Accessibility: Important legal changes and how companies can prepare

Accessibility has long been more than just a social responsibility – it is increasingly becoming a legal obligation. With the upcoming legal changes, companies are faced with the challenge of making their digital offerings barrier-free. What does this mean for you and how can you ensure your website or app meets the new requirements?

Why accessibility is now a priority

Accessibility means that digital offerings must be accessible to all people, including people with disabilities. Whether people with visual impairments, hearing impairments or motor limitations – digital accessibility ensures that no one is excluded due to a design or function. This not only affects user-friendliness, but increasingly also the legal side.
In recent years, the European Union has set clear guidelines to promote accessibility in the digital world. The requirements of the EU Directive 2016/2102 are particularly important here, which requires all public institutions to implement digital accessibility. This guideline is supplemented by the new Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) in Germany; this not only applies to public bodies but also affects private companies.

The deadline for this is June 28, 2025!

The most important legal changes

The BFSG greatly expands the obligation to ensure accessibility. From 2025, all companies offering digital services must ensure that their offerings meet the requirements of the Accessibility Requirements for Products and Services. This applies in particular to:

• Websites and mobile apps

• Self-service terminals (e.g. ticket machines)

• E-commerce platforms

• Banking services and financial apps

The consequences of non-compliance should not be underestimated: companies risk high penalties and legal action if they do not meet the requirements.

How companies can prepare

To meet accessibility requirements, companies should take early action. Here are some steps that can help ensure digital accessibility:

1. Analysis of the current status: Companies should take stock of their digital offerings and check to what extent they are already barrier-free.

2. Accessibility Checklist: Use a checklist to ensure all relevant aspects are covered. This includes:

   • Use of screen readers and alternative text elements

   • Sufficient contrast and color design

   • Easy navigation and usability with the keyboard

   • Adaptability to different screen sizes and resolutions

3. Developer and designer training: The team developing your digital products must be informed and trained on the latest accessibility requirements. This ensures that accessibility is taken into account during development and does not have to be added later.

4. Testing and certification: Use accessibility testing tools and have your digital products tested regularly. There are also specialized service providers that offer accessibility certification.

5. Customer involvement: Ask affected users directly how barrier-free your offers actually are. Direct feedback can help identify blind spots.

Conclusion: Act now to be prepared

The upcoming legal changes to accessibility present companies with new challenges, but also offer opportunities. Accessibility not only strengthens your company’s reputation, but also expands your potential customer base. By acting early and implementing the necessary accessibility steps, you can ensure that your company meets the requirements while making an important contribution to inclusion.

Do you need help with implementation? Get in touch with us Contact!