Accessibility Statement
Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH is committed to making its website www.buchmesse.de accessible in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, conformance level AA. All modules of the website were reviewed for accessibility in 2023, and the majority of barriers were addressed in 2024.
Compliance Status
This website is only partially compliant with the requirements of WCAG 2.1 at conformance level AA.
Creation of this Statement
This statement was created on June 20, 2025.
The accessibility assessment is based on a self-evaluation using both automated checks and manual review. Accessibility status is continuously monitored in this way.
Non-accessible Content
Partially non-compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA – Success Criterion 1.2.4 “Captions (Recorded)”
For recorded event formats, especially video recordings of events, discussions, and webinars, captions are currently not available. This can particularly hinder or prevent access to these contents for users with hearing impairments. The retroactive creation and editing of accessible captions for the extensive video archive would currently constitute a disproportionate burden within the meaning of Article 5 of the EU Directive 2016/2102. For future video releases, it will be examined whether captions or text-based alternatives can be provided to gradually improve accessible access.
Partially non-compliant with WCAG 2.1 A – Success Criterion 1.3.1 “Info and Relationships”
On some pages, the semantic structure of headings does not fully meet the requirements of this success criterion 1.3.1. Revisions are planned.
Tables on our website are missing scope attributes in header cells (<th>), which are essential for assistive technologies to correctly interpret table structure. An accessible revision of these tables is planned for Q3 2025.
Partially non-compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA – Success Criterion 1.3.5 “Identify Input Purpose”
In some forms on our website, the purpose of certain input fields is not clearly identifiable by assistive technologies. This may affect functionalities such as autofill or screen reader labeling. Semantic attributes (e.g., autocomplete) will be added in Q3 2025.
Partially non-compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA – Success Criterion 1.4.3 “Contrast (Minimum)”
On some pages published before June 28, 2025, the color contrast between text and background in the page header does not meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This may particularly affect users with visual impairments or color blindness. These pages are covered by the grandfathering clause for older web content under EU Directive 2016/2102. Accessible revisions are planned for future updates.
Partially non-compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA – Success Criterion 1.4.4 “Resize Text”
The font size of links in the footer is currently too small on mobile devices, which may make them difficult to read or interact with, especially for users with visual or motor impairments. Improvements to readability and accessibility are planned for Q3 2025.
Partially non-compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA – Success Criterion 1.4.10 “Reflow”
Some tables on our website may require horizontal scrolling when viewed on small screens (e.g. smartphones). This may hinder usability for users with visual impairments or cognitive limitations. A fully accessible presentation of these tables is currently not feasible, as restructuring the data would significantly impair comprehension or content accuracy. We are working on providing alternative presentations or technical solutions (e.g., responsive design or simplified data views).
Some pages use embedded content (iFrames). In certain cases, this may cause double scrolling (within the iFrame and on the page itself), which can impair navigation, particularly on mobile devices. We are evaluating alternative embedding methods or accessible implementations such as: responsive iFrames, direct linking to embedded content with accessible alternative text, or avoiding embedded content where functionally possible.
Input fields with insufficient contrast in default state (WCAG 2.1 AA 1.4.11)
The “Search” and “Sort By” input fields in our media library currently do not fully meet success criterion 1.4.11 (Non-text Contrast), as the contrast of control elements in their default state is insufficient. However, adequate contrast is ensured during keyboard focus. This issue is scheduled to be resolved shortly.
Not fully compliant with WCAG 2.1 – Success Criterion 2.4.4 “Link Purpose (In Context)”
On some pages, the purpose of certain links is not clear because the link text alone or together with its programmatically determined context does not sufficiently describe the destination. This may cause orientation difficulties for screen reader or speech output users. Editorial improvements to affected link texts are currently underway.
Identical link texts on our website sometimes lead to different target pages. This can be confusing, particularly for screen reader users or individuals with cognitive impairments, as the link’s purpose is not clear from the text. Editorial revisions are planned and are being implemented gradually.
In certain components – particularly in speaker profile displays – multiple adjacent links lead to the same target (e.g., a person’s image and name). This structure may confuse users of assistive technologies. A consolidation of such links into a semantically correct single link is planned for the next design update.
PDF Documents
Some embedded or linked PDF documents published before June 28, 2025, are not accessible. They may lack structural tags, document titles, and alternative texts, making them difficult to use with assistive technologies. Retrofitting these documents to be accessible currently represents a disproportionate burden under Article 5 of EU Directive 2016/2102. We aim to ensure that newly created PDFs will be made available in an accessible format compliant with PDF/UA.
Feedback and Contact
If you encounter any barriers on our website or are unable to access content, please contact us:
Email: website@buchmesse.de
If you do not receive a satisfactory response within six weeks, you may contact the BGG arbitration board: www.schlichtungsstelle-bgg.de(opens in a new window)