WCAG 2.2 Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international standard for web accessibility. WCAG 2.2 is the latest version, published in October 2023.
2.2
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
The four POUR principles
WCAG is organized around four foundational principles that form the acronym POUR
Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
Provide text alternatives for non-text content
Provide alternatives for time-based media
Create content that can be presented in different ways
Make it easier for users to see and hear content
Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable by all users.
Make all functionality available from a keyboard
Provide users enough time to read and use content
Do not design content that causes seizures
Provide ways to help users navigate and find content
Make it easier to operate through various inputs
Understandable
Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
Make text content readable and understandable
Make web pages appear and operate in predictable ways
Help users avoid and correct mistakes
Robust
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
Maximize compatibility with user agents and assistive technologies
Conformance levels
WCAG success criteria are organized into three levels of conformance
Level A
The minimum level of conformance. These are essential accessibility features that must be met.
- Non-text content has text alternatives
- No keyboard traps
- Page language is identified
Level AA
The recommended conformance level for most legal requirements worldwide. Includes Level A plus additional criteria.
- Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1
- Text can be resized to 200%
- Multiple ways to find pages
Level AAA
The highest level of conformance. Not required for entire sites but recommended where possible.
- Enhanced contrast ratio of 7:1
- Sign language for audio
- No timing for interactions
WCAG version history
2008
WCAG 2.0
ISO Standard
61 success criteria
2018
WCAG 2.1
W3C Recommendation
78 success criteria
2023
WCAG 2.2
Current Standard
87 success criteria
New in WCAG 2.2
WCAG 2.2 added 9 new success criteria focused on cognitive accessibility, mobile users, and authentication
WCAG in legal frameworks
WCAG is referenced in accessibility laws and regulations worldwide
Laws requiring WCAG compliance
- ADA (USA): Courts reference WCAG 2.1 AA
- EAA (EU): Requires EN 301 549 (based on WCAG)
- Section 508 (USA): Adopts WCAG 2.0 Level AA
- AODA (Ontario): Requires WCAG 2.0 Level AA
Why Level AA is the standard
- • Achievable for most websites and applications
- • Addresses the most significant barriers
- • Balances accessibility with practicality
- • Sufficient for most legal compliance
- • Recognized internationally as the benchmark
Achieve WCAG 2.2 compliance
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