The WCAG 2.1

Wat is the WCAG?

The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) help people with functional limitations use the Internet more easily. These WCAG guidelines are made up of:

• 4 principles

• 12 guidelines

• 86 success criteria

You have the WCAG, but what exactly is the WCAG 2.1 AA? To understand this properly, you need to know how the WCAG is structured.

Note! On October 5, 2023, the latest WCAG guidelines were published (WCAG 2.2 AA) You can read all about the WCAG 2.2 on this page.

What is the WCAG 2.1?

WCAG 2.1 was released in June 2018. This is the current standard for the Dutch government.

This version of the WCAG, consists of:

• 4 principles

• 13 guidelines

• 78 success criteria

By applying the WCAG 2.1 guidelines, more and more accessible websites, apps and online documents are being created.

The success criteria of the WCAG 2.1 AA

So what are these 50 success criteria? These 50 success criteria of the WCAG 2.1 AA are very specific rules on which a website, app or pdf document is audited for digital accessibility. Here are 4 examples.

Legislation and the WCAG 2.1

The WCAG 2.1 AA is the standard for the Digital Government Act. These are defined in the European Standard (EN) 301 549. For the government, digital accessibility is mandatory. So you have to meet the 50 success criteria of the WCAG 2.1 AA. The 28 success criteria at level AAA are only applied in specific situations. So this is not legally required.

WCAG 2.1 AA for government

As of Sept. 23, 2020, all government and quasi-government websites must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. And apps must comply as of June 23, 2021. This applies to the national government, but also to municipalities, provinces and water boards.

How to get started

For many governments, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are still a challenge. The WCAG 2.1 AA is not yet part of the whole organization. This often starts with awareness, but also with training colleagues. Not only the communications team needs to know what to look for. This also applies to managers and other policy makers. It is also important to have an overview of the accessibility of all digital assets: websites, apps, documents and video. We'll help you do just that!

WCAG 2.1 AA and the accessibility statement

Government organizations tell in the accessibility statement how accessible they already are and what they are doing to improve the accessibility of their websites or apps. A WCAG survey is required as “proof” for this purpose. Think of the Accessibility Statement as a kind of plan of attack: eventually, the website or app must fully meet the 50 success criteria.

The WCAG 2.1 AA for businesses

Starting in 2025, many businesses must also take the WCAG into account. In fact, digital accessibility will become a legal requirement for businesses and non-governments as well. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) should ensure that even more consumers can use accessible products and services.

The WCAG 2.2 AA

Since Oct. 5, 2023, the latest WCAG guidelines have been published. The WCAG 2.2. Most likely by 2025, this will become the standard.

The WCAG guidelines therefore become important for such things as:

• Web shops

• Transport services

• Banking

• E-books

Is your website or webshop not yet fully accessible? Then start making a plan now. That way, you'll be fully ready to reach even more people by 2025. We also have interesting training courses for companies, practical studies and we advise them on how to apply WCAG in their organization.