Accessibility in web applications:
Complex, expensive – but essential

As of June 28, 2025, digital accessibility will be mandatory in the EU. The BFSG requires digital products to be usable for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Our CEO Richard Heigl and CTO Markus Glaser explain why this is a particular challenge for software manufacturers in the June issue of the German “Linux Magazin“. They show what is important – technically, organizationally and legally. You can find the full article on the magazine’s website or in issue 07/2025.

Implementing accessibility – What sounds like a “simple tick” on the checklist is, in practice, a complex and often difficult-to-calculate process. Especially for providers of complex web applications such as BlueSpice, true accessibility is an enormous challenge – technically, organizationally and in terms of personnel.

While simple websites can still be adapted to the WCAG standards relatively easily, an application like BlueSpice with editing functions, workflows, user profiles and dynamic content is much more complex. “It’s not enough to add a few labels somewhere,” says CEO Richard Heigl. “In many cases, accessibility means rethinking architecture.”

Much of the work concerns aspects that are not even visible to non-impaired users: hidden HTML elements for screen readers, correct tab sequences or contrast settings for visually impaired people. Even seemingly trivial things such as the visual display at 200% zoom pose considerable challenges for developers.

Accessibility is no longer a fashion trend, but a digital duty and social responsibility. Hallo Welt! GmbH shows with its BlueSpice project how open source, technical know-how and active commitment can be combined – for more digital participation.

Read the latest issue of the German “Linux Magazin” to find out what challenges await you and which solutions work. The effort is worth it.