What is WCAG Compliance? Cracking the Code to Compassion, Conversion, and Cohesion

Accessibility isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business. Learn how WCAG compliance can boost your reach and revenue.

WHO says there are over 1.3 billion people in the world living with some kind of disability. That’s one in six potential users who might find your website challenging to navigate if you haven’t embraced WCAG compliance yet. Picture the missed opportunities and the untapped audience simply because your digital doorstep isn't accessible to everyone.

Here’s the good news: Simply following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) can change the whole game. How? Think of them as the golden rulebook with clauses focused on making websites welcoming for all, for any kind of disabilities, including visual, physical, auditory, speech, motor, cognitive, language, or neurological.

However, implementing WCAG is not only about doing the right thing; it’s also about boosting the overall accessibility and navigation of the website, which significantly impacts SEO rankings. 

In simple terms, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is an internationally recognized set of protocols designed to make the web experience accessible for everyone. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the global institutional body responsible for creating and maintaining WCAG.

Importance of Implementing the WCAG Compliance

Don’t let your website suffer because of accessibility gaps. Here’s an overview of some critical benefits of WCAG compliance across your web presence.

Enhanced Accessibility Impacts the Global Presence

Research that tested 10,000,000 web pages published a report stating that over 98% of websites failed the WCAG 2.1 AA compliance level for menus, 52% of websites failed for images, and 89% failed for popups. 

This shows the kind of opportunities that exist in the market focused on accessibility. By filling WCAG gaps on each layer, you get to replace your competitors falling in these stats and build a more trustworthy presence.

Boosts SEO Rankings

It’s not only the usability that gets elevated by properly implementing WCAG. Your overall SEO strategy can also benefit greatly by making your website compliant. Google’s efforts to make accessibility more common also include supporting the regulation of WCAG. Therefore, popular SEO tools like Pagespeed and Google Console provide in-depth analysis of core web vitals, representing the health and inclusiveness of your website.

Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigations

In the USA, non-compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act can lead to legal, reputational, and monetary damages. According to ADA Site Compliance, over 4,600 lawsuits were filed in 2023 alone. Application of WCAG compliance can save your site from possible legal fees as well as hefty fines that occur once lawsuits are filed.

Broader Market Reach and Revenues

A website with WCAG accessibility factors in place means more users, ultimately impacting its engagement time and conversions positively. Beyond that, you also get to target a user segment with a disposable income of $490 billion to spend on everyday necessities. Even though it’s just 7% of the total income made by people without disabilities, it still represents a massive consumer opportunity where your website can lead the race.

Future-Proofing Your Website

Implementing WCAG compliance in the IT industry enhances the future of technologies. The framework is designed with a perspective to make it compatible with the tech evolution happening in the future as well. It considers the kind of transformation future technologies, like AI-powered tools, websites, smartwatches, etc., might witness.

Complying with Global Standards

WCAG is accepted by authorities across the globe with their respective laws framed around its implementation. It ensures digital assets remain catered to audiences from diverse backgrounds and geographies, making them more useful and popular.

Key Principles of WCAG Compliance: The P.O.U.R Theory

P.O.U.R is the backbone of WCAG standards, ensuring your website is open to all. W3C introduced the P.O.U.R Principle in 2008 under WCAG 2.0 Guidelines. Diving deeper into these principles is the key to understanding these guidelines from the inside out. 

Let’s have a look!

P Stands for Perceivable

Your content should make its presence noticed, even if the user doesn’t hear or see it. The first principle of the theory changes simple content into a sensory experience. Some examples of Perceivable content can be:

Alt texts: Describing a picture that would tell users with visual impairment about the image's content. These are often hidden from the front end. Here’s a sample

Sample alt text: Smiling black kitten in a jungle with wild animals in the background

Captions: These provide dialogs in the textual format in parallel with the playtime of any video. Captions are added alongside images as well to describe them. The difference between captions and alt texts is that these are made visible on the front end.

Transcripts: These are simply textual versions of audio. Often used in videos and podcasts, the Purpose of transcripts is to make content consumable for hearing-impaired users. If you have watched movies with subtitles, you might know what we are talking about.

