Retrofit a barrier-free website according to WCAG 2.1 AA easily and without any programming work.

Would you like to read more on the topic?
We have put everything together for you.

Accessible Website Checklist: Deadlines & Digital Accessibility

This website accessibility checklist is designed to help you understand and implement digital accessibility. Given the upcoming deadlines, especially with a view to June 2025 and the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), it is crucial that companies and organizations act now to make their web offerings accessible and usable for all users.

Introduction to website accessibility

What does accessible website mean?

An accessible website is designed to be used by all people, regardless of their abilities or limitations. This means that people with disabilities, such as deaf and hard of hearing people, blind and visually impaired people or people with motor disabilities, can use the website without barriers. A website is accessible if it is accessible and usable, for example by adjusting the font size or the ability to use the keyboard to operate the website. The goal is the inclusion of all users.

The importance of digital accessibility

Digital accessibility is crucial because it ensures that everyone has equal access to information and services online. Website accessibility enables people with disabilities to actively participate in digital life, be it online shopping, obtaining information or using online services. Digital accessibility promotes inclusion and helps break down barriers. The commitment of German companies to accessibility is reinforced by the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and the implementation of the European standard EN 301 549.

Common misunderstandings

A common misconception is that accessibility is only relevant to people with disabilities. In fact, all users benefit from an accessible website as it is often more user-friendly and easier to use. Another misconception is that implementing accessibility is complicated and expensive. With the right tools and a systematic checklist, the accessibility of a website can be efficiently improved. Many also believe that accessibility is a one-time task, but it requires continuous review and adjustment to meet changing standards such as WCAG 2.1 and BITV 2.0.

Legal basis and deadlines

Legal requirements

The legal basis for the barrier-free website is diverse and aims to ensure digital accessibility for all citizens. The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which implements the European Accessibility Act (EAA) directive, obliges German companies to ensure the accessibility of their web offerings. The EN 301 549 standard specifies the requirements for barrier-free websites and digital products. These laws and standards ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to web services and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Deadlines for implementing accessibility

Deadlines for implementing accessibility are a crucial aspect that companies and organizations must consider. An important deadline is June 2025, when the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) comes into force and expands the obligations on digital accessibility. This particularly applies to public sector applications that must be barrier-free. It is advisable to create a checklist and check the website for accessibility early on in order to meet deadlines and ensure that the website is accessible and usable for people with disabilities. Otherwise there will be sanctions.

Overview of WCAG 2.1

WCAG 2.1, short for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is an internationally recognized standard for website accessibility. These guidelines provide specific recommendations on how to design accessible web content to make it accessible to people with disabilities, including blind people. WCAG 2.1 includes various principles such as perceivability, usability, understandability and robustness, which are essential for accessible websites. Compliance with the WCAG 2.1 standards helps to fully ensure the accessibility of a website and ensure that all users, including deaf and hard of hearing people, can easily use the content.

Accessible website checklist

Technical requirements

The technical requirements are a central part of making a website barrier-free and complying with federal standards. This involves using semantic HTML to clearly define the structure of the web page. The correct implementation of ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes supports assistive technologies in interpreting dynamic content and controls in an understandable way. It is important that all functions of the website can also be operated via the keyboard so that people with motor disabilities can use the site without barriers. The European standard EN 301 549 specifies the standards here, which also include the international standard for barrier-free web design.

Content design: alternative texts for images

Content design plays an important role in the accessibility of websites. An important aspect is providing alternative text for images to ensure content is accessible to blind people. These alternative texts describe the content and function of the image for people with visual impairments. The alternative texts are read out by screen readers and enable blind and visually impaired people to understand the visual content. It is important that the alternative texts are precise and meaningful to ensure complete and barrier-free use of the website. Make sure it is used correctly in the respective CMS such as WordPress.

User experience and navigation

A positive user experience and intuitive navigation are crucial for an accessible website. The navigation should be clearly structured and easy to use so that all users can easily find their way around. A consistent design and the use of meaningful headings and links make orientation easier. The website should also be understandable for people with cognitive disabilities by simplifying complex content and presenting it in easy-to-understand language. A Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAET) can help test the accessibility of a website.

