This statement is based on a self-assessment completed in April 2021 on the basis of the specifications set out in BITV 2.0, the German ordinance for the creation of barrier-free information technology.
This Accessibility Statement (as per: 25 April 2021) pursuant to EU Directive 2016/2102 and corresponding national legislation applies to the internet website of the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband – vzbv) that is currently available at https://vzbv.de.
Much of the website can be used exclusively with a keyboard or a screen reader. Barrier-free accessibility of the website is improved continuously. The website https://www.vzbv.de/ currently contains the following deficiencies in regard to accessibility:
- Accessibility of the newsletter form: Errors in the newsletter form are not marked in a barrier-free form.
- Individual pages contain minor syntax errors.
- Not all documents have a meaningful title.
- Not all infographics have meaningful alternative texts.
- Many PDF documents, especially the older ones, on the site are not PDF/UA compliant.
- Some videos do not have audio descriptions or full text alternatives.
If you notice existing barriers in connection with our website or if you require information on content that is not yet accessible, please send us an e-mail at:
or use the Online Form (in German).
We will make efforts to respond to your enquiries within a reasonable period (usually no longer than four weeks).
Arbitration proceedings:
If you do not receive an answer or are dissatisfied with some or all of the response you receive, you may contact the Arbitration Service according to the Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Arbitration Service will review your concern and will initiate arbitration proceedings to seek a solution.
You can contact the Arbitration Service at the following address:
Schlichtungsstelle nach dem Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz bei dem Beauftragten der Bundesregierung für die Belange von Menschen mit Behinderungen
Mauerstraße 53
10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 18 527 2805
Email: info@schlichtungsstelle-bgg.de
You may file an application with the Arbitration Service for the initiation of arbitration proceedings. Applications are made by completing an online form, in writing by post, by email or in person by visiting the office of the Arbitration Service.