{"id":992269,"date":"2026-05-27T10:21:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T10:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifdb.io\/glossary\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T09:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T09:36:24","slug":"glossary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ifdb.io\/en\/glossary\/","title":{"rendered":"Glossary"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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DIGITAL ACCESSIBLITY \u00b7 BFSG \u00b7 EAA \u00b7 WCAG 2.2 \u00b7 GLOSSARY<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\nDigital accessiblity glossary
<\/span>\nKey terms explained clearly\n<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This glossary on digital accessibility is organised alphabetically throughout, from \u2018Accessibility Overlay\u2019 to \u2018WCAG 2.2\u2019. Each term stands on its own and is defined directly in the very first sentences, so you can look it up individually. My advice: Don\u2019t read it all at once; instead, use the glossary as a reference alongside your audit report. Whenever terms are related, I\u2019ll refer to them in the text. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook a Demo<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Trusted by leading companies across the DACH region
Featured as an expert on ZDF WISO<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span>\"Logo<\/span><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Glossary digital accessibility: structure and usage<\/h4>

Anyone working in the field of accessibility constantly comes across abbreviations: BFSG, EAA, WCAG 2.2, PDF\/UA, ARIA. In hundreds of audits, I have seen projects fail precisely because of these terms \u2013 not because the technology is too difficult, but because no one on the team understands them in the same way. This digital accessibility glossary clears up the confusion. You won\u2019t find dry Wikipedia definitions here, but rather each term explained in the same way I would explain them to a board member and a developer at the same time: accurately, in context, and with a note on where the real issues arise in practice. <\/p>

As of 2026, the situation has become more serious. The Accessibility Strengthening Act is now in force, the first warning letters are on their way, and \u2018We\u2019ll sort it out eventually\u2019 is no longer an acceptable strategy. This makes it even more important that you are proficient in the language used to discuss compliance, liability and technology. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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GLOSSARY<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Glossary digital accessibility: Key term from A to Z<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An accessibility overlay is a widget that is integrated at a later stage and uses JavaScript to adjust the display of a website \u2013 for example, font size, contrast or a text-to-speech function. It is important to understand that an overlay does not fix barriers in the coding, it simply places a user interface over it. Providers who market an overlay as a \u201cone-click solution for full compliance\u201d are rightfully controversial within the professional community and cannot prevent formal warnings. We utilize an overlay exclusively in a transparent manner: as a declared interim solution whilst the actual coding is being adjusted \u2013 never as a substitute. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The Accessibility Tree is the structure that assistive technologies, such as screen readers, actually evaluate. It is derived from the DOM and contains only the information relevant to user interaction: roles, names and states. If this tree is incorrect, content remains invisible to blind users, even though it is visible on the screen. This is one of the most common and hardest-to-detect errors, because automatic tests often fail to identify them. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Alt text is a textual description of an image that screen readers read aloud and that appears if the image fails to load. It describes the information contained in the image within its context, not every single detail. Avoid using phrases such as \u2018Image of\u2019 and do not repeat the caption. Purely decorative images should have an empty alt text so that the screen reader skips them \u2013 this, too, is a conscious decision, not an oversight. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications, or WAI-ARIA in full) is a set of HTML attributes that makes complex components such as drop-downs, tabs, sliders and modals accessible to screen readers. ARIA complements HTML, but does not replace it. The most important rule in practice is: no ARIA is better than incorrect ARIA. I regularly come across instances where well-intentioned attributes cause a component to become inaccessible because a native HTML element would have performed the task better by design. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The ATAG define how editorial and authoring tools must themselves be accessible and how they should support their users in creating accessible content. This is particularly relevant for CMSs, e-commerce systems and e-learning platforms. My practical tip: A content management system that prevents your team from entering alt text will consistently create barriers \u2013 no matter how good the template is. