Accessibility

Accessibility (also: a11y) in IT means designing digital products such as software, websites and apps in such a way that they are accessible to all people, regardless of their individual abilities. At ITsquare, we focus on comprehensive accessibility to ensure that your digital solutions are inclusive and user-friendly.

Rely on accessible software development with ITsquare

Importance and necessity of accessible software

Software is becoming increasingly important in all areas of life. It is therefore becoming increasingly important that everyone is able to use software independently. This is where the concept of accessible software comes into play. Public bodies are already obliged to provide such software. From June 2025, this regulation will also be extended to online retail and various online services, making accessibility mandatory for most private companies. However, developers and private companies can already benefit from implementing accessible software.

Technological features of accessibility

Accessibility in digital applications requires the consideration of various technical aspects to ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and use content equally. Here are some of the key features that ITsquare integrates into the development of accessible software.

Screen reader compatibility

We develop your software so that it can be fully recognised by screen readers in order to optimally support people with visual impairments.

Keyboard navigation

All functions and contents of your application are accessible via the keyboard, which improves usability for users without a mouse.

Text alternatives

We ensure that all non-textual content, such as images and videos, are provided with appropriate text alternatives to make their content accessible.

Colour contrasts

Our designers take care to use sufficient colour contrasts to make texts and graphic elements easy to read for visually impaired people.

Subtitles and transcripts

For multimedia content, we provide subtitles and transcripts to support deaf and hard of hearing users.

Responsive design

Accessibility also means that your application works optimally on all devices and screen sizes, which is ensured by a responsive design.

Forms and interactive elements

We design forms and interactive elements so that they are easy to understand and use, with clear labels and error messages.

Text in simple language

Clear and comprehensible wording is not only helpful for people with cognitive impairments or non-native speakers. Simplification is particularly beneficial for all users when it comes to texts from public authorities or courts. It is important to adapt the language to the respective target group.

Logical arrangement of elements

Moving, animated or complex nested elements may look appealing, but they make it difficult to read and use. Instead, use a tabular layout with a clear and logical structure.

Process of developing accessible software

Developing accessible applications requires a thoughtful and systematic approach. Here are the steps we go through at ITsquare to ensure your application is fully accessible:

01

Analysis and planning

To begin with, we analyse the existing systems and plan the necessary adjustments to ensure accessibility.

02

Design phase

In the design phase, we create user-friendly and accessible layouts that take all aspects of accessibility into account.

03

Development

Our developers implement the planned measures, taking into account best practices and accessibility standards.

04

Testing and checking

After development, we test the software intensively for accessibility, including the use of screen readers and keyboard navigation.

05

User feedback

We gather feedback from users with disabilities to ensure that the software meets their needs.

06

Training and documentation

We train your team and provide comprehensive documentation to ensure the long-term maintenance and further development of the accessible software.

07

Maintenance and support

Even after the launch, we are always available to ensure that your application continues to meet the latest accessibility standards.

FAQs

In this section you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about accessibility.

Why is accessibility important?

Accessibility ensures that all people, regardless of their individual abilities, have access to digital content and services. This promotes inclusion and equal opportunities.

What are the legal requirements for accessibility?

Legal regulations on accessibility are laid down in various laws and ordinances. The Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG), which defines accessibility in § 4, is of central importance. This law ensures that services can be used by people with disabilities without assistance. In addition, there is the Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV), which was first introduced in 2002 and updated in 2019 as BITV 2.0. This regulation refers to the harmonised EU standards that apply to IT applications.

Accessibility is already mandatory for public bodies, and from June 2025 this will also apply to online retail and various online services, as regulated by the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG). The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which defines common rules for software, digital services and hardware in the EU, must also be observed.

Other important guidelines are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), which are internationally recognised, and the PDF/UA standard for accessible PDF documents. These guidelines and standards ensure that software and websites are “perceivable, operable, understandable and robust”, as specified in the EN 301 549 standard.

Can ITsquare make existing software accessible?

Yes, we analyse existing systems and implement the necessary adaptations to make them accessible. In doing so, we take current standards and best practices into account.

What benefits does accessible software offer my company?

Accessible software expands your target group, improves user-friendliness, strengthens your corporate image and reduces the risk of legal problems.

Accessibility

Rely on accessible software development with ITsquare

Importance and necessity of accessible software

Technological features of accessibility

Screen reader compatibility

Keyboard navigation

Text alternatives

Colour contrasts

Subtitles and transcripts

Responsive design

Forms and interactive elements

Text in simple language

Logical arrangement of elements

Process of developing accessible software

01

Analysis and planning

02

Design phase

03

Development

04

Testing and checking

05

User feedback

06

Training and documentation

07

Maintenance and support

FAQs

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