Are you from the public sector?
Are you from the public sector?
Test the complete functionality of AccessGO risk-free for 7 days free of charge.
Accessible web design is a fundamental prerequisite for digital inclusion and is increasingly being demanded by legal requirements. Those responsible for websites face the challenge of making their online presence accessible, in order to provide all users with equal access to information and services.
This page provides a practical overview of the principles, systematics, and concrete implementation of accessible websites.
This page provides a practical overview of the principles, systematics, and concrete implementation of accessible websites. You will learn which regulatory obligations apply, what typical challenges arise, and how these can be addressed using proven approaches and best practices. This gives you a solid foundation for successfully implementing web accessibility.
An accessible internet is based on a structured approach that considers multiple levels. At its core are technical, content-related, and design requirements that together ensure that accessible websites are usable for all users. Compliance with established standards and guidelines is essential to implement accessibility systematically and transparently.
Key legal foundations such as the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0), and the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) provide clear requirements for the accessible design of websites. These standards define which aspects must be considered at the technical, content, and design levels and provide a binding framework for implementation.
Implementing accessible online services requires consideration of the following levels:
Standards and guidelines such as the WCAG serve as a benchmark and guide for developing and testing accessible websites.
| Accessibility level | Example requirements and relevant standards |
|---|---|
| Technical accessibility | Clean HTML code, ARIA roles, compatibility with screen readers (WCAG, BITV 2.0) |
| Content accessibility | Easy-to-understand texts, alternative text for images, logical heading structure (WCAG, BFSG) |
| Design accessibility | High color contrast, flexible layouts, clearly recognizable controls (WCAG, BITV 2.0) |
Web accessibility is based on four core principles as defined in the WCAG: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These principles ensure that digital content can be used by as many people as possible—regardless of individual limitations or technical requirements. They specifically address typical barriers that can arise in the digital space and provide a practical framework for developing accessible web services.
Unlike other quality characteristics such as design aesthetics or speed, the WCAG principles are specifically focused on accessibility. For example, the principle of perceivability ensures that content is accessible to people with visual or hearing impairments, for instance through alternative text or captions. Operability ensures that all functions can be used without a mouse, while understandability aims for clear structures and predictable interactions. Robustness ensures that websites work reliably across different devices and assistive technologies.
7 days unrestricted access. No payment details required.
The success criteria of WCAG 2.1 AA form the core of assessing accessible websites. They describe specific requirements that websites must meet to be considered accessible. Implementation of these criteria is evaluated using conformance levels: A, AA, and AAA. For most regulatory requirements, level AA is decisive. Testing procedures are aligned with these levels and provide a transparent basis for assessing accessibility.
In practice, different assessment systems are used, which may vary in methodology and level of detail. In addition to WCAG-based tests, there are national procedures such as the BITV self-assessment or international audits. Test criteria are crucial for the comparability and traceability of results. Selecting a suitable assessment system depends on the respective requirements and objectives.
| Assessment system | Features and specifics |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 AA | International standard, three conformance levels, 50 success criteria for AA, basis for many laws |
| BITV test | German testing procedure, aligned with WCAG, practical test steps, detailed evaluation |
| Self-assessment | Independent review, flexibly adaptable, often less formal, suitable for initial assessments |
Testing accessible websites is carried out in several steps and combines different methods. First, automated testing tools are used to identify technical errors and obvious barriers. This automated analysis is supplemented by manual checks, using checklists and expert assessments to evaluate more complex or context-dependent requirements.
An important part of the audit logic is also incorporating user feedback and testing with affected users. These practical tests provide valuable insights into barriers that often remain undetected in technical checks. The combination of automated tools, manual checks, and real user experience ensures a comprehensive, practice-oriented assessment of a website’s accessibility.
| Test Method | Strengths and Limitations |
|---|---|
| Automated testing | Quick detection of technical errors, but limited informative value for complex barriers |
| Manual testing | Considers context and the user perspective, more time-consuming and requires expertise |
| User feedback & practical testing | Identifies real usage hurdles, provides practical insights, but cannot be fully standardized |
Implementing accessible websites starts with clearly defined measures that address both technical and editorial aspects. Technically, this includes, for example, using semantically correct HTML code, adding alternative text for images, or ensuring sufficient color contrast. Editorially, clear language, logical heading hierarchies, and providing transcripts for audiovisual content play an important role.
Accessibility should be integrated into the development process from the outset—from concept and design through to ongoing editorial maintenance. Practical examples of accessible website elements include usable navigation menus, clearly visible focus indicators for keyboard operation, scalable font sizes, and forms with clear labels. By continuously incorporating accessibility aspects, typical errors can be avoided early and sustainable improvements achieved.
Schedule a free consultation and speak with one of our experts.
Legal requirements for an accessible internet in Germany and the EU are defined by various regulations. Key foundations include the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0), and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). These laws and regulations specify which accessibility requirements apply to digital services and are aligned with international standards such as the WCAG.