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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An accessibility audit is the systematic assessment of a website, app or document against standards such as the WCAG, BITV or PDF\/UA. It can be conducted automatically, manually or using a combination of both, and provides specific, prioritised recommendations. The key point is that, depending on the study, a purely automated scan covers only around a third of the relevant criteria. Anyone commissioning an audit should ask specifically how much of it was checked by a machine and how much by a human. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Automated testing tools such as axe-core or Lighthouse scan a page\u2019s code and flag clear technical errors, such as missing alt text or poor contrast. They are quick, cost-effective and serve as a good initial filter. Their limitation is that no scanner can assess whether alt text is contextually appropriate or whether a keyboard navigation sequence is logical. Use these tools as an early warning system, not as proof of compliance. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Accessible authentication means that users can sign in without having to pass a cognitive ability test \u2013 such as typing out distorted characters or solving puzzles. WCAG 2.2, in Criterion 3.3.8, requires that there must always be an accessible alternative, for example, pasting from a password manager or confirming through a device. Many login and payment processes fail precisely on this point because their CAPTCHA does not provide an accessible alternative. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Digital accessibility means that websites, apps and documents can be perceived, operated and understood by everyone \u2013 regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. It provides the foundation for digital inclusion and has been a legal requirement for large parts of the economy since 2025. We deliberately use the term \u2018barrier reduction\u2019 rather than \u2018100 per cent accessible\u2019: Nobody can guarantee that a website is completely accessible, as circumstances vary infinitely. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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An accessibility statement is a publicly available statement setting out the current state of accessibility of a digital service, including any known limitations and a feedback option. It has been mandatory for public institutions for years; for many companies, this transparency requirement is imposed by the BFSG. It is not just a tedious form, but a legally relevant document: whoever honestly lists outstanding issues and a timetable here is demonstrating that they have fulfilled their due diligence obligations. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The BFSG is the german law that implements the European Accessibility Act into national law and has been in force since 28 June 2025. It requires numerous organisations \u2013 including e-commerce businesses, banks, passenger transport operators and many service providers \u2013 to make their digital products and services accessible. Micro-enterprises in the service sector are exempt under certain thresholds; however, in practice, this exemption applies less frequently than many might believe. Anyone interested in checking whether they are affected should not rely on gut feeling, but should obtain a reliable assessment. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBITV 2.0 (Accessible Information Technology Ordinance)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The BITV 2.0 sets out the accessibility requirements for digital services provided by federal public authorities in Germany. It refers, from a technical perspective, to the European standard EN 301 549 and thus to the WCAG. Whilst the BFSG applies to the private sector, the BITV is the authoritative framework for public authorities, government departments and public institutions. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBraille display\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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A Braille display outputs digital content in a tactile form by raising pins to form dot patterns. It is the primary output device for many blind people, particularly those who are deafblind. For it to function, it requires exactly the same semantically clean code that is used by screen readers \u2013 accessibility improvements in one technology almost always benefit the other. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBreadcrumb-Navigation\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Breadcrumb navigation shows the path a user is following within the website structure, such as Home, Products, Software. For it to work for screen readers, it must be marked up with as a navigation area and the currently selected item must be correctly highlighted. When implemented correctly, it improves both user navigation and SEO, as search engines also read the structure. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCAPTCHA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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A CAPTCHA is designed to prevent automated access, but often becomes an insurmountable barrier in its own. Distorted letters are impossible for people with visual impairments to decipher, whilst purely visual image-based tasks are impossible for blind users in any case. More accessible alternatives include invisible, behaviour-based checks or logic-based questions with an accessible alternative option. Since WCAG 2.2, this is no longer simply a recommendation, but relates to the criteria for accessible authentication. