Newsletter
Der Newsletter wird in Kooperation mit Domingos de Oliveira von netz-barrierefrei erstellt. Ziel ist es, neue Entwicklungen, Trends sowie valide Quellen zu Studien, Umfragen und weiteren Erkenntnissen im Bereich der digitalen Barrierefreiheit zusammenzufassen.
Damit möchten wir allen ermöglichen, fachlich auf dem neuesten Stand zu bleiben und relevante Entwicklungen in der digitalen Barrierefreiheit kompakt und verlässlich einordnen zu können.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss any news about digital accessibility. You can find past issues of the newsletter in our [link to newsletter]. Newsletter archiveIf you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please use the form below.
Achtung: Unsere Cookie-Richtlinien haben sich geändert. Bitte löschen Sie Ihre Browserdaten und laden Sie die Seite neu, bevor Sie fortfahren.
Subscribe to the newsletter:
Accessibility begins with people, not rules.
Issue 5 in 2026
Domingos de Oliveira (netz-barrierefrei.de):
Digital accessibility starts with people, not guidelines. Admittedly, the WCAG guidelines are incredibly important. But they're about as exciting to read as the phone book. A bunch of numbers, abstract rules—you practically have to already know them to understand them.
That's why our presentations and training sessions always begin with addressing people's needs: For the visually impaired, there's too little contrast; for the blind, the functionality is incomprehensible; the hard of hearing can't understand the content. That's how you get most people to listen. If the audience is still engaged after that, we can always delve into WCAG and all those other fun acronyms.
Interesting articles
Nothing planned for May 21st? The company adesso is hosting an exciting panel discussion on accessibility: There will be updates on the Accessibility Strengthening Act, tips for implementing accessibility and automation, and the opportunity to discuss these topics with the speakers. Register now – it's free and online.
Webinar | adesso panel for Global Accessibility Awareness Day
This article describes a new phase of digital accessibility in which IT service providers are being held more accountable. Accessibility is thus increasingly becoming an integral part of professional software development.
The third wave of accessibility – IT service providers must act
This article shows that while AI can support processes, it often fails due to insufficient training data and quality. Therefore, subject-matter expertise remains essential for reliable accessibility.
How artificial intelligence is changing accessibility expertise
The WebAIM survey claims – as it does every year – that most websites are not accessible. This article puts the value of this survey into perspective. The WebAIM Survey – are 98 percent of websites not accessible?
An open letter criticizes the unreflective promotion of accessibility overlays by Kobinet News.
Stop the promotion of accessibility overlays – an open letter to the kobinet editorial team
Das Projekt SHUFFLE entwickelt Ansätze für inklusive digitale Bildung und barrierefreie Lernumgebungen.
The BMAS guidelines show how the needs of people with disabilities can be systematically integrated into political and organizational processes. The aim is to consider inclusion from the outset rather than correcting it retrospectively.
Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über den rechtlichen Rahmen für Barrierefreiheit in Medienangeboten in Deutschland. Er beleuchtet insbesondere gesetzliche Vorgaben, Zuständigkeiten und Herausforderungen in der praktischen Umsetzung.
The professional exchange program addresses how data can be used to promote inclusive and accessible mobility. The focus is on exchange, best practices, and networking among relevant stakeholders.
Professional data exchange – including mobility & accessibility
This article critically examines the use of AI avatars in sign language translation.
AI assistance put to the test: Digital avatars in AI-supported sign language translation
Die Kurzmeldung erklärt, was unter „angemessenen Vorkehrungen“ im Sinne der Barrierefreiheit zu verstehen ist. Sie verdeutlicht deren Bedeutung für gleichberechtigte Teilhabe und rechtliche Verpflichtungen. Angemessene Vorkehrungen – Erklärung
A tool enables the checking of color contrasts for accessible design. It supports developers and designers in complying with accessibility guidelines. Color Check Tool
Continuing in English: The article shows that design with disability in mind often leads to more innovative and better solutions for everyone. Inclusive perspectives are presented as drivers of creativity and competitive advantage. How Designing with Disability in Mind Sparks Innovation
Der Report bietet aktuelle Daten, Analysen und Einblicke zum Stand der digitalen Barrierefreiheit weltweit. Er dient als Orientierung für Trends, Herausforderungen und Fortschritte im Bereich Accessibility. Digital Accessibility Report
The article argues that accessibility improvements can often be implemented gradually without much fanfare. Small, targeted adjustments ("stealth fixes") can have a significant long-term impact.
Applying accessibility fixes with stealth for the greater good
The article argues that accessibility is not primarily a design problem, but rather has organizational, structural, and procedural causes. Sustainable solutions therefore require changes beyond the interface. The accessibility problem isn't design
Der Beitrag beleuchtet, warum Organisationen die richtigen Kennzahlen für Barrierefreiheit definieren müssen, statt sich auf oberflächliche Metriken zu verlassen. Wirkung und tatsächliche Nutzbarkeit stehen dabei im Fokus. Measuring what matters
This article shows how leaders can strategically embed accessibility within organizations. Clear priorities, cultural change, and long-term responsibility are crucial. How leaders build accessibility into organizations
Monzo beschreibt, wie Identitätsprüfung inklusiver gestaltet werden kann.
