What is it about?
The most recent version of the Accessible Information Technology Ordinance 2.0 (BITV 2.0) came into effect on May 25, 2019. It is mandatory for all federal public authorities in Germany. This includes public institutions that are subject to public procurement law and are assigned to the federal government.
We already reported on this in April.
The goal of BITV 2.0 is to enable and ensure comprehensive and consistently barrier-free access to modern information and communication technologies. This includes:
- Websites
- Mobile applications
- Digitally supported administrative processes
- Graphical user interfaces
Barrier-free design should ideally be implemented through a combination of content, design, and programming — all three areas must work closely together.
Caution: Beware of Modular Solutions!
In addition to today’s extensive cookie consent managers, there are also so-called “accessibility overlays” — widgets that use JavaScript integration. These tools offer many customizable settings, but do they truly serve people with disabilities?
Accessibility overlays are typically targeted at users who were already managing without them. But those users are not the actual target audience of BITV.
People with disabilities usually adjust their browser and operating system settings in advance. They use their own assistive technologies like screen readers or screen magnifiers.
A Better Approach:
To truly achieve BITV compliance, focus on the following key elements:
- Sign language videos and plain language content on central entry pages, including summaries and key points of the accessibility statement
- Accessibility statement with feedback mechanism and status on BITV compliance
- Accessible PDF documents
- Subtitles and transcripts for videos (if available)
- File format labels for download links
- Text contrast in infographics (e.g. charts, diagrams)
- Meaningful page titles
- Appropriate alternative texts
- Marking language changes within text
- Correct use of layout and data tables
- Distinction between decorative and informative images
Also important is the integration of the accessibility statement and a feedback mechanism.
The statement must be updated annually. The feedback mechanism allows users to contact the responsible public authority if they encounter any accessibility issues in a digital application.
What's next?
Electronic administrative processes must be accessible by June 23, 2021.
New websites, for example, must comply immediately.
When requesting proposals from service providers, make sure they are familiar with these requirements — and don’t be sold an oversimplified “one-size-fits-all” solution.
There’s a lot to consider. We know what we’re doing — and we’re actively working on projects that fulfill exactly these requirements.
We’ll gladly show you what steps you need to take — just give us a call!
