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How you can make your WordPress website accessible

In today’s digital world, it is important that your website is accessible to everyone – regardless of their physical or technical capabilities. From 2025, it will be mandatory for website operators in Germany to make their websites accessible. You can find out why this is the case and how you can make your WordPress website accessible in this blog article.

Why accessibility?

Accessibility on the Internet means that people with disabilities can access and use websites without restrictions. This is not only a requirement of inclusion, but will also be required by law from 2025. According to the EN 301 549 standard, which defines the accessibility requirements for ICT products and services, websites must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

The importance of WCAG, BFSG & BITV

The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are an internationally recognized standard that sets detailed requirements for the accessibility of websites. These guidelines will help you to ensure that your content is accessible to all users.

The BFSG (Disability Equality Act) and the BITV (Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance) are national regulations that transpose the requirements of the WCAG into German law. These laws ensure that public bodies and companies must make their digital services accessible.

The EN 301 549 standard

EN 301 549 is a European standard that defines specific requirements for the accessibility of ICT products and services. This standard supports the implementation of WCAG and is relevant for all website operators operating in the EU.

What does that mean for you?

From 2025, it will be mandatory in Germany for websites to meet the requirements of WCAG, BFSG and BITV. This means that you have to make your WordPress website accessible. But what is the best way to do this?

How to make your WordPress website accessible

  • Use accessible themes
    Make sure that you use a WordPress theme that complies with the WCAG guidelines. Many modern themes are already designed to be accessible. We recommend the Divi theme.
  • Alt texts for images
    Don’t forget to use alt texts for all images on your website. These texts describe the content of the images and make them accessible for visually impaired users.
  • Clear structure and navigation
    A clear structure and intuitive navigation are crucial. Use headings in the correct order (H1, H2, H3, etc.) and make sure that your menus are easily accessible.
  • Contrast and legibility
    Make sure that the contrast between the text and the background is strong enough to be easy to read. Use an easy-to-read font and a sufficiently large font size.
  • Make forms accessible
    Make sure that all forms on your website are correctly labeled and easy to use.
  • Use a sidebar button
    To switch help functions on and off, we recommend a button on the side of the website.

    This allows the user to access the help functions directly.

Olbricht IT as your partner for accessibility

The implementation of these measures can be complex. This is where Olbricht IT comes into play. As an experienced service provider in the field of IT and web development, we support you in making your WordPress website accessible. Our experts are very familiar with the requirements of WCAG, BFSG, BITV and the EN 301 549 standard and will ensure that your website complies with the legal requirements.

With our help, you can be sure that your website not only complies with legal requirements, but is also accessible and usable for all users. Contact us today and let’s work together to make your website accessible!

Accessibility is not a trend

Accessibility is not only a legal obligation, but also an important step towards inclusion. By making your WordPress website accessible, you ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy your content. With the support of Olbricht IT, this process will be simple and efficient for you. Prepare for the requirements of 2025 and make your website accessible – for a more inclusive internet.

The BFSG enters into force. Is your website already accessible?

From June 28, 2025, all websites on which goods or services are offered must be “barrier-free”. They must be designed in such a way that they can also be used by people with physical or mental disabilities.

 

Dieser Beitrag ist auch verfügbar auf: Deutsch (German)

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