What is WCAG 2.1?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are a set of internationally recognised standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure web content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Released in June 2018, WCAG 2.1 builds upon the earlier WCAG 2.0 (December 2008) guidelines and addresses gaps to better support users with cognitive, learning, mobile, and low-vision disabilities.
Key Objectives of WCAG 2.1
WCAG 2.1 is designed to ensure that web content is:
Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. For example, providing alt text for images ensures that users with visual impairments can still access content through screen readers.
Operable
Users must be able to operate the interface. This includes making sure that all functionality is available from a keyboard for users who cannot use a mouse.
Understandable
Content and interfaces must be easy to understand. Clear navigation, simple language, and predictable layouts improve usability, especially for users with cognitive impairments.
Robust
Content must be accessible across a wide range of technologies, including assistive technologies like screen readers, to accommodate future developments.
New Features of WCAG 2.1
WCAG 2.1 introduces new success criteria focused on mobile accessibility, cognitive and learning disabilities, and low vision. Some key areas include:
Mobile Accessibility
Guidelines ensure that content can be navigated and interacted with on mobile devices. For example, requirements for touch target size and spacing help users who may have difficulty with precise touch gestures.
Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
New guidelines aim to make content easier to understand, reduce distractions, and provide support for memory, such as guidelines to prevent users from becoming disoriented when navigating a site.
Low Vision Users
WCAG 2.1 provides better support for users with low vision, including success criteria that address text spacing, contrast sensitivity, and reflow of content on small screens.
WCAG 2.1 Compliance Levels
Like WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1 is organised into three levels of compliance:
Level A
The minimum level of web accessibility, addressing the most basic issues.
Level AA
A higher level of accessibility, which is often the target for most websites, as it addresses the biggest barriers faced by users with disabilities.
Level AAA
The highest level of accessibility, although it’s often not feasible to meet this level for all content.
Legal and Practical Importance
Compliance with WCAG 2.1 is not just a best practice but is also a legal requirement in many regions. In the UK, for example, the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 mandate that websites must be accessible to all, using WCAG 2.1 AA as the benchmark.
Beyond legal compliance, adopting WCAG 2.1 ensures that your website is usable by a broader audience, improving user experience and fostering inclusivity. Businesses and organisations that prioritise accessibility can also enhance their reputation and avoid potential legal action.
Conclusion
WCAG 2.1 is a critical update that expands web accessibility to include mobile devices, cognitive disabilities, and low-vision users. By implementing these guidelines, organisations can provide an inclusive and accessible web experience for all users. While compliance with WCAG 2.1 may seem challenging, it’s a necessary step towards creating a more equitable digital world.
Incorporating WCAG 2.1 into your web design process will not only meet legal standards but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and a better user experience for everyone.
