A Quick Guide to WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards designed to make digital content more accessible to people with disabilities. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines are organized into four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Each principle includes specific success criteria, which are divided into three levels: A, AA, and AAA, based on their impact on accessibility.

What Are the Four Principles of WCAG?

1. Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways users can perceive. This includes text alternatives for images, captions for videos, and proper contrast for readability.

2. Operable: Users must be able to navigate and operate the interface, regardless of their abilities. This includes keyboard accessibility and enough time to read content.

3. Understandable: Content and the user interface should be easy to understand, using clear language, predictable navigation, and offering help for any input errors.

4. Robust: Content should be compatible with a wide range of devices and assistive technologies, ensuring longevity and adaptability.

WCAG Success Criteria

Below is a list of all WCAG 2.1 success criteria, linked for easy reference:

Perceivable

• 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)
• 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (A)
• 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (A)
• 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (A)
• 1.2.4 Captions (Live) (AA)
• 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (AA)
• 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded) (AAA)
• 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded) (AAA)
• 1.2.8 Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (AAA)
• 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live) (AAA)
• 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)
• 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (A)
• 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (A)
• 1.3.4 Orientation (AA)
• 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (AA)
• 1.3.6 Identify Purpose (AAA)
• 1.4.1 Use of Color (A)
• 1.4.2 Audio Control (A)
• 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (AA)
• 1.4.4 Resize text (AA)
• 1.4.5 Images of Text (AA)
• 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced) (AAA)
• 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio (AAA)
• 1.4.8 Visual Presentation (AAA)
• 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) (AAA)
• 1.4.10 Reflow (AA)
• 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (AA)
• 1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA)
• 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (AA)

Operable

• 2.1.1 Keyboard (A)
• 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (A)
• 2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception) (AAA)
• 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (A)
• 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (A)
• 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (A)
• 2.2.3 No Timing (AAA)
• 2.2.4 Interruptions (AAA)
• 2.2.5 Re-authenticating (AAA)
• 2.2.6 Timeouts (AAA)
• 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (A)
• 2.3.2 Three Flashes (AAA)
• 2.3.3 Animation from Interactions (AAA)
• 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (A)
• 2.4.2 Page Titled (A)
• 2.4.3 Focus Order (A)
• 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (A)
• 2.4.5 Multiple Ways (AA)
• 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (AA)
• 2.4.7 Focus Visible (AA)
• 2.4.8 Location (AAA)
• 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) (AAA)
• 2.4.10 Section Headings (AAA)
• 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (AA)
• 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) (AAA)
• 2.4.13 Focus Appearance (AAA)
• 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (A)
• 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (A)
• 2.5.3 Label in Name (A)
• 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (A)
• 2.5.5 Target Size (AAA)
• 2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms (AAA)
• 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (AA)
• 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (AA)

Understandable

• 3.1.1 Language of Page (A)
• 3.1.2 Language of Parts (AA)
• 3.1.3 Unusual Words (AAA)
• 3.1.4 Abbreviations (AAA)
• 3.1.5 Reading Level (AAA)
• 3.1.6 Pronunciation (AAA)
• 3.2.1 On Focus (A)
• 3.2.2 On Input (A)
• 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (AA)
• 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (AA)
• 3.2.5 Change on Request (AAA)
• 3.2.6 Consistent Help (A)
• 3.3.1 Error Identification (A)
• 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A)
• 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (AA)
• 3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (AA)
• 3.3.5 Help (AAA)
• 3.3.6 Error Prevention (All) (AAA)
• 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (A)
• 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (AA)
• 3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced) (AAA)

Robust

• 4.1.1 Parsing (A)
• 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (A)
• 4.1.3 Status Messages (AA)

WCAG provides essential guidelines for ensuring that websites and digital platforms are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. These standards help businesses and organizations create inclusive online experiences by adhering to principles that make content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Following WCAG guidelines not only improves accessibility but also enhances usability for all users, contributing to a more equitable web.