"Time's Running Out for Barrier-Free Shopping" - Two-Thirds of Top German Online Shops Fall Short
Almost one-third of online shops in Germany lack accessibility features, according to a recent study.
Getting around online stores can be a struggle for many. Yet, only a third of the leading German online retailers are accessible to all, a figure that experts warn is far from enough as a new accessibility law looms on the horizon.
Before the June 28th enforcement of the Accessibility Enforcement Act, a large majority of the popular web shops in Germany are yet to offer a truly inclusive digital experience. This is the insight from a study by Google, "Aktion Mensch," and the Pfennigparade Foundation, which found only around 30% of the 65 most visited online shops in Germany are operable via keyboard and, thus, without a mouse - a basic prerequisite for many people with disabilities.
Keyboards are essential for many users to navigate the web freely. The study shows an improvement compared to last year, but it's predicted that only 20% of popular web shops will meet standards by 2024.
Online Marketplaces Under Scrutiny
Under the EU's Accessibility Directive, companies now face hefty fines if they continue to exclude users with disabilities. The Accessibility Enforcement Act in Germany mandates businesses to adapt their services to meet legal accessibility standards by June 28. Exemptions apply only to small businesses with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million. Ignoring these rules could mean fines of up to €100,000.
In Germany, 7.8 million people live with disabilities, including over 350,000 who are blind or visually impaired.
Keyboard Operation Issue Persists
To evaluate 65 popular online shops, experts focused on keyboard operability, a fundamental factor for many individuals with disabilities. Only 20 websites (30.8%) met this standard. The study revealed that most websites do not offer a clear focus, making it difficult for those with visual impairments to recognize their current selection.
Christina Marx, representative of "Aktion Mensch," advises," It's time for action - barriers in digital offers must be eliminated by June 28." The study's findings are concerning, with many companies willing to risk fines and exclude people with disabilities, who are potentially valuable customers. Marx contends that businesses need to change this, as it benefits everyone to have barrier-free, user-friendly experiences.
Concerns Mount
The German Social Association (SoVD) expresses concern about these findings, as digital accessibility is crucial for everyone's participation. SoVD chairman Michael Engelmeier emphasizes, "We demand that people with disabilities and older adults be included in digitization." Digital shopping offers a significant advantage to those with mobility and visual impairments, but only accessible websites make them usable for these individuals. "The current survey shows there's much to catch up on in Germany, even internationally."
[1] European Accessibility Act: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-accessibility-act_en[2] Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, BFSG): https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bfsg/[3] Terms of accessibility: https://www.barrierefrei-internet.de/gerspac/[4] Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/[5] Accessible Germany: https://www.barrierefrei-deutschland.de/
- To ensure a more inclusive digital environment, it's essential for businesses to prioritize the implementation of community policies that address the needs of persons with disabilities, such as providing vocational training in accessibility-focused technology to employees.
- As the deadline for the Accessibility Enforcement Act approaches, it's crucial for retailers to not only improve keyboard operability in their websites but also consider implementing assistive technology solutions, which can enhance the overall accessibility and usability of their digital platforms, especially for users with disabilities.
