Digital accessibility

Digital accessibility as the key to more participation, a better user experience and legal security – make your website inclusive and future-proof

In this article, you will find out what digital accessibility means, why it is essential in our digital society and how you can make your digital services accessible to everyone. Accessibility is not only legally relevant, but also an important part of modern user orientation.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility means that digital content and services are accessible and usable for all people – regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive limitations.

This means, for example, that blind people can understand content with the help of a screen reader or that videos with subtitles can also be understood by hearing-impaired people.

Why is digital accessibility important?

Digital accessibility is essential to enable equal access to information and digital services for all people – regardless of whether they are a public authority, a company or a private organization. Millions of people in Europe live with permanent disabilities, plus many with temporary or situational barriers. Without accessibility, these people will be excluded from digital services, which is both unethical and short-sighted from a business perspective.

Digital accessibility improves user-friendliness, increases reach and reduces bounce rates. At the same time, accessibility enables companies to comply with legal requirements, such as BITV 2.0 or EU Directive 2016/2102, and thus avoid potential legal consequences.

Digital accessibility – the legal basis

Digital accessibility is not just a question of user-friendliness, it is also enshrined in law. In Germany and the European Union, clear regulations are in place to ensure the digital participation of all people.

Digital accessibility: laws and guidelines

In Germany, digital accessibility is regulated in particular by the Accessible Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0). This implements the European Directive (EU) 2016/2102 and obliges public bodies to make their digital services accessible. This is supplemented by the Disability Equality Act (BGG), which aims to ensure the equal participation of people with disabilities. At European level, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will also become relevant for certain private economic players from 2025, e.g. in e-commerce or for software providers.

The relevant technical standards for accessibility can be found in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), currently in version 2.1. These guidelines define four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable and robust – and represent an internationally recognized basis for the implementation of accessible content.

Differences between accessibility and usability

Although accessibility and usability pursue similar goals, they are not the same. While usability aims to make use as convenient and intuitive as possible for the general public, accessibility focuses specifically on people with disabilities. Accessibility ensures that information and functions are also accessible without a mouse, without visual perception or without acoustic signals. Usability can be improved through accessibility measures, but a system is not automatically accessible just because it is easy to use.

Accessibility is therefore an extension of classic usability concepts – with an inclusive approach. By combining both, you can create digital services that work for everyone – regardless of ability or technical accessibility.

Which requirements apply to whom?

The legal requirements for digital accessibility in Germany primarily affect public bodies – i.e. authorities, administrations and municipal and state institutions. They are obliged to make their websites, apps and documents accessible in accordance with the BITV. This also includes regular accessibility declarations and feedback options for users.

In addition, the European Accessibility Act is also bringing the private sector more into focus. From 2025, certain companies – particularly in the areas of e-commerce, telecommunications, financial services and digital devices – will have to offer accessible products and services. Those who take action early on can not only protect themselves legally, but also gain the trust of a larger target group.

Accessibility is also worthwhile outside of legal obligations: it improves the user experience, strengthens brand perception and has a positive effect on SEO and conversion rates.

Digital accessibility – affected target groups

Digital accessibility does not just affect a small marginalized group – it is essential for millions of people in Germany and Europe. Different limitations require different solutions, but the goal is always the same: equal access to digital content.

Digital accessibility for people with visual impairments

People with visual impairments often encounter considerable hurdles in the digital space. These include a lack of alternative text for images, insufficient color contrasts or unstructured content that cannot be correctly interpreted by screen reader software. While people with color vision deficiency often rely on visual distinctions, blind users require fully keyboard-operated interfaces and correctly labeled content. Aids such as screen readers or Braille displays enable them to navigate – provided that the website is technically clean and semantically correct.

By using accessible technologies such as ARIA roles or sophisticated HTML structures, information can also be made accessible without visual perception. A well-structured, accessible website is the key to the digital world for people with visual impairments – whether they are banking online, filling out forms or accessing information.

