Why accessibility and plain language belong together
Accessibility on the web is not a nice-to-have, but a necessity - for users with disabilities, for companies, public authorities and for an inclusive society. Simple language is a central component of accessible content. It makes complex information accessible to people with learning difficulties, language barriers or cognitive impairments.
With EGOCMS, you can automatically translate your content into plain language - and thus not only fulfil legal requirements, but also expand your target group.
Plain language as part of accessibility
Accessibility encompasses far more than just technical adaptations such as screen reader optimisation or contrasts. It starts with the comprehensibility of texts. Simple language is a key to this:
- Reachingpeople with reading or learning difficulties,
- supportpeople with a migration background,
- older users.
Legal framework conditions
In Germany, public bodies have been obliged to make digital services accessible since 2020 under the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) and EU Directive 2016/2102. Accessibility is also becoming increasingly relevant for companies - whether through legal requirements or as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Plain language is a central component of these requirements.
How EGOCMS promotes accessibility through automatic translation
EGOCMS integrates AI-supported translation functions that not only translate content into other languages, but also into plain language. In the process:
- Complex sentences are converted into short, clear statements,
- technical terms are explained or replaced by simple terms,
- passive constructions are actively formulated.
Example: Original vs. simple language
| Original text | Plain language (automatically generated) |
|---|---|
| "Use of the platform requires prior registration." | "You must register before you can use the platform." |
Advantage: The translation is automatic and can be adjusted manually if necessary.
Practical application: Where plain language breaks down barriers
Public administration & authorities
- Forms, applications and information pages are understandable for all citizens.
- Example: A citizens' office automatically translates its service descriptions and thus fulfils the requirements of the BFSG.
Education & non-profit organisations
- Learning materials and offers of help become more inclusive.
- Example: An NGO translates its educational pages for refugees and people with little knowledge of German.
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Why accessibility and plain language are important
Accessibility on the Internet is not just a nice thing to have. It is necessary. For people with disabilities, for companies, for authorities and for a society in which everyone can participate.
An important part of accessible content is plain language. It helps people with learning difficulties, people who do not understand German well or people who have problems with thinking. With EGOCMS, you can automatically translate your texts into plain language. This way you not only fulfil laws, but also reach more people.
Plain language is part of accessibility
Accessibility is not just about technology. For example: adapting texts for read-aloud programs or choosing good colours for contrast. Accessibility starts with comprehensible texts. Simple language helps, for example: people who have difficulty reading, people who come from a different country or older people.
Laws and rules
In Germany, public authorities have had to make their websites accessible since 2020. This is stipulated in the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) and in an EU regulation. Accessibility is also becoming increasingly important for companies. Either because of laws or because they want to promote a fair society. Simple language is an important point here.
How EGOCMS helps with automatic translation
EGOCMS can automatically translate texts into plain language. Difficult sentences are turned into simple sentences. Technical terms are explained or replaced by simple words. Passive sentences become active sentences.
Where simple language helps
Offices and authorities
- Forms, applications and information pages become understandable for everyone.
- Example: A citizens' office automatically translates its texts into plain language. In this way, it fulfils the rules of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG).
Education and non-profit organisations
- Learning materials and offers of help are accessible to all.
- Example: An organisation translates its information pages for refugees and people who understand little German.
Do you need help with your website?
Write to us!