Disability Equality Act (BGG)

The Disability Equality Act (BGG) is a German federal law that promotes equality for people with disabilities and protects them from discrimination by public authorities. 

Enacted in 2002 and updated in 2016, the BGG applies to all federal public bodies, including administrative institutions and federal services.

Key aims of the BGG include:

• Ensuring equal participation in society
• Eliminating discrimination in public life
• Requiring barrier-free access to buildings, information, and digital services
• Supporting communication aids such as sign language and easy language

It provides a legal foundation for additional regulations, like:

• BITV 2.0 – for accessible digital content
• Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) – for accessible products and services

The BGG emphasizes self-determination and equal opportunity and is a crucial part of Germany’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).