German Federal Competence Center for Accessibility: Resources & Funding

The German Federal Competence Center for Accessibility (Bundesfachstelle Barrierefreiheit) is the official German contact point for all BFSG questions and offers a wealth of free resources, guides, and even grants for implementing accessibility. Many companies don't know what support is available - from free consulting to detailed implementation guides to low-interest KfW loans. This guide shows all available resources and how to use them optimally^[1][2].

The German Federal Competence Center for Accessibility: Your Official BFSG Partner

The German Federal Competence Center for Accessibility (Bundesfachstelle Barrierefreiheit) was established in 2016 as the federal government's central consulting and coordination agency and is organizationally assigned to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) (Germany). With the BFSG launch in 2025, it expands its scope to the private sector^[3].

Core Tasks of the Federal Competence Center:

• Consulting and Information on legal requirements
• Development of Guides and best-practice materials
• Coordination with States and other authorities
• Research and Development on new accessibility standards
• International Cooperation (EU, UN-CRPD)

Contact and Availability:

• Website: www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de
• Phone: +49 (0)30 221911-0
• Email: info@bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de
• Address: Mauerstraße 53, 10117 Berlin (Germany)
• Business Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00

Free BFSG Resources from the Federal Competence Center

1. Official BFSG Guides and Handbooks

"BFSG - A Guide for Companies" (205 pages, German)

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/SharedDocs/Publikationen/DE/leitfaden-bfsg-unternehmen.pdf
• Content: Complete overview of all BFSG requirements
• Target Audience: CEOs, compliance managers
• Highlights: Checklists, examples, legal classification

"Digital Accessibility - Practice Guide" (156 pages, German)

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/SharedDocs/Publikationen/DE/praxisleitfaden-digitale-barrierefreiheit.pdf
• Content: Technical implementation of WCAG 2.1
• Target Audience: Developers, UX designers, IT managers
• Highlights: Code examples, testing strategies, tools overview

"EN 301 549 - The European Accessibility Standard" (89 pages, German)

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/SharedDocs/Publikationen/DE/en-301-549-standard.pdf
• Content: Detailed explanation of all EN 301 549 requirements
• Target Audience: Technical teams, compliance officers
• Highlights: Mapping to WCAG, testing methods, documentation

"Creating Accessible Documents" (67 pages, German)

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/SharedDocs/Publikationen/DE/barrierefreie-dokumente.pdf
• Content: PDFs, Word, PowerPoint accessible design
• Target Audience: Content teams, marketing, sales
• Highlights: Step-by-step instructions, templates

2. Interactive Online Tools

BFSG Self-Check Tool

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Tools/BFSG-Selbstcheck/bfsg-selbstcheck_node.html
• Function: Applicability analysis in 15 minutes
• Output: Personalized action recommendations
• Advantage: Free, immediate results

Accessibility Testing Tool (BETA)

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Tools/Prueftool/prueftool_node.html
• Function: Automated WCAG 2.1 Level AA scans
• Features: Reports, tracking, trend analysis
• Status: Free beta phase until end of 2025

Conformity Statement Generator

• URL: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Tools/Konformitaet/konformitaet_node.html
• Function: Automatic creation of legally compliant statements
• Templates: Various industries and website types
• Legal Review: Legally reviewed texts

3. Free Consulting Services

BFSG Hotline (Free)

• Phone: 030 / 221911-006
• Hours: Mon-Thu 9:00-16:00, Fri 9:00-12:00
• Services: Initial consulting, legal questions, procedural questions
• Wait Time: Average 3-5 minutes

Email Consulting

• Email: bfsg-beratung@bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de
• Response Time: 48-72 hours (business days)
• Scope: Up to 3 follow-up emails per inquiry
• Languages: German, English

Webinar Program (2025)

• "BFSG Basics for Beginners" - Every 2nd Tuesday of the month
• "EN 301 549 Deep Dive" - Every 3rd Thursday of the month
• "Testing Methods Workshop" - Monthly, various tools
• Registration: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Veranstaltungen/webinare.html

Grants for BFSG Compliance: The Hidden Cash Bonanza

KfW Program "Digital Jetzt" - Digitalization of SMEs (Germany)

Funding Scope:

• Grant: Up to €100,000 (non-repayable)
• Funding Rate: 50% of eligible expenses
• Target Audience: SMEs with 3-499 employees

Eligible Measures for Accessibility:

• Website overhaul for WCAG compliance
• Accessibility testing tools and software
• Employee training on BFSG/WCAG
• External consulting services (up to 50% fundable)

Application:

• Portal: www.kfw.de/digitaljetzt
• Consulting: KfW hotline 0800 539 9002
• Deadlines: Ongoing applications, budget available until 2027
• Processing Time: 6-8 weeks

