Fundamentals & Laws

Overview

Accessibility in digital applications is based on technical standards and legal requirements. This chapter provides an initial overview and shows why a solid understanding of these fundamentals is essential for the accessible design of digital products.

Two central topic areas form the core

• WCAG & A11y Principles: The international guidelines for accessibility – their structure, principles (POUR), levels, and significance in everyday development.
• Laws & Regulations: National and European requirements such as BITV 2.0, BFSG, and EAA, including obligations, deadlines, and regulatory authorities.

The following subchapters provide more detailed information on these areas:

1. WCAG & A11y Fundamentals
   • POUR principles with examples
   • WCAG levels (A, AA, AAA)
   • Changes through WCAG 2.2
   • Significance for design, development, and testing
2. Laws & Regulations
   • BITV 2.0: Requirements for public bodies in Germany
   • BFSG: Accessibility Strengthening Act from 2025 for private providers
   • EAA: EU-wide framework and implications
   • Requirements for accessibility declarations
   • Overview of regulatory authorities, transition periods, and exceptions

The aim of this section is to create a basic understanding of why technical standards such as WCAG and legal requirements are closely connected – and what role they play in daily practice in design, development, quality assurance, and organization.