Accessible web projects are websites that are accessible to all people, regardless of their abilities. This means that they can also be used by people with physical or cognitive impairments, such as blindness, visual, hearing or learning disabilities, or motor impairments. However, it is not only websites that should be made accessible to all people through appropriate measures, but also digital documents such as PDFs.
As part of a grant from the Aktion Mensch lottery, we ensured full digital accessibility of the website of unerhört e.V., an organisation focusing on providing support and resources for individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf. Due to a limited budget we were focusing on technical compliance rather than a visual redesign. By optimising the underlying code and structure, we successfully met all accessibility standards.
The aim was to make the existing website accessible to as many people as possible within the available budget. We worked with the board to define the goals to be achieved and then set about implementing them. Once again, TYPO3 proved its worth as a content management system in this project, because it is not only suitable for setting up an accessible website for the first time, but also supports the editorial team in maintaining accessibility in the long term.
Accessible PDF Documents
velokonzept GmbH is ‘the agency for cycling and active mobility in Germany’. It offers consulting, concept development and event organisation services related to cycling. On its behalf, we implemented accessibility for the digital version of the approximately 160-page conference proceedings of the International Cycling Conference 2017 (published in 2019) for the Federal Environment Agency.
Accessibility – a Must Have
Fortunately, accessibility is no longer only required by institutional publishers, but is now considered a must-have by many. It is important because it enables equal participation in society for all people. This naturally includes access to information and, in particular, access to all digital services.
In Germany, there is a legal obligation to ensure the accessibility of websites and documents provided by public authorities or companies. From 2025 this obligation took on even greater significance for online commerce with the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG).
Advantages
Companies and organisations that are already doing more for accessibility than is required by law are demonstrating their credible commitment to inclusion and accessibility. This also brings advantages in the following areas.
SEO
Accessible products are tested more thoroughly, better structured and contain fewer errors. This also appeals to the website crawlers used by Google, Bing and others, which automatically scan pages to deliver meaningful search results.
Kosten
Accessible websites and documents can usually be created at lower cost if they are designed to be accessible from the outset.
Usability
Accessible websites and documents are generally easier to use for people without disabilities as well.
Conclusion
Accessibility is important because it enables everyone to participate equally in society. It is a legal obligation, offers numerous advantages and can positively influence the image of a company or organisation.
If you would also like to focus on accessibility, contact us for a consultation, during which we will work together to find out what we can do for you.