Newsletter

Repression doesn't break down barriers.
Issue 3 in 2026

Domingos de Oliveira (netz-barrierefrei.de):

The avoidance bias describes the tendency to mentally postpone unpleasant or long-term challenges. In the context of accessibility, this means that obstacles are often only perceived as urgent when they affect oneself or one's immediate surroundings. However, far more people than often assumed benefit from accessible solutions – for example, families with strollers, people with temporary injuries, or older adults. Consciously addressing this bias helps to consider accessibility early on and to create sustainable, inclusive structures.

Interesting articles

In this interview, Clara Henning discusses her experiences with user testing involving people with disabilities and demonstrates how these tests can improve digital products. The focus is on identifying barriers early and increasing usability.

Interview with Clara Henning about user tests with people with disabilities

Der Artikel erklärt, wie Unternehmen Feedback zur Barrierefreiheit nutzen können, um nicht nur gesetzliche Vorgaben zu erfüllen, sondern echte Servicequalität zu bieten. Praxisnahe Tipps zeigen, wie Barrierefreiheit zu einem strategischen Vorteil wird.

Feedback zur Barrierefreiheit – von der Compliance zum Service

This article examines why many people accept barriers in the digital space without complaining, and what impact this has on businesses. It shows how raising awareness and providing simple reporting options can improve the situation.

Why few people complain about a lack of accessibility

Dieser Blogartikel betont, dass Barrierefreiheit mehr als gesetzliche Pflicht ist und Unternehmen damit die Qualität und Nutzerfreundlichkeit ihrer digitalen Angebote steigern können. Strategische Integration wird als langfristiger Vorteil dargestellt.

Barrierefreiheit als Qualitätsmerkmal, nicht als Pflichtübung

The podcast series “distriko Perspectives” explores digital future topics, strategies, and practical examples related to accessibility, efficiency, and digitalization in companies. Each episode offers practical insights, for example, on web accessibility or relevant legal frameworks.

distriko Perspectives – Podcast

This paper examines the role of human oversight in AI systems, specifically how algorithmic decisions can be monitored and used responsibly. The aim is to strengthen trust and transparency in AI applications.

Artificial intelligence and human control

This article proposes a concept for how accessibility reports can be collected more effectively.

Digital Center Focus on People – News

Der Norm‑Entwurf DIN ISO 24495‑2 definiert Leitlinien für juristische Kommunikation in einfacher Sprache, um rechtliche Inhalte verständlicher und zugänglicher zu machen. Ziel ist es, dass Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Vorwissen und kognitiven Fähigkeiten Rechtsansprüche und Pflichten besser nachvollziehen können.

DIN ISO 24495‑2: Einfache Sprache – Juristische Kommunikation

The University of Marburg provides practical tools and document templates for accessible Office files to help make documents accessible to all users. This includes tips on structure, formatting, and assistive functions.

LibreOffice – Guide to accessibility in Office documents

Continuing in English: This guide explains step by step how to create accessible files with LibreOffice, for example, through correct headings, alternative text, and table structure. It is aimed at anyone who wants to produce accessible Office content.

Creating Accessible LibreOffice Files (Document Foundation Wiki)

Der Artikel untersucht systematisch Barrieren im Web‑Zugriff für Menschen mit Behinderungen und zeigt auf, wie diese Hürden die Nutzung digitaler Systeme erschweren. Er stellt ein Rahmenwerk vor, um Barrieren über unterschiedliche Behinderungsgruppen hinweg zu erfassen und zu bewerten.

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel zu Web‑Barrierefreiheitsproblemen

This article describes the accessibility problems associated with AI-generated code.

AI is luring people out. At scale.

Die Publikationsseite von CogAUX sammelt Arbeiten, Artikel und Ressourcen rund um cognitive accessibility, also die Gestaltung digitaler Systeme für Menschen mit kognitiven Anforderungen. Der Fokus liegt auf Forschung, Governance und praktischen Studien, die helfen, digitale Produkte inklusiver zu entwickeln.

Publications – CogAUX

This comprehensive guide lists a wide range of resources, tutorials, and tools that developers can use to design and test accessible mobile apps (iOS and Android). It provides entry points, standards, tools, and best-practice links for accessible mobile development.

The Ultimate Mobile Accessibility Resource Guide

Good news of the month

Rehadat presents a ruling stating that people with disabilities may have a right to remote work.

Rehadat Law – Decision on 3 Ca 216/22 

Mattel announces the first Barbie doll with autism, a visible sign of greater representation and inclusion in the toy industry. It has sparked controversial discussions within the community.

Barbie presents first Barbie doll with autism

Android improves keyboard operation for different groups.

Android accessibility features – Google Support

The article in the Weser-Kurier addresses quiet hours in Bremen, during which music in certain stores like IKEA and EDEKA is reduced or switched off out of consideration for sensitive individuals. It deals with inclusion, consideration, and how to manage sensory barriers in public spaces.

A moment of silence in Bremen – when IKEA and EDEKA turn off the music

Some Telekom shops will soon offer a "Magenta Quiet Hour" for consultations in a peaceful atmosphere, providing a more comfortable service for people with sensory sensitivities. This initiative aims to facilitate access to consultations for individuals with autism, hearing sensitivity, or similar needs.

Telekom shops introduce "Magenta Silent Hour"

This article examines challenges and strategies for accessible communication in healthcare, particularly for people with disabilities. It demonstrates how digital and physical communication processes can be designed inclusively.

Scientific article on accessible health communication

Kobinet News reports that the Lower Saxony Disability Equality Act (BGG) has been published in plain language to improve comprehensibility and accessibility for all people. This supports political participation and understanding of legal regulations.

Lower Saxony's Disability Equality Act (BGG) in Plain Language

The KVN publication provides information on an expanded set of criteria for accessibility in medical practices, addressing physical, communicative, and organizational barriers to access. The goal is to make medical care more inclusive and accessible for all patients. Accessibility in medical practices – criteria catalog expanded

More articles