing measures in a structured manner.
UX and design optimization
Based on the analysis, we develop solutions that meet the requirements of accessibility and at the same time the User Experience Optimize specifically. An accessible design considers factors such as clear content structuring, sufficient color contrasts, easily readable fonts, and flexible customization options (e.g. larger font or increased contrasts). Equally important are alternative texts for images and accessible navigation to ensure accessibility for all users. We not only pay attention to legal requirements, but also combine our expertise in Digital Branding with functional design to create accessibility that is both legally compliant and strengthens brand perception and user satisfaction.
Technical Implementation
The implementation includes all technical adjustments necessary to improve accessibility. Web agency We will take over the optimization of the navigation to ensure smooth use without a mouse or with keyboard control. This includes also providing alt texts for images so that people with visual impairments can access content via screen readers, as well as the barrier-free implementation of forms and interactive elements.
Testing Accessibility
After implementing the adjustments, it is important to thoroughly test the accessibility of the website. Accessibility tests are carried out, such as a final BITV test and validation according to the WCAG guidelines. These tests ensure that the website complies with relevant EU directives and is accessible on various devices and for different user groups.
Regular review and optimization
Accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluations and continuous improvements. Websites evolve, new content is added, and legal requirements may change. Therefore, websites should be regularly checked for accessibility to ensure they remain accessible even with new content and updates.