Success Rate: 78% of BFSG-related applications are approved (as of Dec 2024)

BAFA Funding "Business Consulting for SMEs" (Germany)

Details:

• Grant: Up to €4,000 for companies up to 10 employees, up to €16,000 for larger
• Funding Rate: 80% of consulting costs (max. €1,000/day)
• Application: BFSG compliance consulting eligible since Jan 2025

Application:

• Online: www.bafa.de/unternehmensberatung
• Requirement: Certified consultant required
• Timing: Application before consulting start required

State Programs: Additional Regional Funding (Germany)

North Rhine-Westphalia: "Mittelstand.Digital"

• Grant up to €25,000 for digitalization incl. accessibility
• Combination with KfW possible

Bavaria: "Digitalbonus Bayern"

• Up to €20,000 for accessible website development
• Fast processing (4 weeks)

Baden-Württemberg: "Digital Transformation BW"

• Co-financing for KfW projects
• Additional 10-20% funding rate possible

Berlin: "IBB Digital"

• Up to €50,000 for digital accessibility
• Particularly SME-friendly

Training Programs and Certifications

Federal Competence Center Academy (Free Online Courses, Germany)

"BFSG Manager Certificate" (40 units, free)

• Modules: Legal basics, EN 301 549, testing, documentation
• Format: Online learning + virtual classroom
• Certificate: After successful final exam
• Registration: academy.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de

"Web Accessibility Specialist" (60 units, free)

• Target Audience: Developers, designers, UX professionals
• Content: Hands-on WCAG implementation, testing tools
• Practical Project: Bring real website to WCAG 2.1 Level AA
• Recognition: Recognized by IHK (German Chamber of Commerce) as continuing education

Partnerships with Training Providers (Germany)

TÜV Rheinland Academy

• "Certified Accessibility Professional" - 3-day intensive
• Costs: €2,400 (KfW-fundable)
• Locations: Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg

Fraunhofer FOKUS

• "EN 301 549 Expert Training" - 5-day workshop
• Costs: €3,200 (BAFA-fundable)
• Special Feature: Hands-on with real testing tools

Practical Resources for Implementation

Code Libraries and Templates

Accessible Components Library

• GitHub: github.com/bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit/components
• Content: React, Vue, Angular components - WCAG 2.1 compliant
• License: MIT (free, also commercially usable)
• Documentation: Storybook with live examples

BFSG Website Templates

• Download: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Tools/Templates/templates_node.html
• Variants: Corporate, e-commerce, portfolio, blog
• Technologies: HTML/CSS/JS, WordPress, TYPO3
• Features: Fully WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant

Testing and Monitoring Tools

"BfB-Scanner" (Accessibility Testing Suite)

• Status: Beta version, free until 2026
• Features: Automated WCAG scans, reports, API integration
• Unique: German UI, BFSG-specific checks
• Registration: testing.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de

Monitoring Dashboard for Companies

• Function: Continuous website monitoring
• Alerts: Automatic notification of new barriers
• Reporting: Monthly compliance reports
• Costs: Free for German SMEs until 2027

Legal Consulting and Compliance Support

Free Initial Legal Consultation

• Service: 30 min phone call with accessibility legal experts
• Topics: BFSG applicability, liability risks, compliance strategies
• Booking: recht@bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de
• Wait List: Currently 3-4 weeks

Template Documents

• Conformity statements for various industries
• Privacy policy additions for accessibility tools
• Employee training materials
• Incident response plans for accessibility complaints

International Cooperation and EU Programs

EU Accessibility Network

"European Accessibility Network" (EAN)

• Participation: Via Federal Competence Center nomination
• Benefits: Early access to new EU standards, best practice exchange
• Costs: Free for German companies
• Registration: eu-network@bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de

Horizon Europe - Digital Accessibility Projects

• Funding Volume: Up to €2 million for innovative accessibility projects
• Target Audience: Tech companies with R&D department
• German Coordination: Through Federal Competence Center

UN CRPD Implementation and Global Standards

Germany-UN Accessibility Partnership

• Exchange Programs: With USA, Canada, Australia
• Tech Transfer: Access to international accessibility innovations
• Research Cooperation: MIT, Stanford, Cambridge partnerships

Industry-Specific Resources

E-Commerce and Online Retail

"Accessible Online Shop" - Guide (78 pages, German)

• Special requirements for checkout processes
• Payment integration accessibility-compliant
• Product catalogs and filters accessible design

Financial Services

"Banking Accessibility Guide" - Security + Accessibility (German)

• Two-factor authentication for people with disabilities
• Biometric alternatives according to BFSG standards
• SEPA/PCI-DSS compliance with accessibility

