Qwien – Center for Queer History is committed to making its website accessible in accordance with the Web Accessibility Act (WZG) as amended, and with Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies.
This accessibility statement applies to www.qwien.at and its English version www.qwien.at/en.
Compliance Status
This website is largely compliant with Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 as defined in EN 301 549. Qwien continuously works on improving digital accessibility. Measures implemented include:
- semantic ARIA roles and landmark structure
- improved keyboard accessibility and visible focus indicators
- enhanced color contrast in interface elements
- alternative text for images
- structured heading hierarchy
- regular technical testing (axe, Pa11y, Lighthouse)
Non-Accessible Content
The following content is not fully accessible yet and will be improved progressively.
a) Non-compliance with the Web Accessibility Act
- Some images and media do not yet have complete alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1).
- External services (e.g. maps, social media embeds) may not be fully accessible (WCAG 2.1.1, 4.1.2).
- In individual cases, color contrast may not meet required standards (WCAG 1.4.3).
- Certain PDF documents and archival materials are not fully accessible (WCAG 2.0 4.1.2).
- An automated image-source overlay system (third-party plugin) may generate internal technical ID duplicates; these are not user-visible and do not affect usability.
- An optional third-party accessibility toolbar creates minor technical WCAG warnings related to contrast and form structure. These concern the plugin interface only and do not affect website operation.
b) Disproportionate burden
Historical source material, archival documents and academic resources serve scholarly and cultural heritage purposes and cannot always be fully adapted without compromising authenticity, format integrity or legal rights. Newly produced digital content will be made accessible wherever possible.
Historical web archive content is preserved in its original form for historical documentation purposes and is therefore outside the scope of current accessibility adaptation measures.
c) Content not covered by the applicable legislation
- third-party content
- older PDFs, archival and press materials
Preparation of this Accessibility Statement
This statement was prepared on 05 November 2025 based on a self-assessment.
Testing methods used:
- axe DevTools
- Pa11y (WCAG scanner)
- Google Lighthouse (Accessibility audit)
- manual keyboard and screen reader testing
Last update: 05 November 2025
Feedback and Contact
If you notice accessibility issues that hinder the use of our website, please contact us:
E-mail: office@qwien.at
Subject line: “Accessibility feedback”
Please include the relevant URL and describe the issue. We aim to respond within two weeks.
Enforcement Procedure
If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you may submit a complaint to the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG):
Complaint form:
https://www.ffg.at/barrierefreiheit/beschwerdeformular
The FFG will review complaints under § 15 para. 3 WZG and may issue recommendations.
Note
Qwien is continuously working to improve its digital services and ensure equal access for all users.