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What is WCAG?
WCAG is a set of technical standards that, when followed, improve the accessibility of web content, websites, and web applications for people with a wide range of disabilities. Many of the guidelines can also be used to improve mobile applications, self-service kiosk software, and other digital experiences. Importantly, following WCAG also helps organizations comply with various legal mandates, like:
In some cases, to comply with legal requirements, web content must conform with WCAG standards.
WCAG and legal compliance
WCAG is often referenced in enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and these standards are embedded in global accessibility laws, like Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Additionally, the presumptive standard for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), EN 301 549, aligns with WCAG.
Because meeting legal requirements for digital accessibility often involves conforming with WCAG, conforming to this standard isn’t optional for many organizations. It’s essential to avoid legal or regulatory action.
The WCAG POUR principles
WCAG is organized by four main principles, which state that content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. They are often referred to by the acronym POUR.
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Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. For example, it’s important to present information that can be perceived in different ways, where a user can adjust color contrast or font size, or view captions for videos.
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Operable
User interface components and navigation must be functional for users in ways they can operate. For example, a user must be able to perform required interactions using a keyboard or voice commands, not just using a mouse.
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Understandable
Information and user interface operation must be understandable. For example, information and instructions should be clear and navigation methods should be easy to understand and use.
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Robust
Content must be robust enough that it can interpreted reliably by a wide variety of users and assistive technologies. As technologies evolve, code and content should remain accessible for users of common and current assistive devices and tools.
The Must-Have WCAG Checklist
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FAQ
Is WCAG a legal requirement?
WCAG is not a law; however, conforming with WCAG standards is required for compliance with various legal mandates, including Title II of the ADA, Section 508, and the AODA.
Does WCAG apply to mobile apps?
Following WCAG success criteria is a best practice for all types of digital experiences, including mobile apps. Specifically, WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 include criteria for tablets and mobile devices.
Is WCAG 2.2 conformance required immediately?
Although organizations may not need to comply with WCAG 2.2 right away, addressing the new success criteria will help you stay ahead of evolving regulations.
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