Accessibility Becomes Mandatory: Implications of the New BFSG for Businesses
The clock is ticking โ on ๐ฎ๐ด. ๐๐๐ป๐ถ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ, the ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐๐๐รค๐ฟ๐ธ๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ด๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐𝘇} (๐๐๐ฆ๐) comes into force in Germany. For the first time, the private sector will also be obligated to ensure accessibility โ a significant step towards strengthening digital accessibility.
Among other things, the law requires that websites in certain industries, as well as websites involved in "e-commerce" in general, be accessible.
For IT service providers like us, this entails optimizing websites and mobile apps in accordance with EN 301 549 and the WCAG catalog. Additionally, processes and workflows will be adapted to integrate accessibility from the outset and to actively inform and support clients.
Further details and considerations on this topic can be found here in our collection of links:
Useful Links
Legal Foundations & Self-Checks
- Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG)
- Check: Is My Company Affected?
- Explanatory Video in Plain Language
Technical Requirements & Standards
- EN 301 549 โ European Standard for Accessibility
- WCAG 2.1 โ Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Tools for Website Auditing
- WAVE Web Accessibility Tool
- AChecker
- Lighthouse (Chrome Extension)
- axe DevTools โ Accessibility Testing
- NVDA โ Screen Reader for Windows
Conclusion: Accessibility is the Future
The BFSG is not an obstacle, but an opportunity: Companies that invest in digital accessibility now not only strengthen their legal certainty but also their brand โ and reach a wider audience.
We are pleased to assist you on your journey to an accessible website โ strategically, technically, and with foresight.