Collectively, think of Perceivable as the life of the accessibility party; everyone’s invited, and no one’s left guessing.

O Stands for Operable

Not everybody is a mouse user; some rely on their voice, some on sip-and-puff devices (SNP), and others on keyboards. The Operable principle backing WCAG standards ensures every interaction across devices is as smooth as butter. Its components are:

• Keyboard Navigation: Your website should be usable through keyboards, even with simple keys like ‘Tab.’
• Shortcuts: Your web content must support shortcut keys.
• Barrier-free Design: As described by W3C, there should be no kind of interaction that a user can not perform.

U Stands for Understandable

Ever landed on a website and wondered, ‘What’s all this about?’. The Understandable Principle is about keeping things simple and easily comprehensible. Some components of this principle include:

• Plain Language: The language used in content should be easy to understand. It should be engaging, informative, crisp, and focused on using simple words.
• Intuitive Layouts: WCAG recommends using website design trends that are very intuitive. Users should be able to find their destination without much effort while navigating through the interface.
• Instant Clarity: The tone should be conversational, delivering the context of the text with ease and in an instant. But the clarity should not be limited to the tone. It should also be implemented across images, interfaces, etc.

R Stands for Robust

WCAG requirements recommend making your content future-proof so it works on every device. The goal is to make the content accessible, whether consumed through smartphones or some device that doesn’t exist yet. The components of this principle can be:

• Multi-device Flexibility: The principle recommends making the web content accessible on all devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, or maybe even on the smart fridge if it fits the intent.
• Assistive Tech-ready: The web content should have support for multiple control modes that could include voice control, screen readers, etc.
• Built for Tomorrow: The web content should be prepared with tomorrow in mind. As tech trends evolve, website development trends can evolve too. Your website content should be scalable accordingly.

The Three Levels of WCAG Requirements

The WCAG roadmap is divided into three levels, each bringing principles of accessibility closer. Here’s an overview:

• Level A: WCAG compliance rules covered under Level A clearly state the basic requirements of your website content. This level is lighter in technicalities and focuses on tackling basic fundamentals. For instance, optimizing alt texts or crafting website UI/UX design that can be used from just the keyboard.
• Level AA: WCAG's AA level focuses increasingly on accessibility and goes beyond factors like alt texts. It starts caring about the contrast between text and the background, navigation consistency, microinteractions, and implementation of captions for audio content. WCAG AA removes several barriers, effectively making the website compatible with users with cognitive or visual impairments.
• Level AAA: The Third level blends both previous levels and adds some new requirements. Under this level, websites need to support sign language interpretation for videos, further enhance contrast vs text ratio, and provide detailed help texts for components like forms. It can be a difficult WCAG compliance policy to adopt, but it ensures no user is left behind because of their disability.

A Quick Summary of WCAG Compliance Versions

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have evolved with time since the release of the first one on June 05, 1999. Each evolution played a role in making the web experience more impactful. Here are some details.

WCAG 1.0

Release Date: June 05, 1999

Overview: The official W3 WCAG 1.0 document included 14 guidelines. This kickstarted the trend of taking web accessibility more seriously. Each guideline placed a checkpoint to target various web accessibility elements. These guidelines are:

• Guideline 1: Provide text content equivalent to the non-text data, such as alt text, captions, and descriptions.
• Guideline 2: Use text or patterns to convey any information instead of just colors.
• Guideline 3: Structure content with proper HTML and CSS markups.
• Guideline 4: Include language options, and for abbreviations, provide expansions as well.
• Guideline 5: Ensure data tables are properly formatted, summarized, and have proper headers and structure.
• Guideline 6: If new technologies are used, ensure the content remains accessible even when the tech is not.
• Guideline 7: To cater to the requirements of users who can’t read quickly, it ensures that the webpage refreshing, scrolling, moving, and blinking can be paused.
• Guideline 8: Ensure assistive technologies support the script and embedded objects you are using.
• Guideline 9: Multiple kinds of inputs should be supported for interactions, including keyboard shortcuts, voice, and more.
• Guideline 10: Make sure your web presence is compatible with older browsers and assistive tools as well.
• Guideline 11: Focus on current W3C-compliant technologies to avoid disapproved elements.
• Guideline 12: Establish the usage of clear titles, grouping, and labels in practice.
• Guideline 13: Provide clear and smooth navigation, descriptive links, and sitemaps for a smoother user journey.
• Guideline 14: Use easy and clear language blended with a consistent layout.

