The importance of accessibility goes beyond technical aspects and is essential to promote an inclusive society in which no one is excluded from digital life.
In doing so, also wear chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini or help Bing make the Internet more accessible and easy to use. They provide support by reading out texts, providing content in simple language or by helping with navigation. All of these features are crucial to improve the online experience for all user groups.
When is a website considered barrier-free?
Web accessibility comprises essentially two dimensions: technical accessibility And the Accessibility of content and features, which are closely linked but involve different aspects of web development and user experience.
Technical accessibility ensures that the technical components of a website, such as HTML code, CSS and scripts, are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers, Braille displays and other special input devices. Braille displays are special devices that enable blind and visually impaired people to read texts by converting them from a computer screen into Braille. Users can capture the text by feeling tactile points, which significantly improves interaction with digital content.
When making content and features accessible, the focus is on designing and offering content in such a way that it is understandable to people with different disabilities. This includes simple language, text alternatives for visual and auditory media, and an intuitive user interface. For example, images should include alternative texts, videos subtitles, or audio descriptions, and information should be clear and easy to navigate.
With this in mind, it is important to look closely at specific vision, hearing, moving, and processing requirements to understand how a website can effectively meet these needs.
What are the requirements?
Seeing
For people with visual disabilities, websites must meet specific visual requirements. Content should be able to be captured by screen readers, and there should be alternative texts for images and other non-textual content. Colors and contrasts must be selected in such a way that people with poor color vision or other visual impairment can easily recognize the content. In addition, texts should be designed in such a way that they can be enlarged and reduced without loss of readability.
hearing
For users with hearing problems, barrier-free websites must make appropriate audiovisual adjustments. This includes providing subtitles or transcriptions for all audio content. It is also important that all acoustic signals are supplemented by visual alternatives or haptic feedback. Haptic feedback means that physical feedback such as vibrations or movements is used instead of acoustic signals. This type of feedback can be used, for example, to point out new messages or errors, or to confirm the successful execution of an action. This technology helps to ensure that information is also accessible to users who are unable to perceive acoustic signals.
Haptic feedback means that physical feedback such as vibrations or movements is used instead of acoustic signals. This type of feedback can be used, for example, to point out new messages or errors or to confirm the successful execution of an action. This technology helps to ensure that information is also accessible to users who are unable to perceive acoustic signals.
Move
The usability of a website for people with motor disabilities is also crucial. The website must be fully accessible via keyboard shortcuts and alternatives to mouse control should be offered to ensure that users with limited hand or arm functions can use the website effectively.
process
For people with cognitive disabilities, websites should present information in a clear, understandable form. This includes the use of simple language, clearly structured content and consistent, intuitive navigation.
The importance of accessible websites
Accessible websites are hugely important as they have far-reaching social, ethical and legal effects. They are essential for the development of an inclusive society in which all people, regardless of physical or mental limitations, have equal access to information and services.
Social aspects and digital participation
The opportunity to actively participate in digital and social life is essential for people with different disabilities through barrier-free websites. In a world in which the Internet touches almost all aspects of life, inclusive web design prevents social isolation and promotes social integration. Accessible websites strengthen the independence of people with disabilities by no longer necessarily relying on the help of third parties. They also make it easier for older people to participate in modern life.
Ethical Considerations
From an ethical point of view, it is essential that the web is equally available to all people. Digital accessibility is not only a question of usability, but also of human rights. By implementing barrier-free practices, developers and website operators are actively helping to prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunities.
Statutory requirements
At the legal level, many countries have already taken measures to promote digital accessibility.
In the European Union, the Directive on barrier-free access to websites and mobile applications of public authorities has set clear requirements, which must be implemented from June 2025. These laws and guidelines are designed to ensure that public and increasingly private companies make websites accessible to all users.
How do I make a website barrier-free?
The development of a barrier-free website requires planning and consideration of diverse requirements. A checklist helps to record and implement all necessary steps.
- Add image descriptions to images: Every image on your website should be accompanied by a meaningful description. These image descriptions, known as ALT texts, enable screen readers and other assistive technologies to interpret the visual content and make it accessible to these blind or visually impaired users.
- Possibility to enlarge texts: It should be possible to enlarge all texts on the website without sacrificing quality and the website should remain functional.
- Add captions to videos: All video and audiovisual content should include subtitles or audio description. This not only helps people with hearing disabilities, but also supports users who want to access content in noisy environments or where audio content cannot be played.
- Use easy language: Using clear and simple language makes content more accessible. Technical jargon and complex sentence structures should be avoided.
- Sufficient contrasts: Adequate contrast between text and background improves readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4. 5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended.
- Enable keyboard navigation: The website should be fully accessible via the keyboard without the need for a mouse. For this purpose, all interactive elements such as links, buttons and forms should be accessible and usable.
- Perform accessibility tests: Regular testing with real users, particularly those using assistive technologies, is essential.
Accessible website: Two examples that show how it works
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
The website of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) is a successful example of digital accessibility. The website offers various features, such as easy-to-access menus, clear contrasts and simple language settings. In addition, some of the most important content is prepared in sign language.
Toom hardware store
One Study by Aktion Mensch and Google shows that online shops in particular still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to accessibility. Around 75% of the 78 websites analysed did not meet accessibility standards. Among the 25% who met many of the requirements, Toom Baumarkt was mentioned particularly positively. The hardware store chain works closely with the Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe e.V. to improve its offerings for people with disabilities. Toom was particularly emphasized for features such as “pinch-to-zoom”, which improve readability on the website and make the online shop more user-friendly for people with visual disabilities.
Accessibility: What role do chatbots play in this?
Chatbots significantly improve the accessibility of websites and contribute to barrier-free communication. Here are a few specific ways chatbots can help:
Facilitating access to information
Chatbots can help users quickly find information without having to navigate through complex menus or read long texts. This is particularly useful for people with visual disabilities or reading and learning difficulties.
Support for people with reduced mobility
People who have difficulty using a mouse or keyboard can be supported by voice-controlled chatbots that process voice input. So they can the webpage use without having to physically interact.
Multi-language support
Chatbots can be programmed in multiple languages, which helps people who don't speak the main language of the website. This improves accessibility for non-native speakers or people with limited language skills.
24/7 availability
A chatbot can be available 24/7, which means users can be supported at any time.
Navigation assistance
Chatbots can guide users through a website and provide step-by-step instructions, which is particularly useful for people with cognitive disabilities.
Feedback and adjustment
Chatbots can collect feedback from users and make improvements based on this or offer personalized recommendations. This helps to continuously improve accessibility.
conclusion
Implementing accessibility on websites is not only a legal necessity, but also a question of social responsibility. It enables all people to participate in digital life on an equal footing. Chatbots are playing an increasingly important role in this by simplifying and personalizing interaction with digital content. Their adaptability makes them a useful tool in progressive digitization, which strives not to exclude any user group.
By being able to respond to individual needs, chatbots help to overcome digital challenges and promote an inclusive society in which everyone has access to information and communication.
