With the coming into force of the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act on June 28, 2025, new requirements will be imposed on the e-learning industry. Recently, our managing directors Gina Drost and Guy Fischer discussed the importance of accessible learning content in e-learning as part of our Inside E-Learning webinar series, explaining what "accessible content" truly means. Following this, the professional portal CHECK.point eLearning conducted an in-depth interview with both of them, further exploring the details, challenges, and solutions of this topic in the corporate learning context.
Interview with Gina Drost and Guy Fischer about the new Barrier-Free Strengthening Act and the requirements for the e-learning industry.
CHECK.point eLea
CHECK.point eLearning: On June 28, 2025, the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act will come into force. Does this mean that from that date, all e-learning content must be accessible?
Guy Fischer: No, the law mainly applies to content intended for the public sector or from companies that provide essential services to the public sector or receive funding. Not all content is affected.
CHECK.point eLearning: What requirements apply to the corporate learning sector?
Gina Drost: The regulations also apply to companies closely associated with the public sector, such as subsidiaries of public institutions.
CHECK.point eLearning: What does "accessible" mean in e-learning, and how does it differ from "barrier-reduced"?
Gina Drost: Accessible e-learning content meets the requirements of BITV 2.0 and the European standard EN 301 549, which align with international web accessibility standards. "Barrier-reduced" products, on the other hand, allow for more flexibility in design. In such cases, we often work closely with our clients to determine which requirements are relevant for their target audiences.
CHECK.point eLearning: Can all types of content be made accessible?
Gina Drost: Classic web-based training, videos, audio formats, and quizzes can be easily made accessible. Currently, we see limitations with immersive learning formats, such as highly interactive web-based training or 3D learning games.
CHECK.point eLearning: What additional effort can clients expect?
Guy Fischer: A fully accessible content production requires an additional effort of about 30%. This includes extra text, intensive quality assurance, and testing with screen readers and keyboard navigation. Accessibility begins right at the design stage and continues through the entire production process.
CHECK.point eLearning: What role does the learning platform play? Can accessible content be distributed through any LMS?
Guy Fischer: In principle, accessible content can be provided through any LMS. However, it makes sense for the LMS itself to meet BITV 2.0 requirements. Our own nectar LMS is certified accordingly and is excellent for the accessible delivery of learning content.
CHECK.point eLearning: What significance does the new law have for the e-learning industry and content providers?
Guy Fischer: This law will shape the industry and lead to more providers integrating accessible standards. Not only public institutions but increasingly private companies are demanding accessible solutions. However, there are still some older systems in the field of learning platforms, LMS, and LCMS that cannot be technically adapted.
The Barrier-Free Strengthening Act represents a significant change for the e-learning industry. It requires a high level of expertise, technical infrastructure, and innovation readiness to provide accessible e-learning solutions. At Fischer, Knoblauch & Co., we are proud to already offer accessible e-learning solutions that meet the latest technological standards and will meet future requirements.
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