Imagine someone trying to use your website, but they rely on a screen reader or can't use a mouse. Could they navigate your site smoothly? For many, accessibility isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential for digital inclusion.
And for businesses, it's becoming a legal requirement. By June 28th, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will mandate that many digital products and services in the EU must be accessible. Germany and Austria have already incorporated this directive into their national laws. Businesses that don't comply risk warnings, fines, and reputational damage from mid-2025 onwards.
Let's delve into what this means for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and how well Odoo fares when it comes to creating accessible websites.
Accessibility laws across the DACH region
Accessibility isn't regulated uniformly across Europe — each country in the DACH region has its own legal approach and timeline, though all are closely aligned with the same international standard for accessibility: the WCAG.
🇩🇪 Germany: BFSG & BITV 2.0
In Germany, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) takes effect on June 28th, 2025. It will require companies to make their digital services (like websites, online shops, or terminals) accessible, unless they're classified as micro-enterprises.
Public bodies in Germany already adhere to the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0), which is based on WCAG 2.1, Level A and AA.
🇦🇹 Austria: BaFG
Austria is also implementing the EAA with the Accessibility Act (BaFG), also coming into force on June 28th, 2025. Companies (excluding micro-enterprises) will need to ensure their digital offerings are accessible.
🇨🇭 Switzerland: BehiG & BehiV
Switzerland, while not part of the EU, has its own digital accessibility rules: the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG) and the Ordinance on Barrier-Free Electronic Information Systems (BehiV) primarily apply to the public sector. While private companies aren't currently bound by these requirements, many standards are based on WCAG, making accessibility increasingly important for businesses with international operations.
What is the WCAG standard?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international benchmark for digital accessibility, forming the foundation for legal regulations in many countries, including Germany and Austria. Both countries have enacted accessibility laws that refer to or use the WCAG as a benchmark.
What does this mean for Odoo Websites?
Odoo provides a strong technical base, but a standard Odoo website doesn't automatically meet WCAG 2.1 (Level AA) requirements. Compliance depends on several factors:
- Theme selection: Not all themes are designed with accessibility in mind. Colour contrast, navigation, and HTML structure play a major role.
- Customisations: Individual code changes can either improve or weaken accessibility.
- Modules used: Third-party modules may not follow WCAG best practices.
How the WCAG is implemented in Odoo
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are built on four core principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
Perceivable
- Alt text for images: Odoo allows alt text to be added, but it requires manual upkeep.
- Colour contrasts: Many standard themes meet requirements, but individual checks are still necessary.
- Screen reader support: Generally compatible, but testing with tools like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver is recommended.
Operable
- Keyboard navigation: Mostly supported, but individual JavaScript can interfere.
- Focus indicators: Present by default, but often subtle. CSS adjustments can improve visibility.
- No time limits: Odoo avoids automatic time limits, which is a positive.
Understandable
- Clear language: Content must be understandable. This is up to the editors, not the system.
- Consistent navigation: Odoo offers menus and breadcrumbs. Consistent menu structures should be maintained.
Robust
- Clear language: Content must be understandable. This is up to the editors, not the system.
- Compatibility with assistive technologies: Regular tests with tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse are advised.
How to make your Odoo Website accessible
Accessibility doesn't always mean a complete overhaul, but targeted adjustments are key. Here are the main steps:
- Review and adjust theme: Check colours, contrasts, focus indicators, and HTML structure.
- Add alt text: Provide alternative text for all images and media.
- Test keyboard navigation: Ensure all interactive elements are reachable with the Tab key.
- Add ARIA roles: Helps screen readers interpret elements.
- Regular testing: Use automated tools and tests with real users with disabilities.
- Gather feedback: Have your site tested by individuals with disabilities or accessibility experts.
