Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Overview
The WCAG Guidelines provide 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.
- UTMB's standard is WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.
- However, you can try to remove as many barriers as possible, by aiming for WCAG 2.2 Level AAA whenever possible.
- The guideline are organized into four principles; Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
WCAG's Four Principles
POUR
Following the POUR principles helps ensure digitally accessible content.
- 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.
Conformance levels
There are three levels of conformance.
- Level A (minimal conformance) - meets all of the Level A requirements in full, or a conforming alternate version is provided
- Level AA (average conformance) - meets all of the Level A and Level AA requirements in full, or a conforming level AA alternate version is provided
- Level AAA (most inclusive conformance) - meets all of the Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA requirements in full, or a conforming Level AAA alternate version is provided
Unfortunately, even with the conformance levels, there are multiple way to make applications or content accessible.
- These guidelines apply broadly over all types of digital content and technology.
- Because conformance can be interpreted, it falls to UTMB to create and document its policies and best practices.
Related resources
Other helpful resources from the Digital Accessibility Hub.