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCI\/CD (Continuous Integration \/ Continuous Deployment)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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CI\/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment \u2013 in other words, the automated pipeline through which modern teams test and deploy code. For accessibility, this is a leveraging factor, not a minor detail: If you build accessibility tests directly into the pipeline, a pull request containing new accessibility issues will be flagged before it goes live. A quick note, as this term is often confused: in a technical context, CI\/CD has nothing to do with corporate identity or corporate design. If you want to ensure accessibility is maintained in the long term, you need to embed it here \u2013 in the deployment process. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Closed captions are optional subtitles that, in addition to the spoken words, also describe relevant sounds, music and changes in speakers. They are designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing people and go beyond simple subtitles. A practical bonus: in noisy environments or when playing content on social media with the sound turned off, captions significantly increase the time viewers spend watching. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContrast Ratio\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The contrast ratio describes the difference in brightness between text and background and is crucial for readability, particularly for people with visual impairments. The WCAG require a minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text; graphical control elements also require a minimum of 3:1. Light grey text on a white background may appear subtle, but it regularly fails audits. Contrast is not a design detail, but a strict requirement. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorporate Design and brand colours\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Corporate design encompasses a brand\u2019s visual identity \u2013 colours, typefaces and logos. It is relevant to accessibility because brand colours often fail to meet contrast requirements. My advice: define accessible colour combinations in the style guide from the beginning, rather than having to correct every page afterwards. This ensures the brand remains both consistent and compliant. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDOM (Document Object Model)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The DOM is the structured representation of a web page that the browser constructs from the HTML. It forms the basis for the accessibility tree \u2013 and is therefore the foundation on which all assistive technology relies. A semantically sound DOM structure \u2013 that is, proper headings, lists and buttons rather than generic containers \u2013 is the cheapest and most effective accessibility measure of all. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The European Accessibility Act is EU Directive 2019\/882, which sets out standard accessibility requirements for products and services within the single market. It forms the basis for the German BFSG \u2013 and ensures that the rules are comparable across Europe. For companies operating internationally, this means there are not 27 isolated solutions, but a common standard against which they can gauge their compliance. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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EN 301 549 is the European standard that sets out specific accessibility requirements for ICT \u2013 websites, software, documents and hardware. It translates the abstract provisions of the legislation into verifiable technical criteria, drawing on the success criteria of the WCAG. In practical terms, it acts as a bridge: if you are working to WCAG 2.2 Level AA, you are meeting the core requirements of EN 301 549 for the web. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Plain language is a simplified, clearly structured style of expression that is easier to understand than standard language, but less strictly regulated than easy-to-read language. It avoids complex sentences, technical terminology and foreign words, without adhering to a fixed set of rules. For most corporate websites, it is the more practical starting point, as it can be implemented without the need for certification. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(Accessible) Error Messages\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Accessible error messages clearly state what has gone wrong, where the mistake lies and how to correct them \u2013 and are automatically announced by screen readers. A red outline alone is not enough, as colour does not convey information to everyone. In audits, the faulty form is a classic example: the user knows that something is wrong, but never finds out what. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The focus indicator is the visible marker that shows which element is currently active through the keyboard \u2013 typically a distinct border. Without it, keyboard operation is practically impossible, as users are navigating blind. A common design mistake is removing the focus border via CSS for aesthetic reasons instead of replacing it. The WCAG 2.2 guidelines have even tightened the requirements for focus visibility with two new criteria. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Form accessibility means that every field is clearly labelled, fully accessible by keyboard, and its purpose is clear. Labels must be programmed to be linked to the field, not just displayed visually alongside it. As forms are used for purchases, applications and logins, their accessibility often has a direct impact on turnover \u2013 a checkout form that cannot be used means a lost conversion. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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A heading structure is the hierarchical organisation of a page using headings from H1 to H6, arranged logically and without gaps. Screen reader users navigate through the page using headings, much as sighted people glance over a text. Exactly one H1 per page, followed by clear nesting \u2013 this discipline helps to ensure both accessibility and visibility in search engines and AI responses. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\u2018Human-in-the-loop\u2019 refers to a testing method that combines software and AI with real human testers \u2013 ideally people who use assistive technologies on a daily basis. It is only this step that covers the 60 to 70 per cent of WCAG criteria that an automated scanner is structurally unable to detect. In my experience, this is the only way to achieve a reliable result: a blind tester who exposes your checkout process as inaccessible in thirty seconds cannot be replaced by any software. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Digital inclusion refers to the aim of ensuring that no one is excluded from digital life \u2013 whether it be online banking, dealing with public authorities or shopping. Accessibility is the means; inclusion is the aim. Around 135 million people with disabilities are living in the EU; this is not a marginalised group, but a target group with considerable purchasing power, which many providers continue to exclude through technical barriers. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The WCAG recognises three levels of conformance: A as the baseline, AA as the legally relevant standard, and AAA as the highest requirement, which is often only achievable in specific areas. In Europe, Level AA is effectively the standard against which public authorities and businesses are assessed. You should aim for AAA where it makes sense, but nobody expects full AAA compliance across the entire website \u2013 some criteria simply cannot be implemented consistently across the board. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Easy language is a greatly simplified form of language based on a fixed set of rules, designed for people with learning difficulties, cognitive impairments or limited knowledge of German. It typically features short main clauses, large print, explanatory images and the avoidance of metaphors. Important to note: Easy language does not replace the standard version; it complements it. In audits, I often see that public authorities are, quite rightly, subject to strict scrutiny in this regard, whilst the private sector underestimates the need for it. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The Matterhorn Protocol is the PDF Association\u2019s validation checklist, which translates the requirements of the PDF\/UA standard into specific, verifiable criteria. It lists the types of errors that make a PDF inaccessible and distinguishes between what a machine must check and what a human must check. It is the authoritative standard for validating accessible documents \u2013 when someone checks PDFs properly, they do so according to Matterhorn. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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PDF\/UA (Universal Accessibility, ISO 14289) is the international standard for accessible PDF documents. It sets out requirements for tags, reading order, alternative text, correct table markup and navigation. A PDF often looks flawless to the naked eye, yet is completely unusable for a screen reader. It is precisely this gap that public authorities and large organisations with extensive document collections most frequently underestimate \u2013 very few have ever checked their annual reports and forms for compliance with PDF\/UA. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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A screen reader is a piece of software that reads out screen content or outputs it to a Braille display, thereby enabling blind and severely visually impaired people to use the computer. Common examples include JAWS and NVDA on Windows, VoiceOver on Apple devices and TalkBack on Android. Important: Different screen readers may interpret the same code differently. That is why we test against several rather than just one \u2013 what works perfectly on one may fail on another. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Keyboard navigation means that the entire webpage can be operated without a mouse \u2013 all interactive elements are accessible, the order is logical, and there are no keyboard traps from which you cannot escape. Many people with motor impairments, as well as power-users, navigate exclusively using the keyboard. My quick test for every page: go through the whole page using the Tab key, without touching the mouse. You\u2019ll be surprised at what gets stuck. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Tooltips provide additional information when an element is focused on or hovered over. To ensure they are accessible, they must also be triggerable via the keyboard, readable by a screen reader, and visible for long enough to allow users to read them at their own pace. A tooltip that only appears when the mouse hovers over it and disappears immediately is of no help to anyone who relies on the keyboard. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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A transcript is a complete written record of audio or video content. It makes podcasts, interviews and videos accessible to deaf people, whilst also being readable by search engines. A properly prepared transcript is therefore twice as valuable: it ensures accessibility and boosts SEO, as spoken content would otherwise remain invisible to Google. