Accessibility for Government and Public Institutions: Legal Obligation and Role Model Function
For public institutions, digital accessibility is far more than a technical enhancement—it is a democratic prerequisite. Government offices, municipalities, and state institutions have the duty to make their services accessible to all citizens without discrimination. In 2026, compliance with legal requirements for the public sector is fully binding. An accessible website serves as the digital showcase for citizen-oriented service and social responsibility.
Legal Framework for the Public Sector
EU Directive 2016/2102 and BITV 2.0
In Germany, the Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV 2.0) specifies the requirements of the European directive. It obliges all federal public authorities to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. This includes not only navigation but also all PDF documents and interactive forms. As a government institution under regulatory scrutiny, flawless technical implementation is essential.
Standard EN 301 549
The European standard EN 301 549 defines technical success criteria, largely harmonized with international WCAG standards. Authorities must ensure that digital services are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Violations of these standards in 2026 can lead to official objections and mandatory remediation by state or federal supervisory authorities.
Specific Requirements for Government Websites
Accessibility Statement
Every government website must include a clearly visible Accessibility Statement. It must list the current compliance status in detail and be updated regularly. Our Generator for accessibility statements helps you create and maintain this document easily and legally.
Feedback Mechanism and Enforcement Procedure
A key element of BITV 2.0 is the mandatory feedback mechanism. Citizens must be able to report barriers directly. If a response is absent or inadequate, users have the right to an enforcement procedure (mediation office). Transparency is crucial to prevent legal disputes.
MH-Accessibility Pro: Digital Inclusion for Citizens
Our plugin helps public institutions implement strict requirements efficiently and user-friendly:
- Cognitive Support: Simplify access to complex government texts with the Reading Mask or ADHD Mode. More in ADHD on the web: How to stop visual distractions.
- Visual Accessibility: Provide immediate support for visually impaired citizens with High Contrast or Color Deficiency Filters. More in Color Blindness is Not Just Color Blindness.
- Prevention and Safety: Protect users from health risks with the integrated Epilepsy Protection, as described in Epilepsy Prevention on the Web.
- Technical Review: Use the Accessibility tester to continuously monitor your site for BITV 2.0 compliance.
Conclusion: Accessibility as a Digital Citizen Service
In 2026, an accessible government website is the standard for modern administration. Removing digital barriers strengthens citizen trust while fulfilling your legal role as a pioneer. Accessibility is not a hindrance to modern design—it leads to better structure and findability of information, as shown in The SEO Boost from Accessibility.
Do you want to make your government website legally compliant and citizen-friendly? Rely on MH-Accessibility Pro to efficiently meet the high standards of BITV 2.0. View Pricing