WCAG guidelines are designed to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, such as those with visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive disabilities.
Although the guidelines are complex, we can divide them into three levels of conformance (A, AA, AAA), with each level representing a higher standard of accessibility.
The guidelines cover a wide range of topics, including text alternatives for non-text content (such as images), keyboard accessibility, color contrast, and accessible forms. By following the WCAG guidelines, web developers can ensure that their websites are accessible to the broadest possible audience, with people with disabilities a chief concern.
Conforming to WCAG guidelines is also the surest method of complying with most web accessibility laws, for instance, the federal level Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States.
WCAG 2.0 versus WCAG 2.1
WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 are both versions of the WCAG guidelines developed to provide technical standards for web accessibility.
WCAG 2.0 was first published in 2008 and provides a set of guidelines for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. This version established the three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA.
WCAG 2.1 was published in 2018 and is an extension of WCAG 2.0, meaning simply that it builds on top of the previous version. It includes new Success Criteria that address some of the accessibility issues not covered in WCAG 2.0, such as mobile device accessibility, low vision accessibility, and cognitive and learning disabilities.
In summary, while WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 share many of the same guidelines, WCAG 2.1 includes additional guidelines and Success Criteria that are designed to improve accessibility for a broader range of disabilities and technologies, such as mobile devices.
It is highly advised for web developers and designers to build or remediate their websites according to the WCAG 2.1 version, as web accessibility requirements continue to demand higher standards and include new features. In fact, EqualWeb provides its customers with accessible websites according to
WCAG 2.2 guidelines, which were officially released on January 25, 2023.
Can I get sued despite my WCAG conformance?
Although following the WCAG 2.2 standards is generally considered to be a best practice for web accessibility and can help improve the accessibility of your website, it does not guarantee that you will avoid web accessibility lawsuits.
In fact, there have been cases where organizations that were found to be in compliance with WCAG standards were still sued for web accessibility violations. This is because some web accessibility laws and regulations may have additional requirements beyond the WCAG standards. Furthermore, even if your website is compliant with the WCAG standards, it is possible that there may still be accessibility issues that need to be addressed.
For this reason it is important to work with accessibility experts and legal professionals to ensure that your website is fully compliant with applicable web accessibility laws and regulations and to regularly review and test your website to ensure ongoing accessibility.
EqualWeb has developed a unique solution in the web accessibility field that is known for its
hybrid approach of automated remediation as well as hands-on remediation by web accessibility experts, who have a slew of web accessibility tools at their disposal, such as a scalable monitor system, various testing tools, and years of experience.
This method ensures that accessibility errors do not go unnoticed or ignored. In addition, feedback features and consistent work with people with disabilities help EqualWeb keep track of its remediation techniques and maintain its stellar high standards for web accessibility.
For more information on EqualWeb’s hybrid solution and plans and pricing,
see here.
