Digital accessibility: This is how disabled people fight for their rights!

Digital accessibility: This is how disabled people fight for their rights!

In recent years, the topic of digital accessibility has become increasingly important. Critical voices, like that of Sascha Pawolleck, a 47-year-old blind train fan, are becoming louder. Pawolleck experiences first hand the hurdles that arise from inadequate digital offerings. Despite his passion for railway technology, he often feels that he is not taken seriously as a customer. He has particular difficulties with the new booking function on the railway website because he can no longer use the special software he previously used. These hurdles not only affect him, but also his professional work as a telephone operator in the Altötting district office, where he organizes business trips for his colleagues. Calling the booking hotline is increasingly becoming a test of patience for him due to the long waiting times.

As the BR reports, the Bavarian Association of the Blind has already taken up the issue and suspects that blind users were simply forgotten when the booking function was revised. Although some improvements have been made in the past, Pawolleck confirms that the functionality is still not sufficient. That's why he now uses the Swiss Federal Railways' websites, which are barrier-free.

Focus on Accessibility Strengthening Act

The initiative to improve digital accessibility is receiving additional support from the newly passed Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). This law comes into force on June 28, 2025 and was published in the Federal Law Gazette on July 22, 2021. It implements EU Directive 2019/882, which aims to provide people with disabilities with equal access to products and services. In this context, the law obliges companies to make their digital offerings barrier-free.

Not only public bodies are affected, but also companies that offer products or services in electronic commerce. These include, for example, online shops, travel booking sites and streaming services. The Leanatic highlights that the law also applies to product manufacturers producing interactive devices and self-service terminals. This even includes services such as online banking or telemedicine.

Hopes and doubts

While disability associations hope that the BFSG will lead to noticeable improvements, they also express concerns. Many companies could be prevented from taking action through exemptions. In fact, the “Aktion Mensch” association found that out of 65 online shops tested, only around a third were considered to be nearly barrier-free. This shows how much remains to be done to make digital applications more accessible.

The goal must be to break down digital barriers and create new professional opportunities for people with disabilities. Whether the new law can actually achieve this remains to be seen, as the full impact will only become apparent in the future.