Digital accessibility for people with motor disabilities

People with motor impairments often have difficulty using a mouse or touchscreen with precision. For them, it is crucial that all website functions can also be accessed using the keyboard – including navigation, forms and interactive elements. The placement and size of control elements also play a role: buttons that are too small or tightly placed links make it considerably more difficult to use. Accessible digital offerings therefore offer generous click areas, logical focus sequences and a clear structure.

In addition, so-called “switch devices” or voice controls support interaction – provided the website is technically prepared for this. A well thought-out implementation not only makes access easier for people with permanent restrictions, but also for older people or users in temporary situations, such as in the event of injuries.

Implementing digital accessibility technically and creatively

Accessibility starts with design and extends deep into the code. If you want to make digital content accessible, you need to consider both visual and functional aspects.

Barrier-free web design (contrasts, font sizes, layout)

An accessible web design is characterized by high colour contrasts, easy-to-read fonts and a clear, logical page structure. People with visual impairments or cognitive limitations need content that is visually easy to grasp and clear. Sufficient contrast between text and background makes reading easier – especially for people with low vision or color blindness. The font size should be scalable so that users can adjust the display individually. The layout must also be flexible and work on different screen sizes without losing information or making it difficult to use.

A minimalist, well-structured design promotes orientation and reduces cognitive strain – an advantage for all users.

Keyboard operability & focus guidance

An accessible website must be fully operable without a mouse – because many people with motor impairments or blind users only use the keyboard for navigation. This means that all interactive elements such as links, buttons or forms must be accessible via the tab key and logically focusable. The visible focus indicator – i.e. the marker indicating which element is currently selected – should be clearly recognizable and not have been removed by design adjustments. Incorrect or inconsistent focus guidance quickly leads to frustration and makes pages unusable.

Clean keyboard navigation also increases general usability for power users or users in complex application scenarios.

Screen reader compatibility

Screen readers translate visual content into spoken language or Braille, enabling blind and severely visually impaired people to navigate the web. For these aids to function correctly, websites must have a semantically clean structure – with meaningful heading hierarchies, labeled form fields and clear roles for control elements. Unstructured code, missing labels or graphical navigation without a text alternative can significantly hinder use. You can significantly improve accessibility by using HTML5 elements, ARIA roles and speaking link texts.

In addition, dynamic content – such as expandable menus or modal windows – should be implemented in such a way that it is correctly announced by the screen reader.

Alternative texts, subtitles & transcripts

Multimedia content such as images, videos or podcasts must be designed in such a way that they remain usable even without visual or auditory perception. This includes alternative texts (alt texts) for images that describe the content or purpose of the image, as well as subtitles and transcripts for videos and audio content. Subtitles not only help deaf people, but also users in loud or noise-sensitive environments. Transcripts offer an additional option for quickly skimming through content or searching for specific information.

It is important that this content is not only available, but also of high quality and understandable. This is the only way to create an inclusive user experience.

Accessible forms and navigation

Forms are one of the most common stumbling blocks in accessibility – and are also central elements of many websites. Each input field should be provided with a clear, visible and technically linked label so that screen readers can correctly understand the purpose. Error messages must be understandable, unambiguous and ideally displayed directly at the affected location . The navigation of an accessible website should be clearly structured and consistent, with descriptive link texts and comprehensible menu titles.

Additional skip marks (“Skip to content”) make it easier for users to access important content directly without having to click through repeated menus. Good navigation is the key to orientation – for everyone.

Testing digital accessibility

Testing for accessibility is an essential part of creating and maintaining websites. Systematic testing is the only way to ensure that a digital offering is actually accessible.

Automated testing tools (WAVE, axe, Lighthouse)

Automated testing tools offer a quick introduction to accessibility analysis. Programs such as WAVE, axe or Google Lighthouse examine the source code for typical weak points, such as missing alternative texts, incorrect heading hierarchies or insufficient color contrasts. The results are clearly displayed and allow an initial assessment of the technical implementation.

These tools can be easily integrated into browsers or incorporated directly into the development process. However, they do not replace a complete check, as they only detect technical problems and not content or user-related problems. They are therefore primarily used to supplement manual checks.

