Accessibility Statement for Websites: Legal Requirement for Public Bodies According to BFSG 2025

From June 28, 2025, the accessibility statement becomes a legal requirement for public bodies according to the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). Public bodies must provide a transparent declaration about the current status of digital accessibility of their website or app. This declaration serves not only legal compliance but also user-friendliness and inclusion.

What is an Accessibility Statement and Why is it Crucial for Digital Inclusion?

The accessibility statement informs users and stakeholders about the current state of accessibility and ensures that all digital content is accessible according to accessibility standards:

✅ Current status of accessibility of your website or app

✅ Compliance with WCAG 2.1 and DIN EN 301 549 – fundamental standards for digital accessibility

✅ Identification of barriers and planned improvement measures

✅ Feedback options for users with disabilities

✅ Complaint procedures and enforcement mechanisms according to the BFSG

Basic Requirements for the Accessibility Statement: Transparency & Traceability

✔ Objective Assessment: The statement must contain an actual assessment of the extent to which accessibility requirements are met.

✔ Indication of Limitations: If certain areas are not accessibly designed, the reasons must be comprehensibly explained.

✔ Easy Accessibility: The accessibility statement must be findable from the homepage and all subpages of a website.

✔ Regular Updates: A review and, if necessary, adjustment must occur at least once a year.

Content Requirements of the Accessibility Statement: Complete Transparency and Traceability

To meet legal requirements, the accessibility statement must include several important contents:

✔ Easy Findability: The statement must be directly accessible from the homepage as well as all subpages.

✔ Accessible Format: It must be accessible to all users and, if necessary, also be available in a machine-readable format.

✔ Transparent Information on Accessibility:

• Listing of non-accessible content.

• Justification why certain content is not fully accessible.

• If available: References to accessible alternatives.

✔ Proof of Assessment: It must be disclosed which method was used to check accessibility.

✔ Feedback Option: Users must be offered an electronic contact option to report barriers or request information.

✔ Information on the Arbitration Procedure:

• Explanation of how the conflict resolution procedure works.

• Link to the responsible arbitration body for further information.

Advantages of an Optimized Accessibility Statement for Your Website

A well-structured accessibility statement not only brings legal advantages but also improves the user experience and visibility of your website:

📈 Fulfillment of legal requirements according to BFSG and EU Directive (EAA)

📈 Avoidance of fines and legal risks through proactive accessibility

📈 Improved visibility in search engines and better Google rankings thanks to optimized usability and accessibility

📈 Commitment to digital inclusion: Accessibility promotes inclusion and strengthens customer loyalty through visible responsibility

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