WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It is the W3C’s technical standard describing how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, such as blind and partially sighted visitors, deaf people and people who cannot use a mouse. In its WCAG overview, the W3C points out that WCAG is a technical standard and refers newcomers to separate introductory material.
Versions and levels
| Version | Published |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.0 | 11 December 2008 |
| WCAG 2.1 | 5 June 2018 |
| WCAG 2.2 | 5 October 2023 |
WCAG 2.2 is designed to be backwards compatible: content that conforms to 2.2 also conforms to 2.1 and 2.0. The main exception is success criterion 4.1.1 Parsing, which WCAG 2.2 treats as obsolete. The W3C recommends using the latest version. The success criteria are testable and grouped into three levels: A, AA and AAA. WCAG 2.2 contains 13 guidelines, organised under four principles. A version 3 is in development as an early draft.
Example
An online shop with an “Add to basket” button that is only an icon, without text or a label. A screen reader then reads out nothing, or only “button”. Giving the button an accessible name solves that. Clear alt text for product photos belongs here too.
Common mistake
Treating accessibility as a layer you add afterwards with a script. Many criteria concern the build itself: headings in the right order, forms with labels, enough contrast and a site you can operate with the keyboard.
Which legal requirements apply to online shops is explained under the European Accessibility Act and in The European Accessibility Act: does it apply to your website or shop?