Web development without limits part 1: The practical guide for accessible design

Page 3: Digital accessibility: the foundation for digital participation

Despite the comprehensive legal framework and existing guidelines for implementation, many websites in the EU and Germany are not accessible or only accessible to a limited extent. The report on the implementation of the WAD in Germany from the beginning of 2020 to mid-2021 shows that no website and no mobile application of public institutions met all minimum accessibility requirements (Note: At the time of writing, the announced reports from the second reporting period for the end of 2024 have not yet been published). In its WebAIM Million Report, the non-profit organization WebAIM reports that in 2024, as in previous years, almost 96 percent of the world's most frequently visited websites are not accessible as measured by the WCAG guidelines. This is not only a legal problem, but also a social one. Accessible digital information and services are a basic prerequisite for the participation of all people, especially people with disabilities, in the digital world. From the provider's perspective, it is important to view accessibility not as an additional service for people with disabilities, but as an important basic building block for a digital service that is easy to use, economical and legally compliant.

In order to be able to offer an accessible website, a successful interplay of technical aspects, design elements and editorial content is necessary. Ideally, accessibility should be considered from the first written code to the publication of a website. This is also worthwhile in the long term, as it avoids the costs and resources of expensive retrofitting. To help you take the first steps towards greater accessibility on your website, REHADAT kompakt - Issue 07 contains a checklist of things to look out for when creating web content.