Accessibility is a Right – What the New German Accessibility Enforcement Act Means for Your Trainings
Imagine trying to buy an online ticket, use a digital learning program, or simply navigate an app – and failing because you’re blind, hard of hearing, or have limited motor skills. For many people with disabilities, this is an everyday reality.
The Accessibility Enforcement Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, BFSG) directly addresses this issue: it strengthens the right to participation and obliges companies to design products and services to be accessible to all people – regardless of physical limitations.
More Than Just a Law: Why the BFSG Matters
The BFSG is more than just a new legal requirement – it’s a milestone on the path to digital inclusion. From June 28, 2025, all digital products and services must be accessible. Companies that fail to comply face significant penalties.
At the same time, the law introduces clear, EU-wide standards. Accessibility thus becomes a binding requirement – and a genuine competitive advantage for early movers.
Important: As of June 28, 2025, platforms for e-learning, digital learning content, and certain training offerings must meet accessibility requirements. These include technical standards such as WCAG 2.1 or BITV 2.0.
The Reality: Many Digital Services Are Still Not Accessible
You might be asking yourself:
Are our digital offerings accessible? Do our training programs meet the new requirements?
The honest answer in many cases: not yet – but it’s not too late.
Instead of sticking your head in the sand, it’s worth seeing this as an opportunity – for greater inclusion, more innovation, and an improved user experience for everyone.
What the BFSG Means for Trainings
The law doesn’t only apply to websites and online shops. Your internal and external training offerings – whether digital, hybrid, or in-person – must also be accessible.
1. Digital Training Formats
Digital learning solutions are a key focus of the BFSG. They must meet international standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). This means:
Keyboard navigation: Content must be fully operable without a mouse.
Subtitles and audio descriptions: Videos should have synchronized subtitles and, where necessary, audio descriptions.
Screen reader compatibility: Texts and structures must be interpretable by screen readers.
Contrast and clarity: Visuals must be designed to be clear and readable.
Your tools and platforms also matter. Make sure your Learning Management System (LMS) and authoring tools – such as Articulate 360 or the Learning Experience Platform hiveQ – support accessibility features.
Good to know: The German BITV 2.0 (Accessible Information Technology Ordinance) applies to public institutions but also provides helpful guidance for private educational providers.
BITV is based on WCAG – so aligning with it is a solid foundation.
2. Face-to-Face Trainings
Accessibility also applies onsite. This includes:
Barrier-free training facilities
Acoustic support (e.g., hearing loops)
Materials in plain language
Consideration of different learning needs
The goal is to provide an equal learning experience for all participants.
3. Hybrid Training Formats
Hybrid models combine digital and physical elements – and must therefore meet dual accessibility requirements. Focus on:
Accessible platforms and interaction tools
Accessible venues
Consistent usability across media
Important: Companies with fewer than ten employees may be partially exempt from the service requirements, but not from digital product requirements. If you provide learning platforms, e-books, or apps, make sure you’re prepared.
The German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provides official guidelines and a downloadable PDF brochure (in German) via the website of the Federal Accessibility Office.
Best Practice: How to Test Your Trainings for Accessibility
Implementing accessibility doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. Small steps can already make a big difference:
Enable subtitles & check audio
Start with your videos: Do they have subtitles? Are they complete and synchronized? Don’t forget non-verbal content like music or sound effects.Test keyboard navigation
Try navigating your platform entirely by keyboard. Using Tab, Enter, and arrow keys, all interactive elements should be logically reachable.Use a screen reader (e.g., NVDA)
Use a free screen reader like NVDA to test whether content is read out in a meaningful and well-structured way.
These three actions provide a first impression. For deeper insights, compare against the WCAG 2.1 and conduct tests with users who have impairments.
Legal Obligations, Strategic Opportunities
Accessibility is not a niche topic – from June 28, 2025, it becomes a legal obligation. Companies with annual revenues over 2 million euros must comply with the BFSG.
Those who invest in accessible learning now will not only avoid fines but also send a strong signal for inclusion and innovation – and enhance their reputation as an attractive employer.
Act Now – Don’t Play Catch-Up Later
The Accessibility Enforcement Act offers a unique chance to design future-proof, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences. Whether it’s e-learning, in-person training, or hybrid formats – accessible training benefits everyone: learners, companies, and society as a whole.
Gain deeper insights from hands-on expert knowledge, understand the legal context, and build a learning environment where everyone can participate.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal matters, please consult a qualified attorney.
