Accessible Website: The Basics
Practical tips and guidelines to help you make your websites more accessible.
Increasing need for accessibility
ccording 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 Barrier-Free Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), Germany is implementing the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882). While previously, only public entities were required under the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0) to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and ensure their digital platforms were accessible, the BFSG expands this obligation to include private companies as well.
This marks a significant step forward in ensuring accessibility for everyone. 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 would like to help you with our guidelines and practical tips to make your website more accessible for everyone. Don't worry, you can do it. There are now good and uncomplicated tools that you can use to increase the accessibility of your website.
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.
Our offer in the area of web accessibility
Whether through training or analysis – we support you on your way to an accessible website.
Our training at the makandra academy provides your team with hands-on knowledge to integrate accessibility into digital processes effectively. Participants will learn about legal requirements, identify barriers, and work with key standards, best practices, and tools. Practical exercises ensure direct application of knowledge, giving your team confidence in implementing accessible solutions.
With our Accessibility & Usability Test, we analyze your website for barriers and assess its compliance with legal requirements. You receive a comprehensive evaluation and targeted recommendations to make your digital presence fully accessible and legally compliant
ontact us today to learn more about our accessibility services and how we can help you build a more inclusive future.