Barrier-free Websites - W3 digital brands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.