Digital Accessibility Checklist: Your Path to BFSG Compliance 2026

Introduction: In 2026, digital accessibility is no longer just a quality feature—it is a legal requirement for many companies under the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). This checklist provides a structured guide to review your website for compliance with WCAG 2.1/2.2 standards. Go through each step systematically to promote inclusion while avoiding legal risks and fines.

Step 1: Perceivable – Information for All Senses

Visual Content and Contrast

Ensure that all users can visually perceive the information on your website. All informative images must have precise alternative texts (alt text). Text should meet a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. For users with visual impairments, MH-Accessibility Pro offers solutions like High Contrast or the Color Blindness Filter. Learn more about the importance of differentiated filters in our guide Color Blindness Is Not All the Same.

Multimedia and Alternatives

Videos and audio content must be accessible to people with hearing or visual impairments. Check that captions or transcripts are provided. Information must never be conveyed by color alone, to avoid excluding users with color vision deficiencies.

Step 2: Operable – Navigation Without Barriers

Full Keyboard Control and Focus

Users who cannot use a mouse must be able to navigate the entire website via keyboard. A clearly visible focus indicator is mandatory so users always know their position. Avoid “keyboard traps” where users can get stuck in widgets or forms.

Safety and Animations

Flashing or blinking content can pose health risks. Ensure all animations can be paused. Our Epilepsy Protection provides an automated solution that stops dangerous frequencies. Learn more in Epilepsy Prevention on the Web: Why Flashing Content Can Be Dangerous.

Step 3: Understandable – Clear Communication

Readability and Cognitive Support

Your content should be simple and clear. For people with reading difficulties, our Dyslexia Mode helps improve character stability. Learn more in Dyslexia and Digital Accessibility: Reducing Reading Barriers. Users with attention challenges benefit greatly from the Reading Mask or ADHD Mode. Our tips can be found in ADHD on the Web: How to Stop Visual Distractions.

Predictable User Interface

Navigation elements must remain consistent. Forms should provide clear error messages and guidance to optimize the User Experience for all users.

Step 4: Robustness and Technical SEO

Semantic HTML and Compatibility

A clean code structure is the foundation for screen readers and search engines. Use headings (H1-H6) in the correct order. Clean code not only ensures inclusion but also delivers a significant SEO boost through accessibility. Regularly check your technical foundation with the Accessibility-Tester.

Step 5: Legal Obligations and Documentation

Accessibility Statement and Feedback

In 2026, an up-to-date accessibility statement is legally required. Use our Statement Generator to create this document in compliance with the law. You must also provide a feedback mechanism for users to report barriers directly. This is a key aspect of BFSG compliance.

Conclusion: Accessibility as an Ongoing Process

This checklist is your first step toward legal security and improved user engagement. Accessibility is not a one-time project but a continuous quality commitment to your customers. With MH-Accessibility Pro, you can automate many of these checks and gain a competitive advantage through excellent usability.

Is your website ready for 2026? Start the check now and protect your business from legal warnings.