Accessible Website: The Practical Checklist to Get Started
This article shows you what really matters when it comes to digital accessibility: We explain the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and their four key principles. You’ll also get five practical guidelines to help you get started with making your website accessible right away.
Increasing need for accessibility
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one billion people worldwide live with a disability. In the European Union alone, this number amounts to 80 million people. In addition to physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities, sensory impairments such as visual and hearing impairments are also included. In 2015, around 217 million people worldwide suffered from moderate to severe visual impairments, and this number is expected to more than double by 2050. The need for improved accessibility and better access for all people is already enormous and will continue to grow in the future.
With the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG), Germany is implementing the European Accessibility Directive. From June 28, 2025, binding accessibility requirements will also apply to private companies for the first time. You can find out how the law relates to other regulations in our blog article.The BFSG will come into effect on June 28, 2025, but it is already worthwhile to invest in improving accessibility today. After all, accessibility benefits everyone—not just people with disabilities or functional limitations. As our society continues to age, the need for accessibility will only increase. Companies that offer accessible services will not only tap into larger markets and gain competitive advantages but also position themselves well for the future. They will soon have to compete with companies that are legally required to provide accessible services, many of which will bring innovative accessible solutions to the market.In the following, we’d like to support you with practical tips and guidelines for implementing the WCAG to make your website more accessible for everyone.
Don’t worry – you can do this. There are now many helpful and easy-to-use tools available that allow you to improve your website’s accessibility step by step.
The four basic principles of accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a good first point of reference. These rules define how websites can be designed to be accessible so that they can be used by all people, including those with disabilities. They provide instructions on how to design text, images, videos and more so that they are understandable and usable for everyone. There are three levels of conformance within the WCAG: Level A, which covers basic accessibility requirements, Level AA, which is the standard for legal requirements and ensures greater usability, and Level AAA, which meets the strictest criteria for maximum accessibility.
According to the WCAG, accessible websites are based on four principles. With the following tips, you can implement these in a targeted manner and make your website more inclusive and accessible.
Perceivability
All content on a website must be perceivable by everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
Therefore, ensure the following elements are included:
- Alt Text and Captions
All images have a descriptive alternate text and subtitles are provided for videos and transcripts for audio. - Contrast
Ensure a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for text. - Headings
Use a logical heading structure for screen readers. - Forms
Clear labels and instructions are available. - Animations
Users can disable animations.
Understandability
The content of a website or application is easily understandable for all users, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
Therefore, ensure to integrate the following elements:
- Language
Use plain language and avoid technical jargon. - Error Suggestions
Offer suggestions for correcting input errors. - Consistent Navigation
Use consistent navigation across all pages.
Operability
The website is easily operable for all users, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
Therefore, ensure to integrate the following elements:
- Keyboard Navigation
All functions are accessible via keyboard. - Focus Indicator
There is a visible focus indicator (visual display showing which element is currently selected) for interactive elements. - Time Limits
There are options to adjust or disable time limits.
Robustness
The content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a variety of browsers, including assistive technologies.
Therefore, ensure to integrate the following elements:
- Responsive Design
The website adjusts to different devices. - ARIA Landmarks
Use ARIA landmarks and roles for improved navigation
ARIA landmarks are HTML elements defined by the Accessible Rich Internet Applications Standard. They help label the structure of web pages for screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Finally, we would like to remind you to provide an accessibility statement and contact information for feedback on your website.
Please note: This article does not replace a comprehensive accessibility audit and does not guarantee legal compliance. It is intended as a starting point, highlighting key principles and the most common issues to watch out for when making digital content accessible.
Our offer in the area of web accessibility
In our training, teams learn in a practical way how to integrate accessibility into digital processes in a legally compliant and sustainable manner. The focus is on standards, tools and exercises.
Our accessibility & usability test checks your website for barriers and provides specific recommendations for legally compliant optimization.
Because inclusion is not only ethically correct, but also a real competitive advantage.