The WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

To be digitally accessible as a business or organization, you must comply with international guidelines: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). You can find everything about the WCAG guidelines for digital accessibility here.

What is the WCAG?

The WCAG, also known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, serve as the global standard for ensuring websites are accessible to all users—including those with disabilities. The WCAG outlines clear principles for building digital content that is readable, navigable, and usable by everyone.chine at a train station

Why start with WCAG compliance?

Using the WCAG helps businesses reach broader audiences, boost SEO, minimize legal risks, and create better user experiences. Whether you manage a website, oversee digital content, or work in UX, understanding these guidelines is essential for sustainable growth. For governments, businesses, or suppliers just starting with digital accessibility, the question is: where do you begin? A key first step is applying WCAG 2.2, the ultimate handbook for building accessible, inclusive digital experiences.

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What Are The WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to establish a global standard for digital accessibility. These guidelines outline best practices to ensure your content works seamlessly with assistive technologies, making it accessible to everyone. While WCAG was originally designed for websites, its principles are now widely applied to:

Why WCAG Matters for Modern Websites

Improving website accessibility is not only a social responsibility—it’s also a business advantage. Accessible websites reach more users, perform better on search engines, and often see higher customer satisfaction.

Start with the WCAG

Evolution of The WCAG Over Time

  1. WCAG 1.0 (5 May 1999)

    The first version of WCAG introduced simple, early-stage guidelines, primarily focused on HTML.

  2. WCAG 2.0 (11 December 2008)

    WCAG 2.0 introduced the POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust—and expanded accessibility guidance to cover a wide range of technologies. This version helped developers create more inclusive digital content.

  3. WCAG 2.1 (5 June 2018)

    WCAG 2.1 added 17 new success criteria, addressing mobile and cognitive accessibility as mobile browsing became increasingly popular.

    All about WCAG 2.1

  4. 7 September 2018

    WCAG 2.1 at level AA was incorporated into the European standard EN 301 549, making it a guiding reference for legislation.

  5. WCAG 2.2 (5 October 2023)

    This version introduced new success criteria for authentication and drag-and-drop interactions. WCAG 2.2 will be integrated into EN 301 549 in due course.

    All about WCAG 2.2

  6. Anticipated WCAG 3.0 Changes

    Work is underway on WCAG 3.0, with the first draft already published. The final version is not expected for several years. WCAG 3 will introduce a completely new framework, replacing the A, AA, and AAA levels with a new scoring system. It will also broaden its focus beyond web content, reflected in the updated meaning: WCAG = W3C Accessibility Guidelines. Once finalized, WCAG 3.0 aims to provide a more user-friendly and comprehensive approach to digital accessibility, eventually replacing version 2.

    All about WCAG 3.0

Core Principles of the WCAG (P.O.U.R.) and Their Guidelines

Perceivable Content

Web content should be presented in ways that all users can perceive. This includes sufficient color contrast, text alternatives for images, and clear headings.

Guidelines

  • Provide text alternatives for non-text content.

  • Provide transcripts for audio and video content.

  • Add subtitles to videos.

  • Structure content logically.

  • Use semantic, meaningful HTML code.

  • Ensure all content remains usable when text size is doubled.

Operable Navigation

Websites should be operable using different input methods, allowing users to navigate with keyboards, mice, touchscreens, voice control, joysticks, or eye-tracking devices.

Guidelines

  • Ensure all functionality works via keyboard.

  • Make keyboard focus visible.

  • Use descriptive page titles and window labels.

  • Use descriptive links that clearly indicate their destination.

  • Avoid flashing content.

Understandable Information

Content should be clear and easy to understand. Structure, language, and instructions must be accessible to all users, including those using assistive technologies.

Guidelines:

  • Specify the page language in the code for assistive technologies.

  • Use readable and easy-to-understand text.

  • Provide visible and meaningful labels for all form fields.

  • Make it easy to identify and correct errors in forms.

Robust Content

Websites should be robust, ensuring compatibility with current and future technologies and assistive tools.

Guidelines

  • Use clean, error-free code.

  • Ensure maximum compatibility across browsers, devices, and utilities.

  • Make all functions understandable for assistive technologies, including their current state.

Complete Breakdown of WCAG Success Criteria

Level A: Basic Accessibility

These are essential requirements that every site should meet.

Level AA: Standard Compliance

Most organizations aim for Level AA, covering visual and functional usability.

Level AAA: Highest Standard

Recommended for government and health sectors, but not required for all.

Implementing The WCAG on Your Website

Do you want to know whether your website or ap already complies with WCAG? Then request a WCAG audit to have your website or app audited for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

  • Complete WCAG 2.2 audit

    Complete audit according to WCAG-EM, based on WCAG 2.2, level AA.

  • WCAG Technical Audit

    WCAG technical audit for developers. Spot accessibility issues in code, forms, and menus with clear reports, practical fixes, and expert support.

  • Content audit

    Ideal if a full WCAG audit is not needed. We figure this out together.

  • WCAG Quick Scan

    Get a first impression of your website’s digital accessibility.

  • Mobile App Accessibility Audit

    Ensure your app is accessible with a WCAG-based App Audit. Improve usability, accessibility, and user experience on both iOS and Android. Get in touch!

  • PDF audit

    Check how accessibly your PDF documents are formatted

  • Additional audit

    Perfect for after a major update or new functionality on your website, app or PDF document.

Final Thoughts on The WCAG

The WCAG stands as one of the most influential frameworks for creating an inclusive digital world. As technology evolves, accessibility cannot be an afterthought—it's a core pillar of responsible design. Whether you’re aiming to improve SEO, align with legal standards, or simply create a better user experience, The WCAG offers the roadmap you need.

When organizations embrace accessibility from the beginning, they benefit from:

  • A larger audience

  • Reduced legal risks

  • Stronger SEO

  • Better brand trusty

  • Better brand trusty

Questions about the WCAG?

Like Carolina, do you get raving about the WCAG? Or are you just at a loss for words? Contact us and we will be happy to help you further along the way.

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Carolina van Setten, Brand Manager Cardan

FAQs About The WCAG