Accessibility on the web: More reach and a better user experience.
Management Summary:
Accessibility Reinforcement Act from June 28, 2025
Checklist for possible mandatory changes
Advantages of an accessible website
On June 28, 2025, the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) will come into force in Germany - a legal measure that obliges companies to make websites and web stores barrier-free. The aim of this law is to give people with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, deafness or motor impairments, unrestricted access to digital content.
Who is affected?
The new law generally affects companies in the B2C sector, i.e. providers of services that are aimed directly at end customers - such as doctors, hairdressers or online stores that offer online appointment bookings or contact forms. However, there are also exceptions: Private websites and purely business (B2B) offers are not affected. Small companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros are also not required to implement accessibility.
If accessibility is not complied with, a market surveillance authority can take action: First, a request is issued to remove the barriers. If this is not complied with, the authority can order the cessation of electronic commerce. Fines of several thousand euros are also possible.
amce studios checklist: What you need to consider for a website.
To make a website accessible to everyone, some elements should be optimized:
- Imagesand graphics:
All images and graphics should be provided with alt texts to enable access for people with visual impairments. - Videos and audio files:
The integration of subtitles, audio descriptions and, where appropriate, sign language videos can make it easier for deaf and hard of hearing people to access websites. - Texts and structure:
Simple language and a clear structure of the headings promote understanding and make navigation easier. - Contrasts and legibility:
Sufficient color contrasts improve legibility and contribute to better perceptibility of content, especially for people with visual impairments. - Keyboard operation:
A website that can be operated entirely using the keyboard makes it easier for users with motor impairments to access. - Multisensory information transfer:
information should not only be provided visually, but also audibly in order to optimize the usability of the website.
Advantages of an accessible website.
The benefits of an accessible website go beyond legal requirements: it improves usability for people with disabilities and optimizes the user experience for all users. Accessibility for people with disabilities reaches a wider audience, including potential customers who have difficulties with non-accessible websites. Accessible websites are more user-friendly and clearer overall, which benefits everyone.
"Design plays a central role in accessibility. It is about creating a user-friendly structure that is visually accessible and easy to navigate, regardless of the individual needs of the user. WCAG 2.1 provides clear guidelines on how these requirements can be implemented effectively."
Checkin with amce studios.
Do you have questions about implementation, are you looking for professional support or would you like to assess where you currently stand? We will be happy to accompany you on the way to a digital solution that is accessible to everyone. Get in touch with us - we look forward to hearing from you!
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amce studios GmbH is an owner-managed digital agency based in Darmstadt. Since its founding, its customers have included large and medium-sized companies, up-and-coming start-ups and ambitious new entrepreneurs from the technology, energy, environment, retail and fashion sectors. As a full-service agency, customers are supported regionally, nationally and worldwide in all areas of web experience, branding, social media and 3D design. amce studios GmbH is part of the amce studios group.
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