Good news of the month
This article describes how India is advancing digital accessibility within the framework of legal regulations. Initiatives and companies are contributing to making inclusive digital offerings more widely available. Pivotal Accessibility supports India push for digital inclusion under the RPwD Act
Google is introducing new features in Maps that use AI to enable immersive navigation and better orientation. These developments can also improve the accessibility of map applications. Ask Maps for immersive navigation
Der Beitrag zeigt, wie Disney Songs in Gebärdensprache adaptiert und umgesetzt werden. Dabei wird der kreative Prozess hinter inklusiven Musikvideos beleuchtet. Disney animations songs in sign language – behind the scenes
Jamaika führt nationale Standards für barrierefreie Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie ein.
The Australian Commission on Human Rights' guidelines define requirements for equal access to digital products and services. Guidelines for equal access to digital goods and services
New guidelines for accessible payment cards are intended to make them easier to use for people with disabilities.
An airport is introducing an app that provides better orientation for travelers with visual impairments.
In Nordirland wurde ein Gesetz zur Förderung der Gebärdensprache verabschiedet.
Ein Flughafen bietet einen kostenlosen Gebärdensprach-Dolmetschdienst für Reisende an.
Airbus is introducing a new cabin concept specifically designed for wheelchair users. Passengers in wheelchairs are often not allowed to use their own wheelchairs. Many receive their wheelchairs back damaged upon arrival.
The city of Marburg will now offer official notices in plain language. This is intended to make it easier for more people to access public services. The city translates official notices into understandable language.
In India, subtitles and audio descriptions for films will become mandatory.
Der Beitrag zeigt, wie medizinische Tests durch Technologie barrierefreier gestaltet werden können.
More articles
- Why India is embracing digital accessibility compliance in 2026 Der Artikel beschreibt, warum Indien verstärkt auf digitale Barrierefreiheit setzt und welche Chancen sich daraus ergeben. Besonders für Unternehmen und Agenturen entstehen neue Marktpotenziale.
- Interview on building scalable growth systems in assistive technology Das Interview beleuchtet, wie Führung und Unternehmertum im Bereich Assistive Technology zusammenwirken. Im Fokus steht der Aufbau skalierbarer Lösungen für mehr Inklusion.
- What I like about WCAG 3.0 Der Artikel hebt positive Aspekte der geplanten WCAG 3.0 hervor, insbesondere den stärker nutzerzentrierten Ansatz. Gleichzeitig wird diskutiert, wie sich die Bewertung von Barrierefreiheit verändern könnte.
- PDF/UA-2 for accessible PDFs Der Beitrag erklärt die Neuerungen von PDF/UA-2 und deren Bedeutung für barrierefreie Dokumente. Er zeigt, wie sich Standards weiterentwickeln, um bessere Zugänglichkeit zu gewährleisten.
- Accessibility overlay study Die Studie untersucht die Wirksamkeit von Accessibility Overlays und zeigt deutliche Einschränkungen auf. Sie bestätigt, dass solche Lösungen grundlegende Barrierefreiheitsprobleme nicht ersetzen können.
- Accessibility Playbook Das Playbook bietet praxisnahe Anleitungen und Strategien zur Umsetzung von Barrierefreiheit.
- Accessibility people are a superpower Der Beitrag argumentiert, dass Menschen – insbesondere mit eigener Behinderungserfahrung – ein zentraler Erfolgsfaktor für Barrierefreiheit sind.
- PDF Association announces publication of new best practice guide for mathematical content in PDF Ankündigung eines Leitfadens mit Best Practices zur barrierefreien Darstellung mathematischer Inhalte in PDFs, um Standards wie PDF/UA und WCAG besser umzusetzen.
- New Release: PDF4WCAG 1.8 Accessibility Checker Ein Tool zur automatischen Prüfung der PDF-Barrierefreiheit nach WCAG und PDF/UA.
- Introducing @accesslint/jest: progressive accessibility testing for Jest Stellt ein Tool für automatisierte Accessibility-Tests in Jest vor, das mit Snapshot-Baselines arbeitet, um nur neue Barrierefreiheitsprobleme zu blockieren und bestehende technische Schulden schrittweise abzubauen.
Artificial intelligence and accessibility
- Empowering or excluding? AI and accessibilityThis article examines whether AI empowers people with disabilities or creates new barriers. It shows that the benefits depend heavily on how inclusively systems are developed and implemented.
- How businesses can use AI inclusivelyThe guide explains how companies can use AI inclusively without exacerbating existing inequalities.
- Embedding accessibility into AI-based software developmentThis article shows how accessibility can be systematically integrated into the development of AI-based software.
- A considered use of generative AI in front-end developmentThe article discusses a thoughtful use of generative AI in frontend development.
- Does AI offer an efficient solution for accessibility testing?This article examines the extent to which AI can make accessibility testing more efficient. It concludes that automation is helpful, but human evaluation remains necessary.
- Where AI Meets Accessibility: Considerations for Higher Education ToolkitThe toolkit demonstrates how AI can be used inclusively in higher education and highlights the opportunities and risks for students with disabilities. It offers concrete recommendations, examples, and discussion points for practical application.
- OpenAIXOpenAIX presents initiatives and approaches related to open AI and accessibility. The goal is to make access to AI technologies broader and more inclusive.
- AIMACAIMAC positions itself as a platform for AI and accessibility. Its focus is on solutions that specifically use artificial intelligence to improve accessibility.
- Current state of digital accessibility research and AIThis article analyzes the current state of research on digital accessibility and AI. It summarizes key trends, studies, and open questions.
- Adobe InDesign AI alt text generator – what designers need to knowThis article explains how AI is used in Adobe InDesign to automatically generate alternative text. It highlights both the opportunities and limitations for designers.
- Sign Language in the Era of Artificial IntelligenceReport on the role of sign languages in the context of AI, including opportunities, challenges and impact on inclusion and communication.