Accessibility
Declaration of Accessibility
We strive to make this website accessible. The declaration of accessibility is required by the Bremen Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons Act (BremBGG). The technical requirements for accessibility are derived from the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0).
This declaration on digital accessibility applies to the website of the University of Bremen.
How accessible is the site?
This site is largely barrier-free and meets the requirements set by BITV 2.0 with a few exceptions. We are planning a complete overhaul of the website which will, among other things, make it more user-friendly and improve accessibility.
Which areas are not barrier-free / accessible?
These areas are not barrier-free for the following reasons:
Incompatibility with BITV 2.0
Subareas that are not or not yet barrier-free:
1st barrier: Labels
a) Description:
Labels are generally in place with a few exceptions.
b) Measures:
As many places as possible have been labeled in hindsight, but there may be isolated instances where these are missing.
2nd barrier: PDF files
a) Description:
It has not yet been possible to convert all PDF files to an accessible format.
b) Measures:
When creating new PDF files, attention is paid to the barrier-free design.
3rd Barrier: Lack of alternative texts
a) Description:
Some visual elements lack a corresponding alternative text, especially when you leave the main pages.
b) Measures:
Staff are already being trained to enter the alternative texts for the visual elements. We will enter the alternative texts afterwards.
4th barrier: Videos
a) Description:
Some videos lack subtitles. Additionally, some videos are embedded via the YouTube interface, which means that the included transcript cannot be read.
b) Measures:
Subtitles are added when creating new videos. The externally embedded videos can be viewed directly on YouTube via a link, which means that the transcripts can also be viewed.
5th barrier: Links
a) Description:
Some elements, and thus longer text passages, are linked instead of just selected words and phrases.
b) Measures:
These elements are avoided as much as is possible and links are provided with a meaningful link text.
6th barrier: Tables
a) Description:
Some tables lack a meaningful content description for screen readers. Additionally, depending on the size of the browser window, some tables are shortened and displayed with an option to expand the rest of the text. This can appear confusing.
b) Measures:
Where possible, tables are only used when it is not possible to display the content in any other way.
7th barrier: Navigation
a) Description:
On some pages, it is not clear how to get back to the home page.
b) Measures:
We are trying to make the navigation more transparent.
8th barrier: Placeholder texts
a) Description:
Some placeholder or reference texts in forms or search masks are cut off.
b) Measures:
Long texts are avoided as far as possible in these places or are used / placed outside the input fields.
9th barrier: Texts
a) Description:
So far, the texts are not available in simplified German, except for on an overview page.
b) Measures:
Scientific texts can only partially be written in simplified German and in many cases are aimed at a specialist audience with appropriate prior knowledge. Therefore, the website is limited to an overview page on simplified German.
10th barrier: Captchas
a) Description:
Some forms use captchas for spam protection, which are not accessible.
b) Measures:
If possible, text alternatives are used instead of captchas.
11th barrier: Menu view when zoomed in
a) Description:
Not all menu items can be accessed when the site is zoomed in. In some cases, it is not possible to scroll to all areas.
b) Measures:
The navigation structure will be revised so that all menu points will be easy to access and navigate when the display is zoomed in up to 200 %. The responsive layout is being adjusted accordingly.
12th barrier: Mobile keyboard use
a) Description:
In the mobile version, the search area covers the content when the cursor is on it. This prevents further use of the keyboard.
b) Measures:
The mobile search function will be adjusted so that it does not cover any content when the keyboard is in use, and full navigation of the page remains possible.
13th barrier: Landmarks
a) Description:
The landmarks have not been fully assigned; the main area is missing.
b) Measures:
The website's semantic structure will be revised to include the missing landmarks, particularly in the main area. This will improve orientation and navigation for screen reader users.
14th barrier: Invisible skip links
a) Description:
The skip links at the beginning of the page for skipping over areas are not visible when using a keyboard.
b) Measures:
The skip links will be designed to be visible when keyboard focus is on, thus allowing direct access to the main content areas.
15th barrier: Status messages
a) Description:
Status messages are not announced when a screen reader is in use.
b) Measures:
Dynamic status messages will be implemented so that they are automatically displayed by screen readers. Suitable ARIA roles and live regions will be used for this.
16th barrier: ARIA attributes: name, role, value
a) Description:
ARIA attributes have been used incorrectly in some cases. This impairs the use of screen readers.
b) Measures:
Existing ARIA attributes will be checked and adjusted to meet the BITV 2.0 requirements. Incorrect or redundant attributes will be corrected to ensure compatability with assistive technologies.
17th barrier: Visibility in contrast mode
a) Description:
When using contrast mode, it is not possible to determine whether or not radio buttons are selected. The mobile navigation icon is also not visible in contrast mode.
b) Measures:
The display of controls and symbols will be revised so that these remain clearly recognizable in contrast mode.
When and how was the Declaration of Accessibility created?
This declaration was created and/or revised on October 21, 2025.
The technical verification of accessibility according to BITV 2.0 and on the basis of 98 test steps was carried out by Liquid Impression GmbH and the Central Office for Accessible Information Technology. The technical implementation was carried out by wilhelm innovative medien GmbH; Administrative Department 05: IT, Media Infrastructure, and Central Services of the University of Bremen.
Do you want to report barriers?
We would like to further improve our services. Feel free to share your digital accessibility issues and questions with us via email at contentprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de or via telephone at +49 (0)421 218-60159.
Contacting the Central Office for Accessible Information Technology
If your contact with the public body was not successful, you can contact the Central Office for Accessible Information Technology ("Zentralstelle für barrierefreie Informationstechnik"). They can also provide further information on enforcement.