Tips for creating an accessible website

Accessibility checking tools

In order to make a website accessible, it is important to use appropriate accessibility checking tools. These tools like WAVE analyze Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and BITV 2.0 standards to identify potential barriers. There are various Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools (WAET) that perform automated tests and generate detailed reports. These tools help ensure digital accessibility and ensure that the website is accessible and meets the needs of people with disabilities so that the website is accessible and usable for people with disabilities.

Best practices for design

When designing accessible websites, best practices should be taken into account to ensure optimal digital accessibility. This includes the use of clear and understandable headings that enable a logical structure of the content. Navigation should be intuitive and simple so that all users, including people with disabilities, can easily find their way around. It is important to use sufficient contrast between text and background to improve readability. The European standard EN 301 549 provides detailed guidelines for designing accessible websites.

Training and raising awareness of the team

Successful implementation of digital accessibility requires training and awareness of the entire team. Everyone involved should have a basic understanding of the importance of accessibility and the needs of people with disabilities. Training can help convey the principles of WCAG 2.1 and BITV 2.0 and demonstrate the correct use of accessibility testing tools. Only through comprehensive awareness can it be ensured that the website is designed to be barrier-free and continuously improved. Aktion Mensch offers numerous materials here.

Outlook: Accessibility from 2025

Expected developments in digital accessibility

Significant developments in digital accessibility can be expected from 2025, particularly with the entry into force of the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). This policy will further strengthen digital accessibility commitments for companies and organizations in support of the Accessibility Statement. It is expected that standards such as WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549 will be continuously developed to better meet the needs of people with disabilities. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) could play a larger role in automatically checking and improving accessibility on websites and apps in the future.

The role of companies in accessibility

Companies play a central role in promoting accessibility by providing accessible websites. They are obliged to design their digital offerings in such a way that they are accessible and usable for all users, including people with disabilities. This not only includes compliance with legal requirements such as the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and the European standard EN 301 549, but also actively promoting inclusion through accessible web content. Companies that address accessibility early on benefit from improved user satisfaction and a positive image, especially when designing accessible websites and apps.

How to prepare for the new requirements

In order to optimally prepare for the new requirements of digital accessibility, companies should act early. One comprehensive analysis of existing web offerings is the first step in identifying potential barriers. It is advisable to create a checklist and check the website for accessibility. Training employees and implementing processes to continually review and improve accessibility are also crucial. Compliance with the WCAG 2.1 standards and adaptation to the European standard EN 301 549 are essential to ensure that the website is accessible and usable for people with disabilities.

What is one? Accessible website and why is it important?

One Accessible website The website is designed to be accessible to all users, including people with cognitive disabilities. People with disabilities, including blind people, require special support through technologies such as screen readers., accessible and usable. The accessibility A website enables all people, regardless of their physical, sensory or cognitive abilities, to use the website's content and functions. This is particularly important as it promotes digital participation and equality as well as the inclusion supports. One Accessible website usually meets the standards of the wcag The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the requirements of the international standard are crucial for digital accessibility. Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG).

What deadlines apply for the implementation? digital accessibility in Germany?

In Germany, companies and public bodies are obliged to... digital accessibility until June 2025 to implement. This deadline is part of the requirement that all websites be accessible by 2025. european accessibility act (EAA), which aims to improve the accessibility of web content to improve. After this deadline, all websites must meet the international standard for accessible web design. accessible websites the requirements of the bitv 2.0 and the standard EN 301 549 are equivalent to. It is important to start implementation early to ensure that all requirements in force by June 2025 are met in a timely manner.

What are the most important points? Accessible website checklist?

A comprehensive one Accessible website checklist covers several important points, including: the use of clear and understandable web contentEnsuring that all content complies with the Accessibility Statement is critical. keyboard Accessibility requirements include making websites and apps navigable, providing alternative text for images and multimedia content, and complying with WCAG. wcag 2.1 Accessible web design guidelines are essential for creating inclusive digital content. In addition, colors with sufficient contrast should be used to increase readability, which is particularly important for use with screen readers. The accessibility of websites should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it meets the latest standards.

How can I mean Accessibility website check?

There are many free tools that will give you a rough overview. We would be happy to provide you with a comprehensive report on the accessibility status of your website.