A barrier-free society in which everyone has equal opportunities to lead a self-determined life is a declared goal of both Germany and the European Union. Yet, everyday obstacles still prevent people with various disabilities from fully participating in society, especially in the digital realm. To address this issue and systematically remove limitations in accessing digital services, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, or BFSG) has been introduced and will come into effect at the end of June 2025.
But what exactly does this law entail? Which companies are affected, and what measures are required of them? And what is Stackfield doing to remove barriers within its own project management tool? This article takes a closer look at these and other important questions.
What is the Accessibility Strengthening Act?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act is Germany’s national implementation of EU Directive 2019/882, also known as the European Accessibility Act. Its aim is to establish uniform accessibility standards for digital products and services—from e-commerce platforms and smartphones to e-readers and ATMs.
At its core, the legislation requires businesses to design their digital offerings in a way that makes them usable by people with disabilities without needing external assistance. This extends beyond mere technical access; it also includes clear language and thoughtful visual design. The law is intended to actively reduce digital inequality and promote inclusion.
What does "Accessibility" mean?
Accessibility means designing digital and analog offerings so they can be used equally by all people, regardless of individual limitations. The Accessibility Strengthening Act defines accessibility as follows:
In the digital context, this involves more than just technical compatibility. Key components include:
- Clear, easy-to-understand language
- Intuitive and consistent navigation
- Full usability of websites and apps via keyboard and screen reader
- Sufficient contrast and scalable font sizes
- Alternative text for images and subtitles for audiovisual content
When does the Accessibility Strengthening Act take effect?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act comes into force on June 28, 2025. From this date onward, affected organizations are required to ensure their digital products and services comply with the new accessibility standards.
For products that were already on the market prior to this deadline, a transition period applies: companies have until 2030 to meet the requirements. In the case of self-service terminals, this grace period may even be extended until 2040. These transitional provisions are intended to give businesses sufficient time to implement the necessary technical and structural adaptations in a careful and sustainable manner.
Important to note: The transition period is not a deferral of the obligation itself. Organizations that begin preparations early will minimize legal and reputational risks and play an active role in promoting digital inclusion for people with disabilities.
Who is affected by the new law?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act applies to all private-sector companies, particularly those operating in the B2C (business-to-consumer) space, that provide certain digital products or services to the general public. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Banking services
- Online shops and e-commerce platforms
- Providers of software applications and apps
- Businesses operating self-service terminals (e.g., ticket or ATM machines)
- Suppliers of e-book reading devices
- Providers of digital communication services
- Ticketing platforms and travel booking websites
Who is exempt from the new law?
Micro-enterprises – defined as companies with fewer than ten employees and annual revenue below two million euros – are largely exempt from the Accessibility Strengthening Act. The same applies to businesses that do not offer any of the products or services listed in the legislation.
Also excluded are internal, business-only (B2B) solutions that are not directed at end-users. Stackfield, as a project management platform primarily used within organizations, falls into this category. Nevertheless, other legal frameworks such as the General Equal Treatment Act still apply, making accessibility a relevant consideration even in B2B contexts.
How can the Accessibility Strengthening Act be implemented?
Accessibility cannot be achieved at the push of a button. It is the result of careful planning, technical expertise, and a user-centered design approach. The first step is a thorough analysis of the current state: Where do barriers already exist? What needs to be adapted?
Recommended measures include:
- Implementation of the international WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- High-contrast visual design and scalable font sizes
- Alternative text for images and graphical elements
- Subtitles for all videos, including native languages
- Keyboard operability and screen reader compatibility
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Compliance with the Accessibility Strengthening Act is monitored by market surveillance authorities at the state level. Companies that fail to meet the legal requirements may face serious consequences. Depending on the specific case, penalties can range from formal warnings and fines, potentially reaching six-figure sums, to outright sales bans.
In addition, individuals who feel that their right to accessibility has been violated can file a complaint with the responsible state authority or take legal action.
What accessibility features does Stackfield offer?
At Stackfield, accessibility is seen not just as a legal obligation, but as a core element of digital responsibility. That’s why the company continuously strives to remove digital barriers and ensures an inclusive user experience. The platform currently offers several features that support accessible use, including:
Accessible Mode:
Stackfield’s project management interface includes an optional Accessibility Mode. This improves keyboard navigation and enhances compatibility with screen readers, making it easier for users with visual impairments to interact with the software.
Screen Reader Compatibility:
Stackfield is compatible with popular screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA. These tools assist users with visual impairments by reading out on-screen text or displaying it on a Braille display, enabling accessible use of computers and mobile devices.
High-Contrast Color Schemes:
Users can customize their display settings by choosing from various color modes in their account preferences. In addition to a dark mode, Stackfield also offers a high-contrast mode with light text on a dark background—particularly helpful for individuals with low vision or sensitivity to light.
Conclusion: Enabling participation through digital responsibility
Digital accessibility is a key pillar of true inclusion. With the introduction of the Accessibility Strengthening Act, the issue is gaining much-needed attention from businesses and organizations. This represents a crucial and long-overdue step: companies that take action today are not only ensuring compliance but also demonstrating social responsibility and earning the trust of their users.
Stackfield embraces this mission and is committed to breaking down digital barriers. The result is a project management platform that empowers as many people as possible to collaborate efficiently and securely, regardless of individual abilities or needs.
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