UDG Supports the Accessibility Report 2025

Accessibility Report 2025: Website Check by Professionals and Users With Disabilities

Once again in 2025, UDG is partnering with Aktion Mensch, Google and the foundation Pfennigparade to promote greater digital inclusion. As part of the current Accessibility Report, the most-visited German online shops were re-evaluated for accessibility. The results of this study were presented on June 17, 2025, at a press conference ahead of the AI Accessibility Day at Google in Berlin.

Germany’s most well-known online shops had already been assessed for digital accessibility last year. The study was relaunched this year to capture recent developments and improvements. As before, the project was carried out in collaboration with Aktion Mensch, Google, the Pfennigparade Foundation, the ChancenWerk testing lab, and the consulting agency BITV-Consult.

The evaluation focused on key requirements of the international WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) from the W3C. These include readable font sizes, sufficient contrast, logical spacing, keyboard operability, and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Especially valuable: Alongside technical experts, people with various disabilities were once again directly involved in the testing process. Their hands-on feedback offers crucial insight into the real-world accessibility of the shops – and reveals how inclusive digital shopping truly is today.

Insights & Results

This year’s investigation shows that, despite some progress, there is still significant need for action: Only one fifth of the tested shops are fully accessible, with lack of keyboard operability being one of the most common barriers. A key highlight is that the testing was conducted not just by experts, but also by people with diverse disabilities. This allowed for practical, real-world findings to be incorporated into the evaluation.

„Big Bang“ on 28. Juni

A major milestone for digital accessibility is on the horizon: On June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) will come into effect. This law requires providers of digital services – including websites, online shops, and apps – to make their offerings accessible. The goal is to enable people with disabilities to fully participate in digital life.

For businesses, this means they must adapt their digital offerings to comply with legal requirements. However, companies should view digital accessibility not only as a legal obligation but also as a powerful opportunity. As we learned in discussions with experts and leading brands like BMW and TeamBank during our Executive Lounge in Munich in May, meeting digital accessibility standards positively impacts brand image, enables engagement with key target groups, and drives business results. Ultimately, a great customer experience means every digital interaction should be enjoyable and leave a positive impression of the brand.