Accessibility
Symposium 2026
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
from 1.00 pm
Kap Europa Frankfurt
& Online
Digital accessibility through a change of perspective
–
From tester to game-changer
Why now?
Digital accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a social obligation.
For over a billion people worldwide, digital accessibility is not a luxury – it is the key to participating in education, work, healthcare and society. At the same time, regulatory pressure is mounting: under the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the German Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG), digital accessibility will be mandatory for all businesses from June 2025.
Legal obligation
The European Accessibility Act has applied to all businesses in the EU since June 2025. Those who fail to act risk legal consequences – and exclude millions of users.
Strategic advantage
Accessibility opens up new audiences, strengthens the brand and improves the user experience for everyone. What is essential for people with disabilities is convenient for everyone.
Social responsibility
Digital inclusion is a fundamental right. Companies that take accessibility seriously are taking responsibility – and helping to shape a society in which no one is excluded.
AI is transforming clinical practice
AI-powered testing tools are fundamentally changing the way testers work. However, human expertise gained from practical experience remains irreplaceable – and is becoming even more valuable as a result.
Why at SightCity?
We know people for whom accessibility isn’t just a concept – it’s a way of life.
For over two decades, SightCity has been Europe’s leading trade fair for assistive technology for the visually impaired and blind. With around 7,500 visitors and over 150 exhibitors, it is the key meeting place for people with visual impairments, professionals, manufacturers and organisations.
That is precisely why we launched the Accessibility Symposium: as a platform that brings together those affected, experts, businesses and policymakers. Not just to talk about accessibility – but to shape it together.
Our aim: to facilitate a change of perspective. Testers with lived experience are not merely an inspection body at the end of a process. They are experts with first-hand experience – and the most valuable contributors to the creation of accessible digital worlds.
“Join us – as listeners, as learners, as contributors. Because digital accessibility can only be achieved by working together.”
The symposium is based on four key pillars
Networking & Dialogue
Closing discussion and networking evening with all participants – in person and online
Practical experience meets expertise
Presentations and keynote speeches by experts from the business sector, public authorities and civil society
Those affected as decision-makers
Panel discussion with active testers who face barriers on a daily basis – and overcome them
A look into the future
AI-powered tools, new standards and the question: How will the role of the tester change in the future?
Who is it for?
The symposium is aimed at anyone who not only understands accessibility but also wants to put it into practice.
UX Designer & Developer
Accessibility Officer
Testing bodies & testers
people with disabilities
educational institutions
Policy-makers
Companies & Product Managers
What should you bring?
Six good reasons to take part
1
Practical knowledge from experts
From WCAG standards and AI-powered testing tools to real-life success stories from businesses – all directly applicable to your day-to-day work.
2
Authentic insights from those affected
Testers with disabilities share stories from their everyday lives – navigating the gap between expectation and reality, and balancing challenges with successes.
3
Specific recommendations for action
Not just abstract theory – but practical advice that you can apply directly to your projects, processes and products.
4
Inspiration: Accessibility as a competitive advantage
Learn from OTTO and others how accessibility, as a strategic design principle, can become a real competitive advantage.
5
Networking with like-minded people
Come along to our networking evening to meet professionals from the worlds of business, academia, civil society and technology.
6
Outlook: AI and the future of accessibility
How is AI changing auditing practice? In what areas does human expertise remain irreplaceable? Answers to the industry’s most pressing questions.