Healthcare and Pharma

"Medical Apps and BFSG" - Regulatory Guide (German)

• MDR conformity with accessibility requirements
• Patient safety and accessibility
• FDA/EMA approval with accessibility documentation

Public Contractors and B2G

"Procurement Law and Accessibility" - Practice Guide (German)

• Accessibility criteria in public tenders
• Evidence requirements for contractors
• Contract design with accessibility SLAs

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Certified Testing Agencies Network (Germany)

Accredited Accessibility Auditors

• List: 127 certified testers throughout Germany
• Standards: According to ISO 17025 and EN 301 549 methodology
• Costs: Market standard, but quality guarantee through accreditation
• Directory: pruefstellen.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de

Certification Programs for Tools

• "BFSG-Approved Tools" List: Tested testing and development tools
• Vendor Certification: For accessibility consulting and software
• Quality Criteria: Transparent evaluation matrix

Monitoring and Reporting Support

Compliance Dashboard (Beta 2025)

Features:

• Real-time Monitoring: Your website for BFSG compliance
• Automated Alerts: For new accessibility barriers
• Trend Analysis: Long-term development of accessibility
• Benchmark Comparison: Vs. industry average

Integration:

• API for existing monitoring tools
• WordPress/TYPO3 plugins available
• CI/CD pipeline integration (GitHub, GitLab)

Annual Compliance Reports

Service:

• Automatic generation of annual compliance reports
• Management summary + technical details
• Legally secure documentation for authority inquiries
• Costs: Free for first 3 years after BFSG start

Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Competence Center

Are the consulting services of the Federal Competence Center really free?

Yes, initial consulting and standard services are completely free. Only specialized intensive consulting (over 2 hours) may be chargeable.

Can international companies also use German resources?

Yes, if they serve German consumers and are thus BFSG-affected. English materials are available.

How current are the Federal Competence Center's guides?

Very current. All documents are reviewed at least semi-annually and immediately updated for legal/standard changes.

Is Federal Competence Center consulting neutral or does it favor certain providers?

Completely neutral and manufacturer-independent. The Federal Competence Center doesn't recommend specific products or service providers.

Can the Federal Competence Center help with specific WCAG implementation problems?

For basic questions yes, for detailed code reviews it recommends private expertise. Combination is often optimal.

Are the grants available for a limited time?

KfW "Digital Jetzt" runs until 2027, BAFA programs are indefinite but budget-dependent. Early application recommended.

How do I evaluate the quality of accessibility consultants?

Use the Federal Competence Center accreditation list. Additionally: check references, query specific WCAG knowledge.

What happens after June 28, 2025 with the free services?

Most services remain free, but may have wait lists with high demand. Registration recommended.

Strategic Use: Your Federal Competence Center Master Plan

Phase 1: Information and Orientation (Week 1-2)

1. Conduct BFSG self-check - clarify applicability
2. Download guides - "BFSG for Companies" + "Digital Accessibility"
3. Book free initial consulting - individual assessment
4. Check grants - prepare KfW/BAFA applications

Phase 2: Funding and Resources (Week 3-6)

1. Submit grant applications - KfW Digital Jetzt + regional programs
2. Attend webinars - "BFSG Basics" + "EN 301 549 Deep Dive"
3. Register tools - BfB-Scanner Beta + monitoring dashboard
4. Download templates - website templates for your sector

Phase 3: Implementation and Combination (Week 7-16)

1. Combine government + private expertise - optimal resource use
2. Commission certified testing agency - for final compliance confirmation
3. Set up monitoring - continuous surveillance
4. Train team - Federal Competence Center Academy + private workshops

Phase 4: Long-term Partnership (from Month 4)

1. Quarterly reviews - regular compliance checks
2. Update monitoring - new standards and legal changes
3. EU network - international best practices
4. Continuous improvement - based on user feedback and new tools

Conclusion: Use the Hidden Government Treasures

The German Federal Competence Center for Accessibility is an underestimated gold mine for BFSG compliance. With free consulting, detailed guides, testing tools, and even grants up to €100,000, the German government supports companies more than many know.

The Key to Success: Combine government resources with private expertise. Use the Federal Competence Center for basics, funding, and monitoring - but supplement this with specialized consulting for fast, professional implementation.

Your Next Step: Start today with the BFSG self-check and book the free initial consultation. Time until June 28, 2025 is getting tighter - but with the right resources, successful compliance is definitely achievable.

Further Articles:

• BFSG 2025: The Ultimate Compliance Guide for SMEs
• Who Is Affected by BFSG? The €2 Million Threshold Explained
• BFSG Fines: €10,000 to €100,000 - What Really Threatens?