Wheelchair Users and Visually Impaired Customers: Still Struggling to Navigate Top German Online Shops
More than half of online retailers in Germany lack disability accessibility.
Navigating digital terrain remains a challenge for people with disabilities, despite the impending implementation of stricter accessibility laws in Germany. According to a study conducted by Google, "Aktion Mensch," and the Pfennigparade Foundation, a disheartening 67% of the most popular German online shops aren't yet accessible via keyboard – a necessity for many disabled individuals.
As the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) goes into effect on June 28, firms ignoring accessibility standards may face steep fines of up to €100,000. With close to 8 million people in Germany living with severe disabilities and around 350,000 who are visually impaired or blind, it's past time these online retailers make their platforms accessible to all.
Keyboard Navigation: A Fundamental Requisite, Yet Missing from Most Sites
The study revealed that only one-third (30.8%) of the 65 most frequently visited online shops in Germany support keyboard navigation. This essential feature allows individuals with visual impairments and motor difficulties to browse and order goods smoothly. Despite improvements from 2024 when only 20% of popular shops boasted keyboard support, progress remains slow.
Moreover, most sites lack visible keyboard focus, making it challenging for visually impaired users to identify the selected elements.
A Call for Action: Time's Up for Excuses
Christina Marx, spokesperson for "Aktion Mensch," emphasized the urgency: "The time for excuses has ended – digital offerings must be accessible." She added, "It's in everyone's best interest to change this because ultimately, a barrier-free, convenient access to websites benefits everyone."
Concerns About Compliance: The Countdown Begins
The German Social Association (SoVD) expressed concern over the survey findings. Its chairman, Michael Engelmeier, highlighted the significance of digital accessibility for overall participation: "The SoVD, as one of the largest disabled associations in Germany, therefore calls for people with disabilities and older people to be included in digitalization."
Despite the BFSG requiring businesses to adapt their offerings to meet accessibility standards by the deadline, details about the exact number of compliant top online shops remain scarce. Only a few weeks remain before the June 28 cut-off, making it crucial for retailers to act swiftly.
[1] European Accessibility Act
[2] Accessibility Reinforcement Act in Germany
[3] Fines for non-compliance with the BFSG in Germany
[4] Aktion Mensch
[5] Pfennigparade Foundation
[6] Google
[7] Overview of Barriers and Compliance Status
- The forthcoming implementation of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) in Germany necessitates firms to make their online platforms accessible, as it will impose fines of up to €100,000 on those ignoring accessibility standards.
- Companies need to prioritize vocational training in technology, especially in developing keyboard navigation and ensuring visible keyboard focus, to create an inclusive digital environment for the community, considering the large number of visually impaired and disabled customers in Germany.
