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BITV stands for "Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance". It is a regulation issued by the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs that sets out the technical requirements for accessible websites and other IT systems used by public bodies. An accessible website is one that is accessible and usable by people with physical or cognitive impairments. This includes measures such as a high contrast ratio, texts that can be read aloud, alternative texts for images, and well-structured navigation.
The goal of BITV 2.0 (Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance) is to ensure that all people have equal access to online services, regardless of possible limitations, and that barriers to using the Internet are removed.
Typical limitations are, for example: - Visual impairments in different variants and gradations - Physical impairments - Deafness or hearing impairment - Mental impairments and language barriers
Legal basis of the BITV
The Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance was first issued in 2002 in accordance with Section 12d of the Disability Equality Act and was replaced in 2011 by a new ordinance, BITV 2.0. It was last amended in May 2019 and supplemented with further minimum requirements for digital accessibility and deadlines for implementation.
Since September 2020, public institutions have been legally required to ensure digital accessibility in accordance with BITV and to publish a "Declaration on Accessibility".
Who is obliged to design an accessible website?
According to § 12 BGG, all websites of public authorities in the EU are obliged to ensure accessibility. However, websites of companies that are at least 50% publicly owned or receive subsidies are also affected. This essentially includes:
When is a website accessible?
A website is accessible if it can be used without restriction by people with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, deafness, or motor impairments. This includes, for example:
- Use of clear and simple language - Availability of text alternatives to images, audios and videos - Support for keyboard operation instead of mouse operation only - Verifiability with automated tools.
In order for a website to be designated as accessible, it must meet certain technical and content requirements defined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Through certain test procedures, such as a BITV test according to BIK, a web presence can be checked for its accessibility.
Which digital applications of the website must be designed barrier-free?
BITV 2.0 also specifies which applications offered must be accessible. These include:
- Websites - Intranets - Extranets - Integrated documents and videos - Downloadable forms -.Integrated functionalities such as online forms, payment processes or identification processes - Apps - Electronic administrative procedures.
The updated BITV 2.0 states that federal agencies must also design apps for internal use, i.e. apps that are not publicly accessible, to be barrier-free.
What criteria must an accessible website meet according to BITV?
Basically, the accessibility requirements of a website can be divided into four principles: Perceptibility, Comprehensibility, Usability, and Robustness.
Around these four principles are arranged the guidelines and success criteria to make web content accessible and usable for all.
User interface information should be presented in such a way that users can perceive it. Content should be distinguishable for visually impaired people with sufficient contrast. The font size and the page itself should be adjustable by the user so that it can be used on any device. Information needs to be provided through two different sensory channels. For example, blind people need textual alternatives for graphics and other media.
All content and functions of the website should, for example, be operable for people with motor impairments using both the keyboard and the mouse. In addition, users should be supported in navigation by clear and meaningful page titles and link texts, and sufficient time should be allowed for operation.
All information should be easy to read and understand in simple language (or sign language). The user must be able to understand both the information and the operation of the user interface. A simple page layout, understandable navigation, and well-labeled form fields all contribute to the comprehensibility of a website.
In order to comprehensively and reliably test a website for its accessibility, the so-called BIK-BITV test can be carried out by an official testing agency in 98 test steps. It compares the current conditions of a website with the requirements of the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance 2.0.
If all applicable test steps are fulfilled and the tested pages of your offer are rated "compliant", you will receive the "BIK BITV compliant" test mark and can include it on the website.
Unter jedem dieser vier Prinzipien gibt es einige Anforderungen und Erfolgskriterien, die dabei helfen, die digitalen Barrieren abzubauen und Menschen mit Einschränkungen zu erreichen.
Die korrekten Kriterien sind in der Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) festgelegt und bilden den internationalen Standard für barrierefreies Webdesign. Zusätzlich zu den 60 WCAG 2.1 Prüfschritten, müssen nach der europäische Norm 38 weitere Anforderungen erfüllt werden, die die EN 301 549 für Web-Inhalte formuliert. Es ist eine Art Richtlinien-Katalog, der beschreibt, welche Punkte für eine barrierefreien Internetseite erfüllt sein müssen.
Sollten Sie gesetzlich dazu verpflichtet sein, eine barrierefreie Website zu gestalten, können Sie sich mit der Liste der Prüfkriterien nach BIK einen realistischen Überblick über alle relevanten Merkmale und Kriterien verschaffen.
How we can support your company around the topic BITV and accessible websites:
- We offer comprehensive advice on the requirements and guidelines of the BITV and perform an accessibility analysis of your existing website to identify potential weaknesses.
- We are happy to support you in redesigning or adapting your website to meet the requirements of BITV. This includes the design of a user-friendly and accessible user interface as well as the implementation of accessible techniques and functions. In addition, we can support you in creating accessible content.
- In training courses and workshops, we can raise awareness of accessibility and impart knowledge about the implementation of accessible websites according to BITV. This can help ensure that your organization complies with accessible standards in the long term.
- If desired, we can also help you obtain an official accessibility certificate for your website. This can officially validate your efforts to create an accessible online presence.
Oliver Parrizas will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject. +49-800-911-91-91