Even shortly before the new accessibility law comes into force, a large part of the larger web shops in Germany still does not offer their digital products and services barrier -free. This was the result of a study that Google presented by Google, the ‘Aktion Mensch’ Aktion organization and the Pfennig Parade Foundation in Berlin. After that, just under a third of the 65 most visited online shops in Germany can be operated via the keyboard-and thus without a mouse.
For many people with disabilities, keyboard feasibility is a fundamental prerequisite for barrier -free access. The value has improved noticeably compared to the previous year. In 2024, only 20 percent of the popular web shops were barrier -free.
High fines threaten
The shop operators will face a high fine in the future if they do not operate their offer. On June 28, the implementation period of the EU directive on the accessibility of products and services ends. It obliges the EU member states to ensure that certain products and services-including online trading-are accessible. In Germany it is implemented by the accessibility law.
The law obliges companies to adapt the products and services concerned to the legal requirements for accessibility. Exceptions only apply to small service providers with fewer than ten employees and sales of less than two million euros. In the event of non -fulfillment, fines of up to 100,000 euros threaten.
The hurdles in the online shops affect many people: 7.8 million people with recognized severe disabilities live in Germany, including around 350,000 people with blindness or visual impairment.
Often no operation via keyboard possible
Experts examined 65 particularly popular online shops for the current study. An important result: only 20 websites (30.8 percent) could be operated via the keyboard and thus without a mouse. For many people with disabilities, the keyboard feasibility is a basic requirement for barrier -free use. In addition, most of the websites tested do not offer a visible keyboard focus. This makes it difficult for people with limited eyesight to recognize the currently selected element.
Christina Marx, spokeswoman for Aktion Mensch, said: “The time of the excuses is over – digital offers must be barrier -free in a few days.” The results of the study are alarming: Too many companies take on possible fines and still conclude people with disabilities and thus potential announcements: inside. “It is also in your own interest to change this – because a barrier -free, comfortable access to websites ultimately benefit.”