What is accessibility?

What does accessibility mean?

Accessibility is defined as follows

The term accessible can be applied to

• buildings and other structures;
• means of transport;
• technical commodities;
• information processing systems;
• acoustic and visual information sources and communication facilities, as well as
• other environments shaped and designed by people;

if persons with disabilities are always able to find, access and use them unaided in the usual manner and without any particular difficulty. The use of any disability aids which may be required is permitted (Section 4, BGG).

In which areas is accessibility within the meaning of the BGG applied?

Buildings and transport

New, converted or extended buildings which are intended for civil use and are the property of the Federal Government, including federal public entities, institutions and foundations, must be designed such that they are accessible in accordance with the generally recognised rules governing technology and engineering practice. Deviations from this are only permitted if the alternative solution also satisfies the relevant requirements with regard to accessibility. This shall not affect the provisions of Länder (federal state) laws, particularly building regulations.

Accessible communication and information

When disseminating information, public authorities must take into consideration the fact that there may be other forms of communication for persons with disabilities.

Communication aids

In order to avail themselves of their inherent rights, persons with hearing or speech or language impairments are entitled to communicate in German sign language, or use sound-accompanying signs or other appropriate communication aids, during administrative proceedings with public authorities. Entitled persons can, at their request, have public authorities provide suitable communication aids free of charge or bear the costs thereof.

Accessible documents

In order to avail themselves of their inherent rights during administrative proceedings with public authorities, blind and visually impaired persons are entitled to ask for notifications and agreements or printed forms which fall under public law to be made accessible to them, at no extra charge, in a form which is intelligible for them.

Easy-to-read language

Public authorities must increasingly provide information in an easy-to-read format for persons with learning difficulties. Skills in writing text in an easy-to-read format should be developed and enhanced by public authorities in future.

Accessible information technology

Public authorities are gradually developing their websites and the services they offer online, as well as the graphic program interfaces they provide, including apps and other features for mobile terminal devices, which are presented and displayed by means of information technology, in such a way that they can be used by persons with disabilities at all times and without any restrictions.

For further information (in German) on the subject of accessibility refer to the website of the Federal Contact Point for Accessibility.
https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de