Technopolis Group, in partnership with Fraunhofer FOKUS, has been commissioned to support the German Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and State Modernisation in strengthening the accessibility of digital public services on behalf of the European Commission (SG REFORM). The project aims to develop innovative, scalable and efficient solutions using trusted artificial intelligence (AI) to improve access to digital administrative services for people with disabilities, while advancing the modernisation of public administration.
Digital accessibility: a legal obligation still unmet
Digital accessibility is both a legal requirement and a key driver of digital inclusion and social participation. In Germany, around 10% of the population lives with a recognised severe disability, alongside many others with age-related or temporary limitations who also depend on accessible digital services. Despite clear legal frameworks, many public digital services remain insufficiently accessible. Addressing this gap is particularly important for public administrations, whose services are essential for citizens to exercise their legal rights.
Why digital accessibility remains a challenge
Given the technical and organisational complexity of implementing accessibility, the project focuses on how AI can help reduce barriers efficiently—for citizens as well as for public sector employees with disabilities. At the same time, strong emphasis is placed on the use of trustworthy, transparent and non-discriminatory AI systems to avoid creating new inequalities.
Our work
The project will support the Ministry in preparing procurement and tender documents for innovative, including AI-based, solutions to improve digital accessibility. To this end, existing and emerging digital solutions will be identified, assessed and compared with regard to their suitability for use within the German federal administration.