Manual tests and screen reader simulation

Manual checks are necessary to assess the actual usability of a website. This includes, for example, navigation using the keyboard alone – an important aspect for people with motor impairments or visual impairments. The use of a screen reader such as NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (macOS) also provides information on how content is read aloud and whether it is structured in an understandable way.

This involves checking whether headings are logically structured, links are meaningfully labeled and forms are correctly labeled. These tests provide valuable insights that automated tools cannot provide. Ideally, the results are also validated through tests with the people concerned.

Digital accessibility checklists and common test methods

Structured checklists help to systematically work through all relevant digital accessibility requirements. The BITV self-assessment or the WCAG checklists, which are based on the international guidelines, are particularly recommended. They enable a comprehensive check, for example with regard to contrast, usability, alternative texts or clear navigation.

These procedures can be easily integrated into existing quality processes and are suitable for developers as well as editors and project managers. In addition, specialized testing institutions such as BFIT-Bund offer professional tests and certifications. The combination of automated tools, manual tests and checklists forms the basis for sustainable accessible design.

Digital accessibility of a website

An accessible website is not only a legal standard, but also a sign of quality, user-friendliness and social responsibility. It gives all visitors – with or without disabilities – equal access to information and functions.

What makes a website accessible?

An accessible website takes into account the needs of people with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive impairments. This includes sufficient color contrasts, scalable font sizes, a clear structure and the option of keyboard navigation. Content must be accessible for technical aids such as screen readers and media such as videos should contain subtitles or transcripts.

The basis is formed by international standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which define specific requirements. Implementing these guidelines ensures that your website is not only legally compliant, but also inclusive.

Structure, navigation and content

The structure of a website plays a central role in its accessibility. A logical hierarchy of headings, clearly organized paragraphs and a consistent page structure make it easier for all visitors to find their way around. Navigation should be clearly visible, intuitive to use and fully accessible via the keyboard. Content must also be comprehensible, precisely formulated and, if necessary, available in easy-to-understand language.

Interactive elements such as forms, buttons or menus should be clearly labeled and accessible. The use of aids such as ARIA roles can also help to improve the semantic structure for screen readers.

Typical problems - and how to avoid them

Many barriers are caused by carelessness in the design or technical errors in the code. Common problems include insufficient contrast, missing alternative texts for images, inaccessible PDF documents or navigation elements that cannot be used. Embedded videos without subtitles or dynamic content that is not recognized by screen readers also present major hurdles.

These problems can usually be avoided by simple means: by integrating accessibility requirements into the project at an early stage, using accessible templates and carrying out regular tests with testing tools and assistive technologies. It is also advisable to train employees in dealing with accessible content. This results in websites that are not only visually appealing, but also functionally usable for everyone.

WordPress is the most widely used CMS worldwide and powers more than 62% of all websites on the internet. This enormous popularity makes WordPress a popular foundation for accessible websites.

Digital accessibility with WordPress

As one of the world’s most widely used content management systems, WordPress offers many options for barrier-free implementation. However, it is crucial to choose the right tools and ensure that the content is accessible.

Tips for technical implementation in WordPress

For the technical implementation, it is advisable to pay attention to accessibility as early as the planning stage of the website. Use semantically clean HTML elements, activate visible focus frames for keyboard navigation and test your pages regularly with screen readers or tools such as axe or WAVE. For forms, make sure that labels are correctly linked and error messages are understandable.

Accessibility plugins such as “WP Accessibility” can also help to identify and fix certain problems – for example by inserting jump links or retrofitting missing HTML attributes. If you continuously check and adapt, you can easily create accessible websites with WordPress.

Accessible themes and plugins

Choosing the right theme is a key factor for an accessible WordPress website. Not all free or commercial themes meet the accessibility requirements. It is advisable to look specifically for themes that have been tested for accessibility or are labeled “accessibility-ready”.

Caution is also advised with plugins: Extensions for forms, sliders or pop-ups should always be tested for usability with a keyboard and screen reader. A careful selection lays the foundation for a technically accessible website.

