First online meetup on accessibility

The e-pixler Academy is back after a break due to coronavirus. Of course, we were not idle, but used the time to develop new formats.

On July 8, Dr. Rebecca Walter invited participants to the first online meetup on Accessibility / barrier-free access on the web. This gave participants the opportunity to learn what website operators must take into account under the new law, how stumbling blocks can be avoided, and what advantages an accessible website has.

Why accessibility is not a fringe issue

Accessibility means that websites and digital applications are accessible and usable for all people. This includes users with limitations in vision, hearing, motor skills, or comprehension, as well as people in special usage situations, for example with a smaller screen, poor internet connection, or a foreign-language user interface.

The meetup focused on how digital barriers can be avoided, which standards need to be observed, and why accessible websites not only meet legal requirements but also offer very practical advantages.

What website operators need to consider

Since the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and through the implementation of EU Directive 2016/2102, binding rules for digital accessibility apply. Public institutions are already required today to make their web offerings accessible. From 2025, this will also affect many private-sector companies, especially in e-commerce and the service sector.

The most important technical requirements include the international WCAG 2.1 guidelines and the German BITV 2.0. Anyone who implements these specifications ensures that content can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of technical or physical capabilities.

Why accessibility pays off

The meetup made it clear that accessibility is more than just fulfilling a duty. It brings clear advantages. A low-barrier site is often also a user-friendly site. Well-structured content, clear navigation, sufficient contrast, and meaningful alternative text not only improve accessibility, but also overall usability.

In addition, accessibility pays off in search engine optimization, since search engines use criteria similar to screen readers to analyze content. The target audience also expands when no one is excluded by technical barriers.

Exchange, examples, and practical tips

During the meetup, there was not only input, but also exchange. Dr. Rebecca Walter showed concrete examples from project practice, explained typical stumbling blocks, and answered many questions about tools, testing methods, and workflows.

A key topic was how teams can integrate accessibility into their day-to-day work without feeling overwhelmed. After all, accessibility does not mean rebuilding everything at once, but improving it systematically.

Outlook on upcoming events

The e-pixler Academy will continue the topic of accessibility. Planned are in-depth formats that will address, for example, accessible design, forms, editorial content, or accessible PDFs. Training sessions for developers, designers, or editors are also in preparation.

Our goal is to establish the topic in the agency's day-to-day work and with our clients in the long term. Because digital inclusion concerns everyone.