Accessibility websites with TYPO3 | WCAG, EAA & BITV 2.0

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.

Making a TYPO3 website accessible involves aligning your implementation with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. These guidelines are the industry and legal standard across the EU and Germany.

Below is a detailed and structured checklist based on the WCAG 2.1 AA principles.

1. Semantic HTML Structure

Use correct HTML5 semantic elements such as <header>, <nav>, <main>, <section>, and <footer> to ensure assistive technologies can accurately interpret your content.

• Use headings in hierarchical order (H1, H2, H3, etc.).
• Avoid skipping heading levels or using headings purely for styling.

2. Color Contrast

Ensure all text and essential visual elements meet a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1.

• Test using tools such as WebAIM Contrast Checker.

3. Keyboard Navigation

All interactive elements (navigation, modals, dropdowns, forms) must be fully operable via keyboard without requiring a mouse.

• Test tab order and ensure that the keyboard can reach every focusable element logically.

4. "Skip to Content" Link

Include a "Skip to content" link at the beginning of your HTML that allows users to bypass navigation and go directly to the main content area.

5. Alternative Text for Images

All informative images must include descriptive alt text. Decorative images should use an empty alt="" attribute.

6. Accessible Forms

Form elements must be correctly labeled, have meaningful instructions, and provide clear error identification.

7. Accessible Multimedia

All video and audio content must provide:

• Captions for pre-recorded videos
• Transcripts for audio
• Optionally, sign language interpretation

8. ARIA Roles and Landmarks

Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes only when native HTML cannot provide accessibility. Avoid misuse.

9. Focus Management

Ensure that focus is logically handled when dynamic content appears (e.g., modals or AJAX updates). After such updates, set the keyboard focus to the new content.

TYPO3 developers and editors should use this checklist to ensure their websites are accessible, legally compliant, and user-friendly for all users, including those with disabilities.

Ensuring accessibility on your TYPO3 website isn’t just best practice, it’s a legal obligation in Germany. Two key regulations apply:

1. Barrierefreiheits-stärkungsgesetz (BFSG)

The Barrierefreiheits-stärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany’s implementation of the EU Accessibility Act (EAA). Starting June 28, 2025, it will apply to many private sector websites and digital services, especially in:

• E-commerce
• Banking and finance
• Digital communication services

If your TYPO3 site offers such services, it must meet accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA).

2. Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV 2.0)

BITV 2.0 applies to public sector websites and apps, requiring them to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Key requirements include:

• Accessible content structure (headings, alt text, contrast)
• A published Barrierefreiheitserklärung (Accessibility Statement)
• A feedback mechanism for reporting barriers

Non-compliance can lead to legal complaints or exclusion from public contracts.

3. Accessibility Statement: Pflicht für öffentliche Stellen

If your website falls under BITV or BFSG, you must include:

• Status of accessibility compliance
• Known issues or exceptions
• Contact info for reporting accessibility issues
• Last update date of the statement

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

Check your current TYPO3 version now with our free TYPO3 Version Checker.

Accessibility and SEO are closely linked. Improvements in accessibility often lead to better search engine performance and user experience.

1. Semantic HTML Improves SEO

• Use correct heading hierarchy (H1–H6) and HTML5 tags like <main>, <nav>, and <section>.
• Search engines rely on this structure to understand page content and hierarchy.

2. Alternative Text Boosts Image Search

• Meaningful alt attributes help screen readers and enable images to appear in search results.
• Avoid keyword stuffing; use accurate descriptions.

3. Descriptive Link Texts

• Use links like “Read more about our TYPO3 services” instead of “Click here.”
• Improves context for users and search engine crawlers.

4. Fast Load Times = Better UX

• Accessible sites tend to avoid unnecessary animations and large files.
• Optimize TYPO3 performance (e.g., image compression, lazy loading) for both accessibility and SEO.

5. Mobile & Keyboard-Friendly Design

• Accessibility requires responsive, touch- and keyboard-friendly layouts.
• Google prioritizes mobile usability in its search algorithm.

6. Structured Data (Schema.org)

• Mark up content with schema (e.g., FAQ, Article, Breadcrumb) to improve accessibility and enhance search results.

7. Clean URLs and Metadata

• Clear, descriptive URLs and page titles help screen readers and search engines understand page context.

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.