Denial Doesn't Break Down Barriers - 03-2026

The denial bias describes the tendency to mentally postpone unpleasant or long-term challenges. In the context of accessibility, this means that obstacles are often only perceived as urgent when they affect oneself or one's immediate surroundings. However, far more people than often assumed benefit from accessible solutions – for example, families with strollers, people with temporary injuries, or older people. Consciously addressing this bias helps to consider accessibility early on and create sustainable, inclusive structures.

Interesting Articles

In this interview, Clara Henning talks about her experiences with user testing with people with disabilities and shows how these tests can improve digital products. The focus is on identifying barriers early and increasing user-friendliness.

Interview with Clara Henning on user testing with people with disabilities

This article explains how companies can use accessibility feedback to not only meet legal requirements but also to offer genuine service quality. Practical tips show how accessibility can become a strategic advantage.

Accessibility Feedback – From Compliance to Service

This article explores why many people accept barriers in the digital space without complaining and what impact this has on companies. He demonstrates how raising awareness and providing simple reporting options can improve the situation.

Why Few Complain About Lack of Accessibility

This blog post emphasizes that accessibility is more than just a legal obligation and that companies can use it to improve the quality and user-friendliness of their digital offerings. Strategic integration is presented as a long-term benefit.

Accessibility as a Quality Feature, Not a Mandatory Exercise

This guide explains step by step how to create accessible files with LibreOffice, for example, through correct headings, alternative text, and table structure. It is aimed at anyone who wants to produce accessible Office content.

Creating Accessible LibreOffice Files (Document Foundation Wiki)

This article systematically examines barriers to web access for people with disabilities and shows how these obstacles make it difficult to use digital systems. It presents a framework for identifying and assessing barriers across different disability groups.

Scientific article on web accessibility problems

This article describes the problems of AI-generated code in terms of accessibility.

AI is locking people out. At scale.

The CogAUX publication page collects papers, articles, and resources related to cognitive accessibility, i.e., the design of digital systems for people with cognitive needs. The focus is on research, governance, and practical studies that help develop more inclusive digital products.

Publications – CogAUX

This comprehensive guide lists a wide range of resources, tutorials, and tools that developers can use to design and test accessible mobile apps (iOS and Android). It provides entry points, standards, tools, and best-practice links for accessible mobile development.

The Ultimate Mobile Accessibility Resource Guide

Good news of the month

German: Rehadat presents a ruling stating that people with disabilities may have a right to remote work.

Rehadat Recht – Decision on 3Ca216/22

Mattel announces the first Barbie doll with autism, a visible sign of greater representation and inclusion in the toy sector. It has sparked controversial discussions in the community.

Barbie presents first Barbie doll with autism

Android improves keyboard operation for various groups.

Android accessibility features - Google Support

German: The article in the Weser-Kurier addresses quiet hours in Bremen, during which music in certain stores like IKEA and EDEKA is reduced or switched off out of consideration for sensitive individuals. It's about inclusion, consideration, and dealing with sensory barriers in public spaces.

Quiet Hour in Bremen – When IKEA and EDEKA Turn Off the Music

German: Some Telekom shops will soon offer a "Magenta Quiet Hour" for consultations in a quiet atmosphere to provide a more pleasant service for people with sensory sensitivities. This initiative aims to facilitate access to counseling for people with autism, hearing sensitivity, or similar needs.

Telekom Shops introduce “Magenta Silent Hour”

The article examines challenges and strategies for accessible communication in healthcare, particularly for people with disabilities. He demonstrates how digital and physical communication processes can be designed inclusively.

Scientific article on accessible health communication

German: Kobinet News reports that the Lower Saxony Disability Equality Act (BGG) has been published in plain language to improve comprehensibility and access for all people.

This supports political participation and understanding of legal regulations.

Lower Saxony Disability Equality Act in Plain Language

German: The KVN publication provides information about an expanded catalog of criteria for accessibility in medical practices, addressing physical, communicative, and organizational barriers to access. The goal is to make medical care more inclusive and accessible for all patients.

Accessibility in Medical Practices – Expanded Catalog of Criteria

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