barrier-free Websites

On June 28, the Barrier-Free Accessibility Reinforcement Act will come into force in Germany, which means that many companies will be faced with the task of making their websites barrier-free.

Why accessibility is important:

• Extended target group: More than 10 million people in German-speaking countries have a severe disability.
• Better Google ranking: Accessibility is a ranking factor and can improve your ranking.
• Legal obligation & inclusion: An accessible website not only promotes participation for all, but also fulfills legal requirements.

We support you in adapting your digital presence so that it is accessible to all people, regardless of restrictions.

Who is affected?

The law applies to B2C companies if at least one of the following conditions applies:

• An annual turnover of more than 2 million euros oder at least 10 employees.
• Conclusion of contracts or inquiries via the website (e.g. online stores, appointment booking, contact forms).

These include banks, insurance companies, e-commerce providers, transportation companies, communication service providers, media platforms, e-book providers and service companies such as doctors and hairdressers.

1. Perceptibility

• Alternative texts: Images and graphics must be provided with meaningful descriptions.
• Subtitles & transcripts: Videos should contain subtitles or audio descriptions.
• Contrasts: At least 4.5:1 for normal text.
• Scalability: It must be possible to enlarge content to 200% without loss.

2. Usability

• Keyboard control: All functions must be usable without a mouse.
• Focus highlighting: Interactive elements should be highlighted visually.
• Navigation: Clear, consistent structure with “skip links”.

3. Comprehensibility

• Simple language: Clear, easy-to-understand texts.
• Predictable functions: Logical behavior of interactive elements.
• Erklärungen: Fachbegriffe und Abkürzungen sollten erläutert werden.

4. Robustness

• Technological compatibility: Functionality with screen readers and assistive technologies.
• Clean code: Valid HTML code for correct interpretation.

5. Forms & interactivity

• Accessible forms: Correct labeling and clear error messages.
• Feedback: Comprehensible confirmation messages.

6. Documents & Miscellaneous

• Accessible PDFs: Provided documents must be accessible.
• Statement on accessibility: Description of the current status with contact option for feedback.

Implementation in practice

Accessible design doesn't have to be complicated. We can do it for you:

• Adjustment of contrasts and scalability.
• Insert alt texts for images.
• Optimization of links with meaningful descriptions.
• Creation of an accessibility declaration with registration form.
• Accessible design of PDFs.

Costs for the changeover

The costs depend on the size of the website. An average website with 10 subpages requires around €1,500 for one-time optimization. Shops and extensive websites have higher requirements.

Get advice now!

Contact us for an individual analysis and a quote:

• Via contact form or e-mail: servus@bavariait.com
• By telephone: +49 1512 8881184
• Or arrange a free initial consultation

Who benefits from accessibility?

• People with permanent disabilities: Around 10% of the German population.
• People with temporary restrictions: For example, due to accidents or illness.
• All users: A well-structured website improves usability for everyone.
• Your company: More potential customers and better Google ranking.

The procedure

1. Analyze your website for barriers.
2. Discussion of the optimization steps.
3. Offer submission.
4. Realization & implementation of accessibility requirements.

Download the e-book for accessible adaptations now