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The Path to an Inclusive Digital World

  • April 1, 2025
  • 5 minutes read
A finger points at three wooden blocks labeled European Accessibility Act, placed on a reflective surface.

The path to an inclusive digital world

The path to an inclusive digital world is not a sprint, but a marathon - and we are currently in a crucial phase of this race. Digital inclusion is not just an ethical concern, but is increasingly becoming an economic and legal imperative. With the Accessibility Enhancement Act coming into force and growing awareness of the needs of all users, the time has never been better to invest in accessible digital offerings. In this article, I explain why you as a web agency or company should act now and the concrete benefits of digital inclusion.

The BFSG obliges companies to make their digital offerings accessible, especially in online retail and banking services. This protects against legal risks. In addition, accessible websites can reach a larger target group: 7.9 million people in Germany live with severe disabilities, and many more have temporary or age-related limitations. One case study is the Legal & General Group, which achieved a 50% increase in search traffic and a doubling of quote requests after becoming accessible (Legal & General Group - Case Study).

Detailed analysis

This section provides a comprehensive examination of why now is the right time to invest in digital inclusion, based on legal, economic, technological and societal aspects. The analysis considers the target group of companies, agencies and developers and offers practical steps for implementation.

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) was published on July 22, 2021 and implements EU Directive 2019/882 (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz - BMAS). It applies to products placed on the market after June 28, 2025 and to services provided to consumers. This includes all online commerce, hardware, software and banking services (Portal Barrierefreiheit - Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz). Companies that are not compliant risk legal consequences, which is why early action is recommended to avoid last-minute stress.

Economic benefits and case studies

The economic benefits are significant. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 7.9 million people in Germany live with a recognized severe disability, which corresponds to 9.3% of the population (Statistics on severe disability | Statista). In addition, there are millions with temporary or age-related disabilities, which expands the potential target group. Accessible websites improve SEO, as measures such as correct headings and alt texts also support search engine optimization (Benefits of accessibility on the Internet | Aktion Mensch). Higher conversion rates are also possible, as websites that are easier to use attract more customers.

A concrete example is the Legal & General Group. After redesigning their website in July 2005, which included an accessibility audit and usability testing, natural search traffic increased by 50%, maintenance costs fell by 66%, and the number of quote requests doubled within three months. They also saved £200,000 a year through more efficient content management and loading times improved by 75% (Legal & General Group - Case Study). This case study shows how investing in accessibility can deliver measurable business benefits.

Brand reputation and social responsibility

Consumers increasingly expect companies to take social responsibility. Digital inclusion is a strong statement for inclusion and equality, which strengthens brand reputation. Companies that prioritize accessibility are perceived as inclusive, which increases customer trust and attractiveness to potential employees (The Business Case for Digital Accessibility | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C).

Technological advances and universal design

The technological requirements for accessibility have never been better. Automated testing tools like Accesstra make testing easier, and frameworks like React or Angular offer built-in accessibility features (Accessible Websites: Requirements & Tools | mindshape). Accesstra also supports the creation of alt text, although human review remains necessary. Accessibility also benefits all users: captions help in noisy environments, and clear navigation improves the user experience for all (Benefits of Web Accessibility - Accessibility Case Studies for Scholarly Communication Librarians and Practitioners).

Practical steps and continuous improvement

The following steps are recommended to start implementation:

StepDescription
InventoryAnalyze your existing digital offerings with tools like Accesstra
Train the teamInvest in training for designers, developers and content creators.
Prioritize fixesStart with critical issues like missing alt text and contrast.
Involve usersConduct usability tests with people who use assistive technologies.
Continuous improvementReview regularly and adjust your strategies.

These steps are not one-off, but part of an ongoing process to ensure accessibility (Accessible website obligations & deadlines | Aktion Mensch).

Overcoming misunderstandings

Common excuses are high costs or the assumption that only a few users are affected. However, studies show that the investment pays off in the long term and the potential target group is large. In addition, it is possible to make gradual improvements, e.g. starting with the most important measures (Benefits of accessibility | Agency for Digital Accessibility Accessibility Compass).

Conclusion and call to action

Investing in digital inclusion is not only ethically right, but also offers economic benefits, strengthens brand reputation and ensures legal compliance. With today’s technological possibilities, it is easier than ever to create accessible digital offerings. Companies should act now to remain competitive and make a positive contribution to society.

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