Digital accessibility with the Enfold theme

The Enfold theme is one of the most popular premium themes for WordPress – and it offers good conditions for accessible web projects. Over time, the developers have integrated many improvements in terms of accessibility, such as keyboard navigation, ARIA labels and the structured labeling of elements. Nevertheless, the use of Enfold requires a watchful eye: not all design options are automatically accessible. For example, color contrasts must be checked manually and image descriptions must be actively maintained.

However, with specific settings and additions, Enfold can be used to create a powerful and accessible website that is both visually appealing and functional for all users.

Content creation with accessibility in mind

Accessibility does not end with the design – it must also be reflected in the content. Texts should be clearly formulated and well-structured, with sensibly used headings and a logical structure. Images require descriptive alternative texts, tables must be correctly labeled and embedded media must be supplemented with subtitles or transcripts.

Internal links should also be clearly formulated – instead of “Click here”, we recommend “Learn more about our services”. These measures not only improve accessibility, but also the general user experience and search engine optimization.

Digital accessibility does not end with technical implementation. It begins with an inner attitude and the desire to make digital offerings accessible to everyone.

Jochen Maier, CEO summ-it

Digital accessibility – conclusion and outlook

Digital accessibility is a prerequisite for equal participation in an increasingly networked world.

Digital accessibility is more than a duty - it is an attitude

Accessibility is required by law in many areas – especially for public bodies. However, those who view digital accessibility merely as a legal requirement fail to recognize the greater potential. It is about responsibility, participation and respect for all people, regardless of their individual abilities. An accessible website sends a signal: Everyone is welcome – without exception.

This attitude should not only be reflected in technology, but also in communication, design and corporate culture. Accessibility thus becomes an expression of inclusion in practice.

Everyone benefits - not just people with disabilities

Accessible services are primarily aimed at people with disabilities, but the benefits are far greater. A clear structure, good readability, simple language or intuitive navigation also help older people, mobile users or people with limited media skills. Even in everyday situations – such as in poor lighting, noisy environments or slow internet connections – accessible solutions have a supportive effect.

Accessibility increases general user-friendliness, reduces the bounce rate and improves findability in search engines. It is therefore not only an ethical decision, but also an economic advantage.

Act now: for more digital participation

If you want to implement accessibility consistently, you should start now – not just when legal deadlines take effect. Getting started doesn’t have to be complex: Even small measures can achieve a lot, for example high-contrast design, understandable language or alternative texts for images.

It is important to anchor the topic permanently in the development process – through training, fixed standards and regular audits. External partners with experience in accessibility can provide additional support. In this way, you not only create legally compliant, but above all fair and future-proof digital offerings.

Digital participation is a goal that we can all shape together – step by step.

Why you should implement your accessible website with summ-it

Accessibility is not a product of chance, but the result of experience, precision and the right partner at your side. summ-it accompanies you reliably on the way to a website that reaches everyone – regardless of limitations.

Our experience in the field of digital accessibility

summ-it has experience in the conception, design and technical implementation of accessible web solutions. We work on the basis of current guidelines such as WCAG 2.1 and BITV 2.0 and implement them reliably in practice. Our projects range from barrier-free corporate websites to publicly accessible portals with high demands on user guidance and content.

Customized solutions for your requirements

At summ-it, you don’t get an off-the-shelf solution – we analyze your individual requirements and develop a concept that suits you perfectly. In doing so, we not only take into account technical aspects, but also editorial processes, design specifications and legal framework conditions. Our aim is to prepare your content in such a way that it is understandable and accessible to all users – regardless of their technical aids or abilities.

We support you from the initial idea to go-live – and beyond. Even after implementation, we are at your side as a contact partner, be it for regular checks, training or editorial support.

Efficient, sustainable, customer-oriented

summ-it relies on a clearly structured, transparent project process that is both economical and time-efficient. We value sustainable solutions that not only work today, but can also be flexibly expanded in the future. Our approach is practical, solution-oriented and understandable – without any technical jargon.

We focus on personal contact and close coordination with our customers. Because only by working together as partners can we create digital solutions that are truly barrier-free – and offer real added value.

Your next step: Get started with summ-it now

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