The obligation to provide accessible websites primarily applies to public bodies, authorities, and increasingly also to private-sector companies—especially when they offer services to the general public. These legal requirements differ significantly from other obligations such as data protection or IT security and specifically address digital participation. For companies and organizations, this means accessibility must become an integral part of the digital strategy in order to meet legal obligations and avoid excluding user groups.
In practice, typical challenges repeatedly arise when implementing accessible websites. The most common sources of error include technical issues such as incorrect semantic markup, missing alternative text for images, or insufficient keyboard operability. In design, too-low color contrast, non-scalable font sizes, or confusing navigation structures are often overlooked. Editorial errors often result from unclear language, missing structure, or neglecting transcripts and captions for audiovisual content.
Another challenge is ensuring accessibility sustainably. Improvements are often implemented only once, without being permanently integrated into development and editorial processes. To avoid errors, it is advisable to treat accessibility as an ongoing part of web development, carry out regular checks, and provide appropriate training for everyone involved.
Accessible websites can now be found in many sectors, from public authorities and educational institutions to businesses. Particularly exemplary websites are characterized by consistent implementation of accessibility principles: they offer clear navigation, sufficient contrast, understandable content, and can be used smoothly with various devices and assistive technologies. Best practices show that accessibility is not only a legal obligation but also a quality feature that improves usability and reach.
Analyzing successful examples illustrates how different requirements can be implemented. Universities, for example, focus on accessible documents and forms, while banks and insurers emphasize clear language and accessible service areas. Best practices from e-commerce also provide inspiration, where accessible product presentations and ordering processes are a key focus.
| Website example | Best practices and specifics |
|---|---|
| Public administration | Clear structure, accessible forms, plain language, screen reader compatibility |
| University | Accessible PDF documents, high-contrast design, flexible navigation |
| E-commerce provider | Operable product filters, scalable font sizes, alternative image descriptions |
| Bank/insurance | Accessible service areas, understandable processes, focus on keyboard operability |
7 days unrestricted access. No payment details required.
Accessible websites provide people with a wide range of disabilities with equal access to digital content. People with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments benefit in particular. For blind or visually impaired users, for example, alternative text for images and clear structure are essential. People with hearing impairments need captions or transcripts for audiovisual content, while users with motor impairments rely on full keyboard operability. People with learning difficulties also benefit from plain language and clear navigation.
Removing typical barriers—such as hard-to-understand forms, insufficient contrast, or missing alternative text—not only improves accessibility for those affected, but also makes use easier for many others. Inclusive web design strengthens social participation and ensures that no one is excluded from digital life due to technical hurdles.
Particularly important are understandable, well-structured content elements that are accessible to all users. These include alternative text for images, a clear heading hierarchy, logically structured navigation elements, and meaningful link text. Critical content areas include forms, tables, and multimedia content, which should be supplemented with labels, captions, or transcripts. Technical aspects such as code structure are considered separately and are not part of the content requirements.
Accessible web design is a central topic for digital inclusion and affects everyone involved in developing, operating, or managing websites editorially. Legal requirements and technical standards provide the framework within which accessibility should be consistently implemented. The goal is not simply to meet compliance requirements, but above all to ensure practical usability for people with diverse needs.
The most important steps include systematic analysis, the implementation of technical and content-related measures, and ongoing review and adaptation. Real-world examples and best practices demonstrate that accessibility is achievable across all industries and benefits every user group. Those who integrate accessibility early in the development process create lasting value for their target audiences and contribute to an inclusive digital society.
Check your homepage with the AccessGO quick check.
Identify risks and barriers according to WCAG standards.
Accessible web design places the focus on usability and access for all users.
Accessible web design places the focus on usability and access for all users. Unlike conventional web design, it specifically works to remove barriers — for example through sufficient contrast, flexible font sizes, and a clear navigation structure. The approach is inclusive and oriented around the needs of people with a range of disabilities, whereas conventional web design often prioritizes aesthetics and functionality for the general majority.
Accessible web design places the focus on usability and access for all users.
Accessible web design places the focus on usability and access for all users. Unlike conventional web design, it specifically works to remove barriers — for example through sufficient contrast, flexible font sizes, and a clear navigation structure. The approach is inclusive and oriented around the needs of people with a range of disabilities, whereas conventional web design often prioritizes aesthetics and functionality for the general majority.
People with disabilities use various aids to experience the internet accessibly. Key assistive technologies include:
For web development, this means that websites must be designed so they work smoothly with these aids.
Content management systems (CMS) play a decisive role in accessible web design, as they control both the technical foundation and editorial processes. Optimizations should be implemented gradually, starting with the most impactful measures such as selecting accessible themes, adjusting color contrasts, and providing alternative texts. Typical quick wins include improving heading structure and using accessible forms.
The accessibility of an existing website can often be improved through targeted adjustments within the content management system in use. Key features include accessible templates, flexible navigation, and the ability to add alternative texts and structured content. Limitations frequently arise with older or less flexible systems. Choosing a modern, accessibility-friendly CMS is therefore essential for achieving sustainable improvements.