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Subtitles reproduce the spoken text of a video in written form, in sync with the images. They help people with hearing impairments, but also anyone who watches videos without sound. Automatically generated subtitles are a start, but they are not a free pass \u2013 speech recognition often gets technical terms and names wrong, and an incorrect subtitle is sometimes worse than none at all. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUsability\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Usability describes how efficiently, effectively and satisfactorily people can use a system. Accessibility and usability are not opposites, but rather reinforce one another: a clearly structured, keyboard-navigable website is more user-friendly for everyone, not just for people with disabilities. This is precisely where the often-overlooked business case lies \u2013 better usability reduces bounce rates and boosts conversion rates. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPerceptibility and the POUR-Prinzipal\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Perceivability is the first of the four WCAG core principles: content must be presented in such a way that it can be perceived through at least one sensory channel. Together, the four principles form the acronym POUR \u2013 Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust. No information should be conveyed exclusively through sight or exclusively through hearing. Anyone who internalises this has already grasped the core of the WCAG. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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WCAG 2.2 are the W3C\u2019s current international guidelines for digital accessibility and have been the authoritative version since October 2023. They organise requirements according to the four principles of perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Version 2.2 introduced nine new success criteria that are often overlooked in practice: such as a minimum display size of 24 by 24 pixels for clickable targets (2.5.8), keyboard focus that is not concealed (2.4.11) and \u2013 particularly important \u2013 accessible authentication (3.3.8), which excludes pure puzzle-based and memorisation-based tests for logins. Anyone still working to WCAG 2.1 is carrying out outdated testing. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What comes next after the glossary<\/h4>

A glossary clarifies terminology. However, it does not tell you exactly where your own website or documents stand. That is precisely where the real work begins \u2013 and it is easier to get started than most people think. <\/p>

If you\u2019d like to know how accessible your website actually is according to WCAG 2.2, test it with our free Access Score\u00ae web audit. It automatically scans up to five sub-pages and translates raw code errors into clear recommendations for action \u2013 an honest starting point, with no sugar-coating. If your focus is more on documents, such as annual reports or government forms, the Access Read\u00ae PDF\/UA check is the right place to start. And if you need legally sound evidence of your due diligence in accordance with the BFSG, the next step is the in-depth audit with certificate, Access Ready\u00ae. <\/p>

My final piece of advice: don\u2019t treat accessibility as a mere formality to be ticked off just before the next warning letter, but as what it actually is from a business perspective \u2013 greater reach, better usability, stronger search engine visibility and legal certainty, everything in one. At ifdb, we call this \u2018access is attitude\u2019. Start with the term in this glossary that surprised you the most, and see how your own website measures up against it. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLukas Maximilian Langer\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAls Gr\u00fcnder der ifdb GmbH setzt sich Lukas Maximilian Langer daf\u00fcr ein, digitale Barrierefreiheit vom Pflichtthema zum Selbstverst\u00e4ndnis zu machen. Sein Ziel: Websites, Apps und Dokumente, die f\u00fcr alle zug\u00e4nglich sind \u2013 unabh\u00e4ngig von Einschr\u00e4nkungen.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Start Website-Check now<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In 2 minutes, you\u2019ll see exactly how your website measures up against WCAG 2.2.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCheck your website for WCAG compliance for free now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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From theory to practice: check your digital accessibility now<\/h4>

Knowing the terminology is the first step \u2013 applying it to your own digital offering is the crucial one. Since the Accessibility Strengthening Act<\/a> came into force, relying on a gut feeling about your own status is no longer sufficient. What matters are the specific success criteria of WCAG 2.2<\/a>, against which compliance and liability can actually be measured. <\/p>

If you want to know where your website really stands, the most honest way to start is with a free WCAG check<\/a>. If the focus is more on documents and annual reports, the PDF\/UA validation<\/a> for existing documents checks your existing stock in seconds. And if you need legally sound evidence of your due diligence in accordance with the BFSG, you should go for the in-depth audit with a certificate<\/a>. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

DIGITAL ACCESSIBLITY \u00b7 BFSG \u00b7 EAA \u00b7 WCAG 2.2 \u00b7…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-992269","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nGlossary digital accessibility | Key terms A\u2013Z | ifdb<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Glossary of digital accessibility from A to Z: BFSG, EAA, WCAG 2.2, PDF\/UA & ARIA explained in practical terms. 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