WCAG 2.0

Release Date: December 11, 2008

Overview: WCAG 2.0 introduced the principles of P.O.U.R, emphasizing a deeper focus on quality maintenance. There are 12 guidelines that 2.0 brought into existence overall. These were:

• Guideline 1.1: Provide text alternatives for non-text content like images, videos, etc.
• Guideline 1.2: Ensure the usage of time-based media like captions and transcripts for audio and video content.
• Guideline 1.3: Ensure the content is presented in multiple layouts without sacrificing its structure.
• Guideline 1.4: The contrast ratio between the foreground and background should be sufficient to clearly divide the content. Also, the sole usage of colors should be avoided.
• Guideline 2.1: Each function of the website should be accessible from the keyboard.
• Guideline 2.2: Ensure users have enough time to interact with the content or complete any tasks.
• Guideline 2.3: Avoid using flashing content that can trigger any kind of seizure.
• Guideline 2.4: Keep navigations, titles, headings, and mechanisms clear to locate and access.
• Guideline 3.1: Keep readability your priority for the website content. Ensure the text includes language markers, definitions for jargon, and explanations for abbreviations used.
• Guideline 3.2: Keep navigation consistent.
• Guideline 3.3: Provide error identification, correction options, and guidance during the phase of data input.
• Guideline 4: Ensure your content is properly marked up to support assistive technologies smoothly. Its roles and properties should be programmatically marked with unique IDs as well.

WCAG 2.1

Release Date: June 05, 2018

Overview: This version of WCAG standards uses the foundation provided by WCAG 2.0. However, the major difference between WCAG 2.0 vs. 2.1 is that 2.1 introduces some new guidelines that were very much focused on devices like smartphones. 

What’s new in WCAG 2.1?

Apart from maintaining backward compatibility with WCAG 2.0, the new version focuses on:

• Users with cognitive or learning disabilities
• Users with low vision
• Users accessing content on mobile devices

Seventeen new Success Criteria were introduced in WCAG 2.1 under the P.O.U.R. Principle. These were:

WCAG 2.2

Release Date: October 05, 2023

The updated framework was released on October 05, 2023. Compared to 2.1, the 2.2 version of WCAG compliance regulations brings nine additional success criteria. WCAG 2.2 came into existence to initiate the work of WCAG 2.1, focusing on improved accessibility guidance for three main target groups:

• Users with low vision
• Users with learning disabilities or related cognitive functions
• Users with disabilities on mobile devices

Some new additions to the WCAG 2.2 guidelines, as described in the document titled ‘What's New in WCAG 2.2’ are:

• 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (Level AA): Web content is supposed to be at least partially visible on the screen to let users know what is in the focus of their keyboard interaction. This ensures that the content isn’t hidden behind any header, footer, or other element.
• 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) (Level AAA): The guideline asks web users to ensure anytime an element is in the focus of any keyboard, it is properly visible on the screen. The goal is to ensure those who can’t use a mouse are still able to see what they’re clicking on.
• 2.4.13 Focus Appearance (Level AAA): Puts a mandatory requirement ensuring the focus indicator is of sufficient size for its clear visibility. It also ensures the cursor has sufficient contrast, keeping it well separated from the background.
• 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA): This clause ensures that any action that requires dragging offers a simple pointer alternative. This is to accommodate users facing difficulty in drag-and-drop actions.
• 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA): Provides specifics for buttons and links, making it mandatory for them to have at least a size of 24 x 24 CSS pixels. This reduces the probability of users accidentally clicking on the wrong targets.
• 3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A): Ensures that when you put the help section across multiple pages, it remains easier and is a consistent practice to find it.
• 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A): Ensures that your website is not asking for the same information twice in a single session. It can get difficult for some folks with cognitive disabilities to keep the same information remembered in its consistent form.
• 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (Level AA): Mandates that users do not have to recall, solve, or transcribe something to access the web content.
• 3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced) (Level AAA): Ensures that users do not have to recognize objects, user-supplied images, or some form of media to access the content front-end.

