Digital excellence with barrier-free websites
Barrier-free Websites - W3 digital brands
Why accessibility is mandatory today
Digital accessibility is no longer just a "nice to have". For many companies, it is legally required; for others, not yet. Nevertheless, regardless of legal obligations, accessibility sends a strong message about inclusion, user-friendliness and a sustainable digital presence. Companies that design their web offerings to be accessible reap multiple benefits: they avoid legal risks, reach new target groups and improve usability for all.
Laws such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) require digital services to be designed to be accessible. By June 2025, many private sector providers will be required to make their websites accessible in accordance with these guidelines.
What are "barrier-free websites"?
A barrier-free website is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive impairments. Accessibility encompasses much more than just good readability; it involves ensuring comprehensive usability. For example, content must be readable by screen readers for blind or visually impaired people; colour schemes and contrasts must be highly visible; and navigation must be possible using only the keyboard, without complicated mouse interactions. People with cognitive impairments benefit from clear page structures and simple language, while subtitles or video transcriptions are essential for those with hearing impairments.
The basis for the implementation of barrier-free web services is formed by internationally recognised standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Barrier-Free Information Technology Regulation (BITV 2.0) in Germany. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and in Germany, the Barrier-Free Information Technology Regulation (BITV 2.0).
Accessibility in accordance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an important step by the EU to break down digital barriers and improve access to digital services for everyone. It requires many private companies to make their websites, apps and other digital products accessible. In Germany, this is regulated by the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG). From 28 June 2025, the obligation will mainly apply to companies offering digital services to consumers, such as online shops, banks, mobile providers and e-book platforms. Small companies 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 BFSG ensures that the requirements of the EAA are implemented in Germany.
The EAA clearly specifies the requirements that a website must meet to be considered accessible. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all people, regardless of their limitations, can access digital content equally.
Typical barriers on websites
Many companies are not aware that their websites are not accessible to people with disabilities. Some of the most common barriers that are overlooked in the development of websites include:
Poor contrasts, non-scalable texts, missing alternative texts for images.
Users without a mouse cannot navigate through the pages.
Missing subheadings, complex forms, no logical order.
Videos without subtitles or without control options.
No hints for incorrectly filled out forms.
Why accessibility is more than an obligation
Barrier-free websites offer numerous advantages - for companies and users alike.
Extended target group
In Germany, there are approximately 10 million people living with disabilities. In addition, there are elderly users, people with temporary limitations (e.g. broken arm), or in noisy environments. A barrier-free 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 codebase. 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, resulting in 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.
Implementing barrier-free access
Accessibility is a process. Here are some important steps that companies should consider to ensure that their company websites meet accessibility requirements:
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. These standards define the requirements for the accessibility of websites. Through a detailed examination, weaknesses and optimization potentials, for example in navigation, structure, or visual design of the site, can be identified.
UX and design optimization
Based on the analysis, solutions should be developed that meet the requirements of accessibility and at the same time optimize the user experience. An accessible design takes into account important factors such as clear content structuring, sufficient color contrasts, legible fonts, and the ability to customize the display (e.g. larger font or increased contrasts). Equally important are the integration of alternative texts for images and accessible navigation to ensure accessibility for all users. The design should not only meet legal requirements but also increase overall user satisfaction.
Technical Implementation
The implementation includes all technical adjustments necessary to improve accessibility. This includes optimizing navigation to ensure smooth use without a mouse or with keyboard control. It also involves adding alt texts to images so that people with visual impairments can access the content via screen readers, as well as making forms and interactive elements accessible.
Testing accessibility
After implementing the adjustments, it is important to thoroughly test the accessibility of the website. Accessibility tests such as a final BITV test and validation according to the WCAG guidelines are carried out. 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.
Our references
Our most convincing arguments? Successful projects for companies that want to drive innovation - and brands that want to differentiate themselves digitally.
The path to a barrier-free website - with W3 digital brands
Accessible web design is more than a legal obligation - it is a sign of quality and digital responsibility. As an experienced digital agency, we not only make your brand visible but also accessible. We at W3 digital brands support you in creating a barrier-free website and reliably meeting legal requirements. Our goal: Digital experiences that are usable for all people - regardless of abilities, devices, or situations.
Accessibility is not a compromise for us, but an added value. That's why we make your website future-proof - for all users, for all applications, and for the internet of tomorrow.
Constance
W3 digital brands GmbH
Theodor-Heuss-Str. 1
78467 Konstanz
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+49 (0)7531 921 55 55
kn@w3-digitalbrands.com
Hamburg
W3 digital brands HAM GmbH
Shoulder blade 36
20357 Hamburg
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+49 (0)40 226 306 480
ham@w3-digitalbrands.com