About “BIENE”

Since 2003, Aktion Mensch and the Stiftung Digitale Chancen (Foundation for Digital Opportunities) have been working together to distinguish the most exemplary accessible German-language websites with a “BIENE”award. BIENE, as well as meaning “bee” is an acronym for “barrierefreies Internet eröffnet neue Einsichten” “accessible Internet provides new insights.” A BIENE is a symbol of open-minded communication, cooperation, and communities working together to achieve common goals.

There were roughly 2,000 participants in the BIENE competition so far, all of which are based in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol. A variety of businesses, organisations, agencies, cities and communities, as well as clubs, societies, and associations, have participated in past competitions. Over a hundred Web sites to date have been awarded a BIENE.

The BIENE Competition is open to providers and designers of German-language Web sites. Special prizes may also be awarded for outstanding designs that meet the specific needs of a group of users; for example, Web sites might be made accessible to those with hearing impairments or learning disabilities. This special prize is awarded purely on the basis of a creative, innovative idea.

Entries to the 2010 BIENE Competition can be made from May 10 through July 15. Prizes will be awarded on December 10, 2010 in Berlin. More information about the competition is available (in German) at www.biene-wettbewerb.de.