Accessibility means reachability. This means that standard requirements are not sufficient; requirements relating to visual and hearing impairments, motor limitations, and older people must also be met.
It is often not realised which accessibility steps are already being fulfilled during the implementation of a website or online shop:
- A clear navigation structure
- Alt-Tags
- Responsive design
- Contrasts
- Easily readable font sizes and types
- Language selection
These points already make a website/online shop accessible to many people. But not to everyone. To ensure accessibility and understandability for all individuals in your target audience, the new Accessibility Strengthening Act will come into effect on 28 June 2025.
Where everyone benefits from accessibility
In addition to accessibility in the real world, such as lifts, automatic doors, tactile paving, … we also encounter it daily in the digital world:
- Voice output and voice input
- Zoom functionality
- Contrast and dark mode
- Alt text for images
- Responsive design
As these criteria make the user experience easier for everyone, they are not only used by people with disabilities, as primarily intended, but also make digital life easier for people without disabilities.
Why accessibility in the digital space is becoming ever more important
Digital offerings are an indispensable part of our everyday lives. They are found in almost all areas of social, economic, and even cultural life. Work, communication, and information retrieval happen online every day, which is why equal access for all people is a special priority. The competitive advantage gained by adhering to the criteria is also evident in search engine rankings: in 2023, the positive influence of accessibility on rankings and organic traffic was confirmed.
While it's not a central factor for ranking, it has an indirect effect. Especially since Google has increasingly focused on user experience and technical quality.
With the entry into force of the Accessibility Strengthening Act in Germany, this option will become mandatory for providers in the B2C sector. Compliance not only offers legal certainty but also economic advantages:
Accessible services increase reach, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness, and strengthen the company's image.
What is behind the Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz - BFSG)?
It transposes EU Directive 2019/882, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), into German law. The aim is to promote equal and non-discriminatory participation for all people, regardless of abilities and limitations.
Which digital services are affected?
- Websites and Online Shops
- Apps and mobile applications
- Booking portals
- Digital services such as e-books, banking services, telephone services, ticket booking systems
What exactly is changing?
- Private companies will be obliged: What previously only applied to public bodies will also apply to private companies from 2025.
- Affected products and services: These include, among others, websites, online shops, booking and contact forms, apps, computers, tablets, smartphones, e-book readers, internet-enabled televisions, cash and ticket machines, as well as banking and telecommunications services.
- Scope of application: The requirements apply to all products newly launched from 28 June 2025, as well as services provided to consumers from that date.
- Digital Accessibility: Websites and digital services must be designed so that people with disabilities can use them without assistance.
- Exceptions Small businesses (fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million annual turnover) are exempt from certain obligations, provided they do not offer products explicitly named in the law.
- Transitional periods: FFor certain services and products, there are transition periods of up to five or 15 years, depending on the category.
- Checks and sanctions Compliance will be monitored. Violations may result in warnings, fines, and possibly product recalls or returns.
How companies can benefit
Even though the Accessibility Strengthening Act is primarily aimed at B2C companies, it makes sense for B2B companies to comply with it as well. Here are the advantages:
- Target audience expansion Not only people with disabilities, but also older and temporarily impaired users benefit from inclusive provision.
- User-friendliness Clear navigation, understandable content, and accessible interactions make digital products more intuitive for everyone. This has a positive impact on the user experience and therefore also on SEO performance.
- Legal certainty If the law is not complied with by affected companies, there are risks of legal action, fines, and warnings.
- Brand reputationBy adhering to criteria, especially when they are not legally binding, companies demonstrate social responsibility and are perceived as inclusive. This builds trust and loyalty from customers, partners and employees towards the company.
Checklist – Is your website accessible?
- Alt-text for visual representations
- Sufficient ContrastThis can be verified using various tools.
- Clear Overview and structureSimple, logical and clear navigation makes the website easier to use.
- Formula All form fields should be clearly labelled and error messages should be designed to be understandable and unambiguous.
- SubtitlesSubtitles also enable visually impaired people to access content.
Conclusion
The new accessibility law brings an important topic into the focus of companies, organisations and society. It will become an integral part and standard of modern development and design processes in the coming years. Technologies such as AI will further drive accessibility, making implementation easier for companies.
