Digital Accessibility:
Making Your Website Accessible to Everyone

Barrierefreie Websites mit Okon Schwarz GmbH

Digital Accessibility:
Making Your Website Accessible to Everyone

The internet should be equally accessible to all people—regardless of individual abilities or limitations. However, the reality is that many websites still present barriers that make it impossible for some users to fully engage with them. Digital accessibility is not only a vital step toward greater inclusion, but also an opportunity to reach new target groups and improve the usability of your website for everyone.

Why is Accessibility Important?


Accessibility is not just a matter of social responsibility—it is a cornerstone of participation, equal opportunity, and the long-term success of a business. All individuals, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments, should have the ability to access digital offerings without restrictions. Yet, the reality shows that many websites and online stores are still not designed to be accessible, thereby excluding a significant target group.

In Germany, 7.8 million people live with a recognized severe disability (as of 2021). This number highlights how many individuals in our immediate environment rely on accessible digital services. However, the true reach of accessibility extends far beyond this figure. Numerous people experience temporary impairments, such as a broken hand, limited vision following eye surgery, or age-related vision issues. Others may face temporary cognitive limitations, such as stress or overwhelm.

Additionally, there are users who access your website under unique circumstances. These include people in noisy environments who need subtitles, or those using slower internet connections or older devices. All these groups benefit from an accessible website that is designed for ease of use and broad accessibility, both technically and content-wise.

The BFSG – Accessibility Strengthening Act



Accessibility is not just a matter of “can” but also “must.” Starting June 28, 2025, with the implementation of the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), digital accessibility will become a legal obligation for many businesses. The law mandates that online shops and digital services must be accessible. In this context, the EN 301 549 standard and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are particularly relevant. EN 301 549 defines specific technical requirements for digital accessibility and directly references the internationally recognized WCAG criteria.

The WCAG, currently in version 2.1, provide a clear and tiered framework for designing websites and digital offerings that are accessible to people with disabilities. They address various types of impairments, including visual, auditory, and motor disabilities, and serve as a central foundation for meeting the requirements of the BFSG.

Companies that fail to comply with these guidelines risk not only legal consequences but also a loss of trust and reputation among their customers.

However, accessibility is not just a legal requirement or a moral obligation—it is a strategic decision with genuine benefits. An accessible website appeals not only to people with disabilities but also improves the user experience for everyone. Clear structures, easily readable content, and intuitive navigation elements make it easier for all users to navigate your website. At the same time, these factors increase your conversion rates and ensure that your customers are happy to return.

Don’t miss the opportunity to prepare early for these changes. We can help you make your website accessible—professionally, user-focused, and always up to date with the latest technical and legal standards. Take this chance to become a pioneer in accessibility and benefit from a website that truly reaches everyone.

Web Accessibility – Try It Yourself

Imagine you’re looking to buy a new hairdryer. Your first thought: “I’ll quickly find the right product online.” But now, let’s give you a challenge: imagine you cannot see the website. Using a screen reader that reads out text to you, you must find the right product—and you can only use your keyboard.

Here’s how it goes:

1.

You open the website. Instead of clicking on the search bar with your mouse, you have to find it using the Tab key. How many times do you have to press Tab before the cursor finally lands in the search field?

2.

You type “hairdryer.” The search results appear—but which one is the right model? You can’t see the images, and without alternative text, you have no idea if it’s a travel hairdryer, a professional model, or one with a built-in diffuser.

3.

You select a product. But the description is messy, the information is not logically structured, and technical details like wattage or weight are buried in long paragraphs that are difficult to skim through.

4.

Time to purchase. You manage to locate the “Add to Cart” button, but the cookie banner blocking the screen can’t be closed. It’s neither keyboard-accessible nor usable with a screen reader.

How far would you get? Probably not very far—and this is the daily reality for millions of people with disabilities.

Accessibility Makes the Difference


An accessible website would have made it easier for you:
The focus would be clearly visible, and navigation logical and intuitive.
Images would have alternative text describing the hairdryer and its features.
Buttons and forms would be labelled in a way that allows you to easily find and use them with a keyboard or screen reader.

Overcoming these barriers isn’t just a benefit for people with disabilities—it enhances the usability of your website for everyone. Let’s work together to ensure your online offerings are accessible and future-proof.

Build Your Accessible Website with Us


An accessible website ensures that everyone—regardless of their individual abilities or limitations—can easily use your content and services. This includes people with visual or hearing impairments, motor disabilities, cognitive challenges, and even those with temporary limitations, such as an injury or a demanding environment.

We help you design your website to minimize or completely eliminate barriers. Together, we’ll make your digital presence accessible, user-friendly, and future-proof. Our approach focuses on tailored solutions that align with your business goals while meeting the needs of your users.

Key Topics in Web Accessibility

Texts and Structures


Clear and comprehensible content is the foundation of an accessible website. This includes:

  • Easy-to-understand text: We help replace technical jargon, complex sentences, and difficult wording with clear and accessible language.
  • Well-structured headings: Logical and well-organized headings make it easier for users—especially those relying on screen readers—to find information.

Visual Design


People with visual impairments or colour blindness depend on clear, easily visible content. We optimize:
  • Contrast: Ensuring that text, buttons, and other elements have sufficient contrast with the background so they remain legible even for users with vision impairments.
  • Image descriptions: All images and graphics are equipped with alternative text so that blind or visually impaired users can understand visual content through screen readers.

Multimedia Content


Videos and audio files are popular, but often pose challenges without proper adaptations. Key considerations include:

  • Subtitles: Videos are equipped with accurate subtitles that describe spoken content and background sounds.
  • Audio descriptions: Essential visual information in videos is supplemented with spoken text, ensuring blind users can fully understand the content.

Interactive Elements


Many users rely on alternative input devices, such as keyboards, joysticks, or voice control. We ensure your website:

  • Is keyboard-friendly: All functionalities—from navigation to completing a purchase—must be fully operable via keyboard.
  • Is screen reader-compatible: Buttons, forms, and other interactive elements are labelled so that screen readers can interpret them accurately.

Why Choose Us?


Accessibility is a complex topic that requires technical expertise, an understanding of user needs, and knowledge of legal requirements. With our experience in online marketing and website design, we are your trusted partner for accessible solutions.

We support you every step of the way, from analysis to implementation:

Current State Analysis

We evaluate your website for existing barriers and define concrete actions.

Consultation & Strategy

Together, we develop an accessible solution tailored to effectively reach your target audience.

Implementation

From technical adjustments to content optimization, we professionally execute the necessary measures.

Your Path to an Accessible Website


Accessibility is not just an obligation—it’s an investment in the future of your digital presence. Let’s make your website accessible to everyone!