Overlay tools for accessibility: Why they often fail - and how EGOCMS does it better

Overlay tools are software solutions that are integrated into a website - usually via JavaScript as a widget - in order to improve the accessibility of websites. Typical functions of these widgets are

• Adjustment of font size, contrast, colours, etc.

• Selection of settings, e.g. for colour vision deficiencies

• Automatically changing parts of the website or alternatively providing an assistive interface.

Advantages

• Quick to use: Overlay tools are often relatively easy to integrate.

• They offer flexible adjustments for certain users, e.g. if someone wants to increase the font size or has contrast problems.

• Some functions can also contribute to accessibility, especially with regard to additional WCAG criteria, e.g. conformance level AAA.

Limits and risks

• Legal requirements: Legally, public bodies must design their websites to be accessible from the outset; an overlay tool cannot replace this obligation.

• Insufficient coverage: Overlay tools cannot recognise or remove all barriers. Certain functions of assistive technologies are not fully supported - or negative interactions occur.

• Quality and automated processes: Automated processes - e.g. automatic generation of alternative texts - often fall short, especially with complex images whose meaning cannot be automatically recognised in context.

• Confusion with assistive technologies: Users might think that an overlay tool is already an assistive technology; in fact, these tools are different and cannot replace assistive technologies.

• Cannot be switched off / not fully accessible: Overlay tools themselves must fulfil the legal accessibility requirements and - if used - must also be able to be switched off.

The advantages of using EGOCMS in connection with the BFSG

EGOCMS supports editing as well as design and development with special accessibility features:

1. Barrier checker
   A module that checks content for accessibility and ensures that it complies with current standards.

2. Integration checker
   Supports editors as early as the content input stage - e.g. by checking the order of headings, missing alternative texts, etc.; points out problems.

3. Design flexibility of the templates
   Freely customisable HTML templates enable barrier-free designs. This means that a semantically correct structure, accessible navigation etc. can be integrated right from the start.
   In addition, the standard designs supplied with EGOCMS are barrier-free.

4. Input of alternative texts & summary for tables
   A live editor can be used to add alternative text to images and summarise tables - important for visually impaired or screen reader users.

5. Accessible video player
   EGOCMS includes the Able Player, a video player that is equipped with features aimed at accessibility.

6. Automatically generated image and video description
   An AI that generates description texts can be integrated into EGOCMS. The whole thing is possible in self-hosting, see lalamo.cloud.

7. Automatic translation into simple language
   The AI can also help with translation into plain language.

More information on accessibility

• Joint assessment of the federal and state monitoring centres for the accessibility of information technology on the use of overlay tools
• Support with the implementation of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG)

We are happy to support you on your way to web accessibility!

Please contact us!