WCAG 3.0 - Working Draft by W3C

Release Date: December 12, 2024

WCAG’s v3.0 guidelines are still in development. These are not only focused on making web content but applications accessible as well. The W3C guidelines support larger user requirements to make the modern world way more inclusive and accessible. 

The major difference between WCAG 2.0 and WCAG 3.0 is the latter addresses the content accessibility across platforms that include desktops, tablets, laptops, mobile devices, wearable devices, web of things, and more.

Note: As informed by W3C authorities in the official document titled WCAG 3.0, these guidelines are not yet finalized but are in their drafting stage. Therefore, the final version could be slightly different.

Some components of WCAG 3.0 are:

Image and Media Alternatives

• The webpage should have text-based alternatives for all images.
• Decorative images should be hidden programmatically.
• Auto-generated image descriptions should be editable.
• Audio content must be supported by captions.
• Visual media should be supported by audio descriptions.
• Audio video content should have transcripts along with it.
• Non-verbal cues must be explained in media alternatives.

Text and Wording

• The text should fall under the minimum and maximum contrast ratios.
• Avoid using decorative fonts; instead, use readable font sizes.
• Don’t use complex words. For uncommon terms, provide definitions.
• Do not use unnecessary filters to draft concise sentences.
• Avoid unclear phrasing and double negatives.

Interactive Components

• The keyboard focus should be visible and styled.
• Ensure keyboard users have access to logical navigation order.
• Restore the focus on its previous location after modal interactions.
• Keep consistent labels and behaviors for interactive elements in your strategy.
• Follow standard design conventions for controls.

Input and Operation

• Ensure that the keyboard supports all of your website's functionality.
• Avoid keyboard traps. Offer users a smooth exit from components.
• Provide alternatives for gestures or drag-based inputs.
• Avoid placing requirements of input speeds or pressures.

Error Handling

• Link errors with the source programmatically and visually.
• Keep error notifications visible until they are resolved.
• Provide clear and actionable descriptions of errors.

Animation and Movement

• Allow users to pause or stop flashing or strobing effects.
• Avoid unnecessary animations in interfaces.

Layout and Structure

• Keep relationships between content elements clear.
• Follow a consistent navigation layout structure.
• Put related visual and programmatic information in groups.

Process and Task Completion

• Avoid asking users to memorize steps or processes.
• Enable automated or pre-filled data wherever possible.
• Let users extend or disable time limits.
• Avoid deceptive ideas or misleading ideas.

Policy and Protection

• If advertising or using third-party content, provide clear labels.
• Protect sensitive data for user privacy.
• Deliver clear warnings about the consequences of any actions.

Help and Feedback

• Keep help options contextual, concise, and accessible.
• Allow users to submit feedback.
• Include visual content to tone down the complexity of concepts.

User Control

• Let users optimize text size, color, and layout settings.
• Optimize controls over notifications and interruptions.
• Provide warnings for triggering or visually stimulating content.

User Agent Support

• Ensure your web content supports assistive technologies.
• Honor user settings deliver them customization.
• Allow for printing that respects user preferences.

Legal Aspects of WCAG

WCAG compliance for IT Sectors around the world is enforced by local laws. Some of these laws set penalties for violations, while others are focused on inspiring a more inclusive environment. Here’s an overview of these laws:

Wrapping Up: WCAG is Your Gateway to a Truly Inclusive Web

Imagine having a digital doorway that cares about all 1.3 billion people living with disabilities. It will not only make your website more accessible but also boost the overall reputation. Going through the WCAG compliance made it fairly clear that it’s not just a bureaucratic procedure established for political gains or formality. 

WCAG has an impact, and irrespective of the country in which you're launching your digital product, integrating it into your website will help you out. It will eventually become your digital asset's golden ticket to success, especially in an era when a fair share of websites are still not fully optimized based on WCAG Compliance.