Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
In this page:
Overview
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
provide guidelines and Success Criteria for each corresponding standard
to create inclusive digital environments; particularly so people with
disabilities have the broadest possible access to content and services.
- There are three levels of conformance, rated from minimally inclusive to broadly inclusive:
- A - minimum level of conformance and effort
- AA - average conformance and effort
- AAA - broadest conformance and effort
- Unfortunately there's not a one-to-one relationship between each criterion and its corresponding standard
- they are applied across all of the technologies that create the digital accessibility landscape
- the steps to show conformance will vary with each application of the corresponding technology
- this may cause confusion as it allows for interpretation in proving conformance
Best Practice: avoid barriers between your consumers and the corresponding content and technologies. This will naturally meet higher WCAG standards, increase usability (and for web applications and content -- will improve Search Engine Optimization).
WCAG Principles
Learn the basics of WCAG
WCAG's Four Principles
- Perceivable - Users should be able to perceive the content, functionality, and methodology presented. These guidelines are in section 1.
- Operable - Users should be able to operate the interface, including the navigation and processes. These guidelines are in section 2.
- Understandable - Users should be able to understand the functionality, methodology, and information presented. These guidelines are in section 3.
- Robust - Content and functionality should be robust and work with multiple methods interaction including voice and assistive technologies. These guidelines are in section 4.
Additional Resources
Other related resources:
Did you know? Accessibility History
Did you know? Accessibility History