WCAG as requirements for websites
In the digital age, the accessibility of websites and applications to all users, regardless of their abilities, is becoming increasingly important. WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is a key element in this process. In this article, we’ll look at what exactly WCAG is, why it’s so important and how it can be applied in practice.
What is WCAG?
WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. The history of WCAG dates back to the late 1990s, when attention first began to be drawn to the need to create more accessible websites. Version 2.1 is now in place, which introduces a number of improvements and new guidelines, taking into account developments in technology and the changing needs of users.
Why is WCAG important?
Applying WCAG benefits both users and companies. For people with disabilities, it means easier access to information and online services, which is extremely important in the context of equality and social inclusion. Companies, on the other hand, gain a wider audience reach, improve their reputation and avoid potential legal consequences associated with failing to comply with accessibility standards. In the era of globalization and digitization, digital accessibility is becoming not only a technical issue, but also an ethical and social one. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are standards developed to ensure that web content is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. The key principles of WCAG, which form the foundation of accessibility, are perceivability, functionality, comprehensibility and robustness. Here is a detailed description of each of these principles:
- Perceivability The principle of perceivability refers to the ability to perceive and process information presented on a website. In order for content to be perceivable, it must be accessible to all the senses a user may need to perceive that content. This includes:
- Alternative text for non-standard content, such as images that enable people who are blind or visually impaired to understand what is being presented.
- Providing subtitles and audiodescription for video content, which helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Ensuring that content can be easily read and understood, for example, by using contrasting colors and legible fonts.
- Functionality Functionality refers to the ability to use and navigate the website. The site should be operable in a variety of environments, including keyboard or assistive technologies such as screen readers. Key aspects of functionality include:
- Ability to operate all interface elements using the keyboard, without using the mouse.
- Provide sufficient time to read and use the content.
- Avoiding design that can cause seizures, for example, by eliminating flashing or blinking elements.
- Comprehensibility Comprehensibility means that the information and operation of the user interface must be understandable. The user should be able to understand both the information and the operation of the interface. This includes:
- Clear and understandable instructions, labels and form errors.
- Maintain consistency of navigation and interface elements across different pages.
- The ability to predict how various interface elements will work, which helps users navigate the site.
- Robustness Robustness refers to the need to create content in such a way that it is compatible with different browsers, assistive technologies and other user tools. Content should be flexible enough to be interpreted correctly by a wide range of technologies, including future technologies. Key aspects of robustness are:
- Compatibility with standards, such as HTML and ARIA, which ensure that content will work properly in different environments.
- Testing content on a variety of devices and browsers to make sure it works properly in a variety of configurations.
- Include future standards and technologies in the design process to make content sustainable and accessible in the long term.
Each of these principles is essential to creating accessible web content and should be considered in the design and development of websites and applications. By adhering to the WCAG principles, content creators can ensure that their sites are accessible to the widest possible range of users, including people with different types of disabilities.
WCAG 2.1 – What’s new?
Version 2.1 of WCAG introduces new guidelines that focus on improvements for people with mobility impairments, the visually impaired and the deaf. It differs from previous versions by expanding its scope and taking into account new technologies, such as mobile apps, which have become an integral part of our lives. Among other things, the new guidelines cover issues such as accessibility of video content, better navigation for people using screen readers, and improvements in accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Putting WCAG into practice requires not only understanding the guidelines, but also applying them appropriately in the design and creation of digital content. There are a number of tools and resources that can help in this process, including official WCAG documentation, various auditing tools, and online communities where developers and designers can share experiences and best practices. It’s important to remember that accessibility is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and updating.
WCAG and the law
In many countries, including the European Union, compliance with WCAG has become a legal requirement for websites and mobile applications. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to legal and financial consequences, as well as negatively impact a company’s image. In Poland, WCAG compliance is also required under various laws, highlighting the importance of digital accessibility in the context of human rights and equality. WCAG is applicable to both websites and mobile applications. It is particularly important in the public, educational and corporate sectors, where accessibility is key to ensuring equal access to information and services. Examples of WCAG’s application include designing websites that are easy to navigate and readable for people with dyslexia, creating mobile apps that are accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired, and ensuring that multimedia content is accessible to people who are deaf.
WCAG for different user groups
WCAG aims to help various user groups, including people with disabilities, as well as seniors who may have age-related limitations. Digital accessibility is important not only for people with permanent disabilities, but also for those who experience temporary or situational limitations, such as a broken arm or a bright light in the environment.
WCAG challenges
WCAG implementation can face technological and organizational challenges. It requires awareness and commitment on the part of development teams and management support. One major challenge is maintaining a balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that websites and applications are not only visually appealing, but also accessible to all users. Another challenge is constantly updating and adapting content to changing standards and technologies. WCAG is constantly evolving to keep up with advances in technology and changing user needs. Future versions may introduce new guidelines, responding to new challenges in digital accessibility, such as the growing importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in web content creation. It is important for the developer and design community to be involved in this process, sharing their experiences and tips to create increasingly accessible and inclusive digital content.
How do you get started with WCAG?
The first step in WCAG implementation is to understand the guidelines and assess current digital accessibility. Then develop an action plan that takes these guidelines into account. It is important that the approach to accessibility be holistic, covering all aspects of digital content design and development. Companies may also consider working with accessibility experts who can help assess, plan and implement appropriate changes. Many companies have had success in implementing WCAG, improving the accessibility of their websites and applications. These examples can serve as inspiration and a resource for other organizations. For example, large technology corporations often share their experiences and best practices in accessibility, which can be helpful for smaller companies and organizations that are just beginning their journey toward full digital accessibility. Education about WCAG is key to increasing awareness and skills in digital accessibility. There are many training courses and online resources that can help with this process. Companies can also organize workshops and trainings for their employees to increase their awareness of accessibility and teach them how to apply the WCAG guidelines in practice. Education and continuous learning are key to maintaining a high level of digital accessibility.
Summary
WCAG plays a key role in creating more accessible digital content. Its understanding and application is not only a matter of legal compliance, but also an ethical obligation to all internet users. As technology evolves, so must accessibility standards evolve to ensure that no one is excluded from the digital world.
