Kerstin JA3 months ago
Klare Kommunikation, hohe Empathie und eine tolle Unterstützung bei Fragen und Unwissenheit. Ich kann seine Arbeit absolut empfehlen und bin sehr zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis meiner Webseite. Danke!
Accessible Web Design in Accordance with the BFSG: Usable by Everyone and Legally Compliant
WCAG-compliant and BFSG-compliant: I design and optimize your website so that it is accessible to everyone—and so that you are legally compliant.
The Starting Point
Why Accessibility Matters Now
BFSG Compliance – and the Risk of a Warning Letter
The BFSG has been in effect since June 28, 2025. Anyone affected who fails to comply risks complaints, pressure to make corrections, and, in the worst case, formal warnings. I’ll bring your website up to the required standard in a legally compliant manner.
Some of your visitors are being left out
Low contrast, missing alternative text, no keyboard navigation: People with disabilities can’t navigate the site—and neither can search engines. Accessibility significantly expands your reach.
Retrofitting is more expensive than building it right the first time
Retrofitting accessibility features into an existing website costs more than implementing them properly from the start. The sooner we start, the less it will cost.
The Standard
The Four Principles of Accessible Websites
Accessibility isn’t an add-on—it’s good craftsmanship, and it follows four clear WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) principles. They form the basis of the BFSG and are also a quality marker that benefits all visitors—and, through clean HTML, even search engines.
| Principle | Means | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| Perceptible | Content accessible to all the senses | Alternative text, sufficient contrast, captions |
| Can be operated | Fully usable without a mouse | Keyboard navigation, clear focus order, sufficient time |
| Easy to understand | Language and user interface are intuitive | Clear text, consistent navigation, easy-to-understand forms |
| Durable | Compatible with assistive technology | Clean HTML, correct ARIA markup, tested screen reader output |
The goal is Conformity Level AA—the standard level expected by the BFSG. That is exactly what I’m basing the design and technical implementation on.
Scope of Services
What I Consider to Be Accessible Web Design
BFSG & WCAG Check
I'll test your website against WCAG 2.1 AA and the BFSG requirements—both automatically and manually—and provide a prioritized list of actions that highlights what really matters.
Contrasts, Colors, and Typography
Adequate color contrast, legible and scalable fonts, clear structure: accessible and visually appealing, rather than a sterile stopgap solution.
Keyboard & Screen Reader
Full keyboard navigation, a logical focus order, ARIA markup, and clear alternative text so that screen readers can read your content correctly.
Accessible WordPress
Implementation directly in your WordPress: accessible themes and blocks, valid HTML, and tested plugins—instead of questionable overlay tools that don’t solve real accessibility issues.
Evidence & Explanation
Upon request, we can provide test documentation and a basis for your accessibility statement—so you can demonstrate that you are complying with your obligations.
And many other features available upon request
Today, we can meet almost any website need based on your specific needs and requirements. Just ask us.
Self-Check
Does the BFSG affect your website?
Three questions to provide initial guidance on whether your website falls under the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG).
This assessment is for guidance purposes and does not replace legal advice.
The Path
Here's How I Make Your Website Accessible
- AuditWeek 1I’ll check your website both automatically and manually against WCAG 2.1 AA—contrast, structure, keyboard navigation, screen reader output—and document all findings.
- Action PlanWeek 2You’ll receive a list of actions prioritized by impact, plus a binding quote with a range estimate.
- ImplementationWeeks 3–6Design and technology are implemented accessibly—directly in your WordPress site, without workarounds like overlays.
- TestWeek 6Retest using a keyboard, screen reader, and contrast tools until the target criteria are met.
- Verification & HandoverWeek 7If you’d like, with test documentation as the basis for your accessibility statement—plus guidance on how to keep new content accessible.
Self-Check
Does the BFSG affect your website?
Three questions to provide initial guidance on whether your website falls under the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG).
The Investment
How much does accessible web design cost?
Accessibility is calculated on a case-by-case basis because the effort required depends on the initial state. A two-step approach makes sense: first, a BFSG and WCAG check to identify your current status and the necessary measures—followed by implementation based on a binding cost estimate.
If a website is being built from scratch anyway, incorporating accessibility from the start is significantly more cost-effective than retrofitting it later—it’s integrated directly into the design and technology. The cost overview serves as a guide; hourly rates and project prices are broken down transparently there.
Web Design Examples: Here's What Your New Website Could Look Like
What My Clients Say
Let's Make Your Website Accessible
During a free initial consultation, I’ll assess where your website stands and what BFSG compliance specifically means for you—with no obligation and without any technical jargon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accessible Web Design
Is my company affected by the BFSG?
The BFSG has been in effect since June 28, 2025, for many digital services in the consumer sector—such as online stores, booking sites, and service websites. Micro-enterprises are partially exempt. During our initial consultation, I’ll provide you with a practical assessment of whether and where action is needed—the binding legal assessment remains the responsibility of your legal counsel.
Is an accessibility plugin or overlay not enough?
Unfortunately, no. Overlay tools promise a lot, but they rarely solve the actual problems and are facing increasing criticism. True accessibility lies in the HTML, in contrast ratios, and in usability. Plugins can help, but they cannot replace a clean implementation.
What does WCAG 2.1 AA mean?
The WCAG is the international standard for accessible websites, divided into three levels (A, AA, AAA). AA is the standard target level and the basis that the BFSG also follows. That is exactly what I am working toward.
Can you retrofit an existing website?
Yes. After the audit, I’ll implement the recommended actions in order of priority—starting with the ones that will have the greatest impact. For websites that are severely outdated, a relaunch may be more cost-effective than time-consuming tweaks; I’ll discuss this openly with you.
How much does accessible web design cost?
That depends on the initial state. Typically, a BFSG/WCAG check is the first step, followed by implementation based on a binding “from-to” estimate. When planned from the start, accessibility is significantly less expensive than any retrofitting. You can find guidelines on the Costs page.
Do you also offer legal advice on this matter?
No—I handle the technical and design aspects of accessibility and provide the test documentation. You should consult your legal counsel regarding the legal assessment, such as whether you are legally required to comply or the accessibility statement as a legal document. That way, everyone sticks to their area of expertise.
When does the BFSG take effect?
The German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has been in force since June 28, 2025. Since then, affected websites, online shops, and digital services for consumers must be accessible. For service contracts concluded before this cut-off date, a transitional period applies until June 2030.
What exemptions are there under the BFSG?
Micro-enterprises that provide services—fewer than ten employees and no more than €2 million in annual turnover or balance sheet total—are exempt from the obligation. Pure B2B offerings with no consumer relevance are also not covered. Whether an exemption applies to you is something your legal counsel will clarify; in the initial call, I’ll give you a practical assessment.
What happens if my website isn’t accessible?
The federal states’ market surveillance authorities can require remediation, impose fines of up to €100,000, and prohibit an offering; there’s also the risk of cease-and-desist letters from associations and competitors. In practice, what matters more is that an inaccessible website excludes customers. The legal assessment of your individual case remains a matter for your legal counsel.