Statement on Accessibility

Empty alt attributes for layout graphics

Certain layout graphics should have an empty alt attribute for accessibility reasons, however the file name of the graphic is automatically output as the alt attribute instead.

Action: We will configure our CMS so that the corresponding field is not automatically filled for layout graphics that require an empty alt attribute.

HTML structure elements for lists

The quick links on the home page and some lists of links are not labelled as such in HTML (ul, ol, li).

Action: When the website is next relaunched these link lists will be replaced by other content elements. Until then such link lists will be used sparingly.

Contrast (minimum)

Certain elements may have a reduced contrast ratio due to the background colour being undefined.

Action: To the extent that colour values can be adjusted without affecting the overall design, we will undertake the necessary improvements promptly. All other cases where there is an insufficient contrast ratio or where the definition of a background colour is missing will be fixed with the next relaunch.

Changing text size

When enlarging the text using the zoom function on the browser it is possible that the links to social media on the side of the page may occasionally be partially cut off and therefore not be fully operable.

Action: The placement or anchoring of social media icons on the right-hand side of the screen will be adjusted when the layout is redesigned, in order to render them fully functional at all times.

Automatic text wrapping (reflow)

Headers of accordion elements that exceed 25 characters are cut off due to a lack of text wrapping function.

Action: We will attempt, as far as possible, to edit accordion headings so that they do not exceed 25 characters.

Content overlap when hovering over elements or focussing

The main navigation menu opens as soon as a user places focus on it (mouse hover or keyboard). It obscures other content and can only be closed by changing focus. Closing the menu by using the ESC key or by clicking on the activating element is not possible. In isolated cases and especially when the website is greatly enlarged, this overlap could result in certain elements not being selectable.

Action: The navigation concept of the website will be modified for the next relaunch so that overlap no longer occurs, or that overlapping elements can always be closed, using the ESC key, for example.

Keyboard and focus order

In the mobile view the sub-items on menus cannot be accessed using the keyboard as the menu points do not expand. In addition, although the individual menu items can be activated with the tab key when menus are closed in the mobile view, the menus do not expand, which means that the focus point is not visible.

Action: When the website is next relaunched the navigation concept will be completely revised so that menus are fully useable in mobile view. 

Visible focus

Specific elements (such as the social media buttons) are not marked by a focus highlighter when moved over, or the focus is very difficult to identify due to poor contrast.

Action: Missing focus highlighters and those that are difficult to see will be noted, and modified accordingly during the next redesign.

Syntax analysis

On pages related to searches, invisible syntax errors occur in the frontend.

Action: The affected pages will by checked for syntax errors and the errors corrected.

Name, role, value

The current status (expanded/not expanded) of expandable elements in the main navigation and the accordion elements is currently not passed on to assistive technologies. In addition, the tabs that are occasionally used are not adequately labelled, which makes operation difficult for those using screen readers.

Action: The use of tab elements, which is already minimal, will be dispensed with completely. Expandable elements in the navigation will be modified when the navigation is revised so that their current status is available. A solution will also be sought for accordion elements.

PDF

Some PDF documents linked to from the website are not fully accessible.

Action: When new documents are created using the PDF format, attention will be paid to accessible design. Exceptions to this will be documents and files made available from third-parties and which represent supplementary material, or whose content is also available elsewhere in HTML format.

Areas that are not fully accessible, because it would represent a disproportionate strain on resources (Section 9 a Para. 4 NBGG):

Text

The website currently has no plain language or easy read texts.

Action: Easy read texts will be written for the description of the Institute and navigation around the website. No further texts will be translated into easy read format.

The target audience of the website is predominantly those in academic and education fields. The use of relevant specialist terminology and expressions on certain areas of our website is due to their use by those target groups and their academic background. This particularly applies to descriptions of academic research projects, meaning that it is not possible for the available content to fulfil the accessibility requirements in this sense. Nevertheless, the editorial team strives for clarity and comprehensibility in the wording of the texts. The GEI apologises to those who may encounter such barriers and asks for their understanding.

If you should encounter content on our website that is not fully accessible or if you require information regarding non-accessible content, please send an e-mail to schwerbehindertenbeauftragte[at]leibniz-gei.de with the subject ‘Barrierefreiheit’ [accessibility].

Arbitration process

The regional representative for people with disabilities in Lower Saxony (Landesbeauftragten für Menschen mit Behinderungen in Niedersachsen) has an arbitration board in accordance with Section 9d NBGG. The arbitration board is responsible for resolving conflicts between persons with disabilities and public sector bodies in Lower Saxony with regard to information technology accessibility.

The arbitration process is free of charge and you do not need a legal representative. The internet site for the arbitration board contains information (in German) regarding the arbitration process and how to make an application to the board. An easy read language version of the application form is also available.

The arbitration board can be reached directly by:

• Telephone: +49 (0)511/120-4010
• E-mail: schlichtungsstelle[at]ms.niedersachsen.de