ALPHA BLOG
Easy Read Language for Banks and Insurance Companies in Germany and the EU
May 2, 2025
Starting in mid-2025, banks, insurance companies, and many more service providers in Germany and in the whole of the European Union will be required to make their online offerings more accessible. This includes providing information in clear and easy-to-understand language, such as Easy Read or Simplified Language. The goal is to ensure that regardless of their individual abilities, more people can independently access and utilise these services and information.
The New Accessibility Strengthening Act for Businesses, Banks, and Insurance Companies
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into effect on June 28, 2025, introducing new regulations on website accessibility. If you are based in Germany, the law is called “BFSG” (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz). Do you know how this will affect your company? It’s important to address these requirements early on to ensure you are well prepared. Let’s take a closer look at the details:
Whether your company is affected depends on § para 1, 2 and 3 BFSG, which outline the specific products and services that must adhere to the new regulations. These include:
- Computers, laptops, smartphones, etc.
- E-book readers and e-books
- Self-service terminals such as ATMs and ticket machines
- Smart TVs
- Telecommunications services
- Consumer banking services
- E-commerce platforms that provide goods or services
The last point is especially relevant for many businesses. E-commerce platforms that provide goods or services generally refers to the online sale of products and services, such as online shops. Exceptions apply only in specific cases, such as for small businesses, or those that operate exclusively in the B2B sector.
What exactly is the Accessibility Strengthening Act?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) aims to help people with disabilities to independently use relevant products and services without having to rely on outside assistance.
Online shops and websites must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure they are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
The criteria “perceivable,” “operable,” and “robust” mostly concern the technical design of websites. Information should be available through multiple sensory channels, navigation should be well-structured and intuitive, and the site should be compatible with different web browsers.
However, the understandability of the website is dependent on the content. Website texts should be clearly formatted and easy to comprehend so that people with disabilities can independently use and access the relevant services.
Websites for Banks and Insurance Companies in Easy Read or Simplified Language
For many businesses, a significant time investment will be needed to adapt their website to meet the strict new accessibility requirements. But don’t panic, that’s where we come in!
We offer:
- Advice on whether Easy Read or Plain English is best for your content
- Translation of your texts into Easy Read or Plain English
- Support in adapting your content for inclusive communication
- Guidance on the layout and presentation of translated texts
Get in touch with us and let us help you make your website more accessible and inclusive. Don’t miss this chance to reach out to more people with your services!
Kategorien: Easy Read, Uncategorized
