Declaration on accessibility

We aim to make our website accessible to as many people as possible - regardless of physical or technical limitations. This declaration explains the accessibility status of our website and measures to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Accessibility is based on the internationally valid Web Content Accessibility Guidelines at conformance level AA (WCAG 2.2 AA) and the European standard EN 301 549. For PDF documents, the international standard PDF/UA-1 is also observed. The WCAG are international guidelines for the design of accessible websites. They help people with visual, hearing or motor impairments, for example, to make better use of content. Level AA means that our website fulfills many important requirements to avoid barriers.

To improve user-friendliness and accessibility, we use a specially developed accessibility JavaScript module that is automatically loaded when the page is called up. The module is fully GDPR-compliant, is located on our own server, does not reload any resources from external servers and does not noticeably affect the loading time. This appears with the following graphic at the bottom right of the screen on this website and can be accessed and operated using the tab key when the page is opened, access key A, mouse click or tap.

Accessibility icon, symbol of our accessibility tool
Image: Accessibility icon, symbol of our accessibility tool

Our website is largely barrier-free in accordance with the above-mentioned guidelines and with the help of this tool.

Accessibility functions

Missing attributes such as alt, title, tabindex are added during page layout. Image alternative texts are embedded in the page as additional elements for screen readers or the read-aloud function. Interactive elements (currently checkboxes, radio buttons, sliders) are set to a minimum size of 25px. External links receive verbal references in the link title. Non-semantic buttons receive the corresponding ARIA role.

We have implemented the following additional content and functions:

  • Jumps for screen readers and faster capture
  • Complete and selective read-aloud function
  • Mark links more perceptibly
  • Blue filter for warmer colors
  • Night mode for darker display
  • Black and white mode
  • Adaptations for color blindness
  • Calm mode without images/videos/animations
  • Contrast mode for better recognizability of all elements
  • Enlarged mouse pointer
  • Zoom function of the page
  • Font size change
  • Dyslexia friendly font
  • Reading area highlighted with guide line
  • Reading line at the mouse pointer
  • Inspector for hidden attributes
  • Dictionary function (data protection compliant)
  • Keyboard navigation using the Tab key/access keys
  • Disconnectable access keys

These functions can be operated using our accessibility module.

In addition to these additional functions, we are constantly optimizing the semantic HTML structure, adding ARIA roles where they are missing and ensuring that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard operation.

We are committed to continuously adapting our standards in accordance with legal requirements, maintaining and improving the accessibility module and, where possible, conducting annual audits. Accessibility is not a state, but a process. We see it not only as a legal obligation, but also as part of our self-image for digital inclusion and equal participation.

Non-accessible content

Below we list some points that we have already noticed that do not currently meet the requirements.

Brochures, reports and forms

It is possible that some documents are not yet accessible. However, these will be gradually converted to be barrier-free. Some document titles are not self-explanatory.

If you need a brochure or other document that is not yet accessible, please write to us and we will make it accessible for you.

Graphics

Not all infographics are provided with meaningful alternative texts. Some videos do not have audio descriptions or full text alternatives.

Page syntax, page design

Some pages contain minor syntax errors or missing ARIA roles. Occasionally there are still unfavorable contrast ratios between background and text color as well as too small elements or too little spacing. We will gradually adjust this as soon as such circumstances are noticed.

Notes on data protection

This tool offers the option of saving settings and activated support options in the browser's local storage on the user's device. If consent is given, these settings and activated options are retained when the user switches pages. They will also be reactivated the next time you visit this website. Consent can be recognized by the green tick of the symbol when the tool is closed. You can revoke your consent at any time by deactivating the „Save“ setting. The local storage will then be emptied.

Feedback and contact details

If you notice any accessibility deficiencies on our websites or if you require information on non-accessible content, you can contact us by e-mail at us contact us. We respond within 7 working days and document all reported problems for traceability purposes.

Preparation of the declaration

This declaration was created or extended on June 30, 2025.