TYPO3 accessibility: EU-compliant websites by 2025

Surprising, right? That means millions of people are being left out of online experiences. Imagine for a minute if you had to struggle just to read a headline or click a button-seems frustrating? Well, that's an everyday challenge for many people online.

After considering this gap, TYPO3 has taken this step to make web accessibility a priority. TYPO3 accessibility provides features and tools that help creators to build websites which everyone can navigate and enjoy with ease. Think about it-when we build accessible sites, we're building a more inclusive internet space where everyone feels welcome.

Here's something important: by June 28, 2025, every business across the EU (like online stores, banking, and transport services) will need to meet accessibility standards as part of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). If accessibility isn't addressed by this deadline, businesses could face fines of up to 100,000 euros. So, start preparing your site today for European laws.

Isn't that the kind of web and progress we all need?
Let's dive in and make the web accessible for all!

Source: https://webaim.org/, https://bfsg-gesetz.de/, https://ec.europa.eu/

• 3% of all websites worldwide are accessible - millions of people are excluded.
• From June 28, 2025, the EU directive EAA will apply: banks, stores and transport companies must be barrier-free.
• Fines of up to €100,000 may be imposed for non-compliance.

TYPO3 makes it possible: with integrated tools for screen readers, keyboard navigation and accessible PDFs.

What are the accessibility standards and guidelines?
There are many guidelines, but which ones are really important? Use clear headings and alt text for images. Use simple language so that everyone understands your content.

1. WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

WCAG is the international standard for accessible web content. It has three levels:

• A (basic requirements)
• AA (recommended standard)
• AAA (highest accessibility)

2. EN 301: The European standard

This EU standard is based on WCAG 2.1 (with planned updates to WCAG 2.2). It ensures that digital products and services are accessible throughout Europe. The guidelines help organizations meet legal requirements and improve usability for all.

3. BITV 2.0: Germany's accessibility regulations

The BITV 2.0 is Germany's approach to accessibility. It works according to the POUR principles:

• Perceivable: Content must be easy to see, hear or understand (e.g. alt text for images).
• Operable: Navigation and actions should work with a keyboard.
• Understandable: Information should be kept clear and user interfaces simple.
• Robust: Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers.

The European standard EN 301 549 forms the basis, but stricter rules apply, such as barrier-free PDF documents. Public bodies must comply with BITV 2.0, private companies with the WCAG standards.

1. Guidelines at a glance

Standard target deadline:

• WCAG 2.1/2.2 International (Levels A-AAA)
• EAA (EN 301 549) EU-wide (from June 2025) 28.06.2025
• BITV 2.0 Germany (public bodies) Now

2. TYPO3 functions for accessibility

• Keyboard navigation - Complete operation without mouse.
• Screen reader compatibility - Alt texts, ARIA labels.
• Customizable fonts & contrasts - For the visually impaired.
• Accessible forms - Clear error messages, labels.
• Voice control - Navigation via voice commands.

• Keyboard navigation: TYPO3 websites can also be used without a mouse using only the keyboard. This helps people who have limited use of their hands.
• Option for the disabled: TYPO3 CMS offers options that are tailored to different disabilities. This allows users to adapt the website to their needs.
• Instant mode: Functions such as large text or high contrast can be activated immediately - simply with a click.
• Voice-controlled navigation: The TYPO3 website can also be operated using voice commands. This means that anyone who does not use a keyboard or mouse can easily use the site.
• Screen reader compatibility: TYPO3 helps screen readers to read content well. This is achieved through alt texts and clear headings.
• Adjust text size: Users can increase or decrease the font size so that everything remains easy to read.
• Good color contrast: Texts and backgrounds have enough contrast. This means that even people with visual impairments can see everything clearly.

• Automatic tests (tools: Accesstive).
• Manual testing (keyboard test, screen reader check).
• User feedback - include people with disabilities.
• Regular updates - adaptation to new WCAG versions.

TYPO3 is the ideal CMS for accessibility - but without expertise you risk warnings. Building an accessible website is an ongoing process that starts with careful planning. Accessibility benefits everyone, not just users with disabilities. By creating a website that is easy to navigate, readable and functional, you create a welcoming, inclusive space where all users can interact comfortably and independently.

For improved search performance in TYPO3, take a look at our dedicated blog on TYPO3 Solr - your one-stop shop for powerful and flexible search integration.

Deadlines in sight? 
Contact NITSAN - your TYPO3 agency for EU-compliant solutions. We'll help you create an inclusive and user-friendly web presence with the right TYPO3 installation.