

A large number of different (web) applications and digital systems are used in the administration of universities. The Competence Centre for Accessible Digital University Administration.NRW, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW), aims to ensure long-term accessibility in university administration in NRW.
Software ergonomics is both an IT and occupational safety issue. That is why we are dedicating our next network meeting to software ergonomics requirements and their verifiability.
Date: 15 September 2025, Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)
Therefore, accessibility tests are conducted and processes and solutions are developed to sustainably improve the accessibility of (web) applications, systems and software solutions. The aim is to ensure that these fulfil the accessibility criteria as early as the procurement process. In addition, the competence centre offers training and advice to sensitise and qualify employees for the topic.
The project is divided into four fields of action: Checking the accessibility of existing applications and systems (field of action 1), the integration of accessibility checks into the procurement process (field of action 2), the integration of accessibility checks into development and adaptation processes for applications and systems within universities (field of action 3) and the promotion of staff development and communication (field of action 4).
This covers the universities' entire administrative process and integrates digital accessibility into specialised procedures and processes. All users also benefit from improved usability, which is achieved through the implementation of accessibility criteria. The competence centre provides bundled expertise and a support and service system for this purpose.
Universities are legally obliged to make their digital services accessible in accordance with the E-Government Act and the associated laws on equal participation of people with disabilities, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), the North Rhine-Westphalia Disability Equality Act (BGG NRW) and the North Rhine-Westphalia Accessible Information Technology Ordinance (BITVNRW).
So far, however, the applications, systems and specialised procedures used have not systematically paid attention to accessibility, which significantly limits the opportunities for people with disabilities to participate. The Competence Centre for Accessible Digital University Administration.NRW has the task of closing this gap and ensuring digital accessibility at universities.
You can find more information about the service here
accessible websitesYou can find more information about the service here
accessible documents
Michael Johannfunke
Representative of severely disabled people

Valérie Wittek
Managing Director of LASH NRW

Marcel Gemander
Project staff - Competence Centre for Accessible Digital University Administration.NRW

Christin Sandmann-Götz
Competence centre for accessible digital university administration.NRW

Jan Reppien
Project staff - Competence Centre for Accessible Digital University Administration.NRW

Dustin Matzel
Consultant for accessible IT and software development

Jonas Kristian Hinz
Project staff - Bielefeld Barrier-free Collection of Laws (BBG)