Accessible website: an opportunity, not an obligation

On June 28, 2025, the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) will come into force – a milestone that makes digital offerings mandatorily inclusive. Companies must prepare their products and services in such a way that they can be used by everyone. In addition to the legal requirements, the implementation of internationally recognized standards such as WCAG and the national BITV play a decisive role.

Digital accessibility – basic principles and advantages

In the digital context, accessibility means that websites, apps and software products are designed so that they can be used by everyone – regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive limitations. Specifically, this means:

• Perceivability: content must be accessible via multiple sensory channels (e.g. visual and auditory).

• Operability: all functions must also be usable via keyboard and with assistive technologies.

• Intelligibility: user guidance and content should be clear, structured and easy to understand.

• Robustness: Technical standards must be adhered to so that content remains future-proof and compatible with different end devices and assistive technologies.

A barrier-free website offers numerous advantages: it reaches a broader target group, improves the user experience and – thanks to clean, structured code – also improves search engine rankings. In addition, it signals social responsibility and can have a lasting positive influence on the brand image.

Legal basis: an overview of the BFSG, WCAG and BITV

The German Accessibility Act (BFSG)

The BFSG implements EU Directive (EU) 2019/882 and requires companies to offer their digital products and services in an accessible way from June 28, 2025. The law applies to both products (such as computers, smartphones, e-book readers or interactive vending machines) and services (such as online banking, e-commerce or digital ticket bookings). There are exemptions for micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of no more than 2 million euros in certain areas.

Violations are subject to severe sanctions: in addition to written warnings, fines of up to 100,000 euros can be imposed and even the distribution of the affected product can be prohibited.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The WCAG are international guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). They define specific criteria for how digital content can be made accessible. The currently recognized version – WCAG 2.2 – is based on the basic principles of accessibility (perceivability, operability, understandability and robustness) and defines three levels of conformity:

• Level A: Basic requirements that must be met.

• Level AA: Recommended minimum requirements that are often also legally required.

• Level AAA: Highest level that goes beyond the legal minimum requirements.

Companies that design your websites and apps according to WCAG 2.2 create a solid foundation for complying with legal requirements and sustainably increasing user-friendliness.

Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV)

The BITV 2.0 (currently based on WCAG 2.1, with ongoing adjustments) is the standard for digital accessibility of public bodies in Germany. It defines specific technical and design requirements for websites and mobile applications operated by public authorities, public institutions and other state institutions. Although the BITV was originally developed for the public sector, its guidelines and test criteria provide valuable orientation – especially in comparison to the more extensive requirements of the BFSG, which also affect private companies.

Implementing the legal requirements – How to get ready for 2025

Analysis and planning

• Audit: Start with a detailed analysis of your existing website. Tools like the free Accessibility Checker can reveal initial weaknesses.

• Goal definition: Determine which level of conformity (e.g. WCAG 2.2 Level AA) you want to achieve and which areas should be prioritized.

Technical and design implementation

• HTML and ARIA: Use semantically correct HTML and add ARIA labels to your pages so that assistive technologies such as screen readers can optimally interpret your content.

• Responsive design: Make sure that your website is accessible on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. Clear navigation and adjustable font sizes are key.

• Media content: Make sure that videos are subtitled and audio descriptions are provided, and that images have meaningful alternative texts.

• Forms and interactions: Make forms keyboard-accessible and ensure that error messages are clear and understandable.

Documentation and transparency

• Accessibility statement: Publish a detailed statement on your website explaining the current state of accessibility and informing users about any restrictions.

• Regular reviews: As legal requirements and technological standards continue to evolve, your website's accessibility should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

Conclusion: Inclusion as a competitive advantage

The Accessibility Act is more than a legal requirement – it is an opportunity to make your digital presence future-proof and user-friendly. The integration of the international WCAG guidelines and the national BITV requirements creates a solid basis for ensuring digital participation for all. By taking proactive steps now, you will not only ensure legal compliance, but also benefit from an expanded customer base, a better SEO ranking, and a positive brand image.

Use the time remaining until June 2025 to make your website fully accessible and lay the foundation for an inclusive future. Do you have questions or need help with implementation?

Contact us – together we will bring your digital strategy up to date.