Accessibility statement

This declaration on accessibility (as of 02.09.2025) applies to the ePA BKK EWE app currently published in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Microsoft Store and is based on a self-assessment carried out in the period from 16.06. to 14.07.2025.

Accessibility is a central component of the app's design. The following measures and best practices are implemented for this purpose:

The app is designed in compliance with the platform-specific design specifications (Material Design [1] for Android, Apple Human Interface Guidelines [2] for iOS) and on the basis of principles of interaction design, mobile design and the ergonomics of user interfaces.

The user interface of the app is implemented using native technologies of the respective platform. This ensures that the operating system-specific functions for accessibility (e.g. screen reader, touch feedback) are supported as comprehensively as possible.

Every new function that is incorporated into the app is checked and designed from the outset with accessibility in mind. From planning to implementation, attention is paid to the correct use of alternative descriptions for illustrations and symbols as well as their clear marking as content-related or decorative. Great importance is also attached to sensible focus sequences, correct reading direction and support for variable font sizes.

On iOS devices, the app can be used with "VoiceOver" [3], the platform's own screen reader for iOS. Other functions of the operating system can also be used, provided they do not require any special adaptations to the app (e.g. screen magnifier, reduced animations).

On Android, the app can be used with "TalkBack" [4], the Google screen reader available on most Android devices. Other operating aids such as switch access, magnification or contrast modes can also be used, provided that no specific adaptations to the app are necessary.

The manufacturer regularly checks the accessibility of the app. The test steps of the BITV test in accordance with EN 301 549 (app) are applied. Specific adjustments and improvements are derived from the results.

Barriers with documents

• Accessibility cannot be guaranteed for the content of documents stored in the ePA by the insured person or service provider.
• Some of the PDFs generated or converted by the app are not accessible. However, the content itself can be consumed without barriers within the app.
• When adding new documents, it is sometimes not visible if necessary data has not yet been entered in order to successfully complete the process.
• ePA BKK EWE for the Android operating system only supports portrait format.

Barriers with screen readers

• The descriptions of some graphics or icons are not read out correctly by a screen reader. In most places, there is text in addition to the graphic control elements that describe the control element.
• Headings are sometimes not marked as headings for a screen reader.
• The app and the descriptions for reading aloud by a screen reader are only available in German.

Barriers to navigation and text input

• When changing the e-mail address, the keyboard suitable for e-mail addresses is not automatically used.
• The labeling of interaction elements marked with the keyboard is sometimes too small.
• Some links are not labeled if they cause you to leave the app.
• E-mail addresses are not always clickable ("mailto" link).
• For security reasons, the copy / paste / cut functions are deactivated in some text fields.
• With ePA BKK EWE for mobile devices, navigation through the app using an external keyboard is only possible to a limited extent.
• With ePA BKK EWE for the iOS operating system, the "Documents" tile is cut off when the font is enlarged to a high level.

Barriers for error messages

• Error messages do not always clearly indicate the specific errors.

Would you like to inform us of existing barriers or request information on the implementation of accessibility? Please contact us by e-mail at epa@bkk-ewe.de or by telephone on 0441-350285101.

Your inquiries will be processed and answered by our support team from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Public holidays are excluded.

If no satisfactory solution has been found after your feedback to the above-mentioned contact, you can contact the arbitration board in accordance with Section 16 BGG. The BGG conciliation body has the task of supporting an out-of-court settlement of disputes between people with disabilities and federal public bodies on the subject of accessibility. The conciliation procedure is free of charge. It is not necessary to seek legal advice. Further information on the conciliation procedure and the options for submitting an application can be found at: www.schlichtungsstelle-bgg.de.

You can contact the BGG conciliation body directly at: info@schlichtungsstelle-bgg.de.