Accessibility Statement for the Hotelbird Self-Service Terminal App
Hotelbird GmbH, as the responsible entity, strives to make the mobile application “Hotelbird Self-Service Terminal” accessible in accordance with the Accessible Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0). This accessibility statement applies exclusively to the Self-Service Terminal iPad app, which is operated in hotels in Single App Mode (kiosk mode), enabling guests to independently check in and out and make payments.
Preparation of this Accessibility Statement
This statement was created on June 11, 2025, and last reviewed on June 11, 2025. The assessment was carried out by means of an internal self-evaluation of the app in April 2025, based on the requirements of BITV 2.0 (harmonised with EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1, conformance level AA).
Compliance Status with BITV 2.0 Requirements
The accessibility requirements are governed by Section 3 (1–4) BITV 2.0, issued on the basis of Section 12d of the German Act on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (BGG), implementing Directive (EU) 2016/2102.
The “Self-Service Terminal” app is currently partially compliant with BITV 2.0. It meets most of the applicable accessibility criteria but still contains some non-accessible content and functions (see below). Work is ongoing to further improve accessibility in order to achieve full compliance.
Non-accessible Content and Functions
Despite our efforts to ensure accessibility, the following content or functions are not fully accessible (due to technical limitations in kiosk operation that would require disproportionate effort to address):
• No screen reader access (VoiceOver): The app runs in Single App Mode, which prevents users from activating iPad accessibility features such as VoiceOver during use. Without an activatable screen reader, the application is currently not independently usable for blind or severely visually impaired users.
• Limited adaptability: In the kiosk environment, users cannot change device settings. As a result, features such as enlarged text, screen zoom, contrast adjustments, or other assistive settings are not readily available. The app itself currently does not provide alternative presentation modes (e.g. high contrast or integrated text-to-speech functionality) to compensate for these limitations.
If you identify any additional barriers not listed here, you are welcome to inform us. We strive to review all reported accessibility issues and, where possible, resolve them.
Planned Measures for Improvement
Hotelbird GmbH is continuously working to improve the accessibility of the Self-Service Terminal app. Planned or already initiated measures include, among others:
• VoiceOver support: We are evaluating technical solutions to enable the use of a screen reader in Single App Mode. In the future, users should be able to activate VoiceOver directly within the terminal app (without accessing device settings), allowing visually impaired and blind guests to use the application. We are guided by the options provided by Apple for enabling accessibility features in kiosk mode and plan to integrate these into a future version of the app.
• Further adjustments: It is also planned to expand the app’s display and interaction options. For example, larger font sizes, improved contrast and colour design, and alternative input methods (such as potential support for external assistive input devices) will be considered, where technically feasible.
• Regular review: The app will continue to be regularly reviewed for accessibility. Known barriers will be gradually removed. This accessibility statement will be updated accordingly to reflect the current compliance status.
Feedback and Contact
We welcome feedback from users. If you notice any shortcomings regarding the accessibility of our Self-Service Terminal app or have questions on the topic of accessibility, please feel free to contact us. The responsible contact for accessibility inquiries is:
Hotelbird GmbH
Plinganserstraße 150
81369 Munich
Phone: +49 (0)89 215 380 10
Email: customer-support@hotelbird.com
Please describe as precisely as possible where you encountered barriers so that we can review and address them in a targeted manner. We will process your request as quickly as possible and provide you with feedback.
Enforcement Procedure
If you do not receive a satisfactory response to your feedback or request within six weeks, you may contact the Arbitration Service under Section 16 BGG. This independent body mediates in disputes relating to accessibility between persons with disabilities and public sector bodies. The aim of the arbitration procedure is to find a joint, out-of-court solution to the issue.
Note: The arbitration procedure is free of charge, and no legal representation is required. You may contact the Arbitration Service under the BGG if you believe you have been disadvantaged due to insufficient accessibility of our app. Further information on the arbitration procedure and how to submit an application can be found on the website of the Arbitration Service under the BGG. There, you can review the procedure and submit a request for arbitration, optionally also in Easy Language or German Sign Language.
Statement status: June 11, 2025.