Accessibility on the Web – Implementing Accessibility Correctly
Accessibility is not a trend, but a prerequisite for digital participation. By designing web content to be accessible, you reach more users, meet legal guidelines, and focus on sustainable design. With SiteCockpit, you can create accessible websites and apps according to current standards – easily, measurably, and compliant.
Accessibility – What Does It Mean?
Accessibility describes the digital accessibility for people with and without disabilities. Websites, online shops, and content should be designed so that all users can fully use, understand, and navigate them – regardless of individual limitations.
Inclusion is essential in the World Wide Web: millions of people rely on accessible content – temporarily, due to age, or permanently.
Why Accessibility is Mandatory Today
According to the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), companies with 10 or more employees or €2 million in revenue must make digital offerings accessible. The basis for this is the international standards of the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), developed by W3C.
These guidelines require, among other things:
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sufficient contrasts
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clear structures
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operable content with keyboard
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semantically correct HTML
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understandable texts
Try it out: How accessible is your website?
With our live check, you will receive an immediate first assessment – no registration required. Simply enter your website URL and automatically check how well your site meets central accessibility requirements.
Implementing Digital Accessibility – What Matters
Structured Content
Texts should be logically structured, clearly formulated, and easily understandable for all people – regardless of prior knowledge or limitations.
Accessible Design
High color contrasts, scalable font sizes, and a responsive layout ensure good readability on all devices.
Keyboard Usability & Navigation
All interactive elements – e.g., menus, buttons, forms – must be fully operable without a mouse.
Visual Alternatives
Images, icons, and graphics need alternative texts so that they can be correctly interpreted by screen readers.
Accessible Forms
Clear labels, understandable processes, and comprehensible error messages facilitate filling out forms.
Multimedia Content
Subtitles, transcripts, and audio descriptions make videos and audio accessible to all users.
The Four Principles of Accessibility
Accessibility means: Your website works for all people, as digital inclusion is not just a must, but a competitive advantage.
The requirements come from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), based on the EU standard WCAG 2.2 (Level AA) – and can be categorized into four fundamental principles:
1. Perceivability
All content and controls must be perceivable to users – whether visually, audibly, or with assistive technologies. This means, for example, that images are provided with meaningful alternative text, audio content has subtitles or transcripts, and sufficient contrasts are present. Users should be able to perceive the information with their existing senses.
2. Operability
A website must be operable, meaning all functions are accessible to all users. Content should not only be controlled with a mouse but also via keyboard, voice control, or other assistive tools. Important aspects include visible focus indicators for keyboard navigation, sufficient time for inputs, and avoiding content that could trigger seizures (e.g., due to strong flickering).
3. Understandability
Both the information and the operation of the site should be understandable. Clear and simple language, explanatory hints for forms, predictable navigation behavior, and consistent design help all users easily understand the website. If errors occur, they should be clearly formulated and provide hints on how to resolve the issue.
4. Robustness
Content must be robust so that it is compatible with various browsers, devices, and assistive technologies (such as screen readers) – and this should be maintained over the long term. Technically, this means adhering to web standards and programming cleanly so that, for example, a screen reader can correctly interpret the page. A robust website remains accessible even as technologies evolve.
Accessibility for All – with SiteCockpit
With SiteCockpit, you can create and manage accessible web content without technical effort. The platform actively supports you in meeting legal requirements and provides concrete recommendations for action.
Our Modules:
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easyMonitoring – automated WCAG 2.2 audit including score, to-dos & progress display
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easyStatement – BFSG-compliant accessibility statement, multilingual & editable
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easyVision – frontend tools for users with disabilities or cognitive impairments
Better SEO visibility on the web
Higher conversion rates through accessible user guidance
Satisfied customers through inclusive web experiences
Your new knowledge deserves impact. Become accessible now.
You have informed yourself well. Start implementing with SiteCockpit – easily, securely, and in compliance. Your next step begins here.