Accessible Website Checklist: How to Make Your TYPO3 Site Compliant & Inclusive

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 Accessibility isn’t just a good-to-have feature anymore—it’s a legal requirement, especially with the new Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) coming into force in Germany by June 2025. This blog offers a practical and user-focused Accessible website checklist that helps TYPO3 users, business owners, and developers understand what needs to be done to ensure their website is inclusive, legally compliant, and user-friendly for everyone.

With nearly 10% of Germany’s population living with disabilities and a large segment being older adults, digital accessibility affects millions. A non-accessible website not only risks penalties but also misses the opportunity to serve a broader audience. This blog post guides you step-by-step on improving web accessibility, focusing especially on TYPO3 CMS websites.



Who Needs to Follow the Accessibility Laws?

BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz) mandates that businesses offering digital services, public sector websites, and online platforms used by consumers in Germany must comply with accessibility guidelines.

If your site handles online sales, bookings, or even informational content, you must follow these regulations. Apps, PDF documents, and registration forms are also included under BFSG.

Accessibility Guidelines You Must Follow

The blog explains global and local accessibility standards in simple terms:

  • WCAG 2.1 & 2.2: These are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines developed by the W3C. They focus on four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.

  • German Laws: It highlights BITV 2.0, the Disability Equality Act (BGG), and European directives like EN 301 549 and EAA, explaining how they relate to your website.

  • Levels of Compliance: The post breaks down WCAG’s three levels (A, AA, AAA), advising most businesses to aim for Level AA.

Accessible Website Checklist for TYPO3

This blog offers an easy-to-follow checklist you can apply to your TYPO3 website:

  • HTML & Structure: Use semantic HTML and proper heading tags (H1-H3).

  • Visual Design: High-contrast colors, readable fonts, and simple layouts.

  • Keyboard Navigation: All elements should be navigable without a mouse.

  • Form Accessibility: Labels, helpful error messages, and proper focus states.

  • Alt Text: Every image should include meaningful alternative text.

  • Video & Audio: Add transcripts and captions to all media.

  • ARIA Labels: Use ARIA roles for dynamic elements in TYPO3 templates.

Common Mistakes You Can Avoid

Many websites fail at basic accessibility tasks. The blog highlights errors like missing alt texts, overuse of fancy fonts, poor contrast, or inaccessible CAPTCHA systems. It reminds you to test your site manually in addition to using automated tools.

How TYPO3 Helps with Accessibility

TYPO3 is already a strong CMS when it comes to accessibility. The blog introduces extensions like:

  • Accesstive: Adjusts contrast, fonts, and supports screen readers.

  • Accessible Menus: Adds keyboard-friendly navigation.

  • Form Enhancers: Makes TYPO3 forms easier for everyone to use.

  • AI-based Tools: Uses artificial intelligence to improve metadata and readability.

Review Your TYPO3 Website

Before June 2025, use this guide to evaluate your TYPO3 website:

  • Can users navigate using only a keyboard?

  • Are the fonts clear and colors properly contrasted?

  • Are forms properly labeled?

  • Do all images have meaningful alt text?

  • Are videos captioned?

  • Are PDFs accessible?

This checklist ensures your website is not just compliant but more welcoming to all.

Benefits of Accessibility

Making your website accessible means:

  • Improved SEO: Search engines reward clean, semantic, and structured content.

  • Wider Audience Reach: Everyone, including users with disabilities or older adults, can use your site.

  • Legal Compliance: Avoid fines and public complaints.

  • Better User Experience: Everyone benefits from clearer layout, smoother navigation, and well-labeled forms.

Conclusion: Make Accessibility a Priority

This blog is more than a legal reminder—it’s a roadmap. If you're a business or developer using TYPO3, you can start today with small changes that lead to big results. Accessibility enhances usability, improves SEO, and shows your commitment to inclusion.

If you're unsure where to start, our team at NITSAN is here to guide you through TYPO3 accessibility improvements, audits, and implementation. Contact us to future-proof your website today.

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