A11Y

Definition:

A11Y is a numeronym for the term “accessibility.” The abbreviation consists of the first letter “A,” the last letter “Y,” and the eleven letters in between (“11”). A11Y stands for the commitment to design digital content, applications, and services in such a way that they are accessible to all people, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. International standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) with their four principles of perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness provide the basis for implementation. A11Y is not only a quality feature, but also a legal requirement in many countries.

Advantages:

• Increases the usability of digital offerings for people with disabilities
• Opens up new target groups and strengthens user loyalty
• Reduces legal risks through compliance with legal requirements
• Improves overall usability for all user groups

Application in OpenTalk:

OpenTalk pursues a consistently barrier-free development approach. The user interface is designed to be fully usable with a keyboard, screen readers, and other assistive technologies. OpenTalk is based on the WCAG guidelines and integrates A11Y principles into the design and development process from the outset. In addition, OpenTalk has been awarded the “optimized accessibility according to BITV 2.0” seal – clear proof of its consistent implementation of digital accessibility. The goal is to enable all users – regardless of their individual requirements – to participate equally in video conferences.