WCAG
What is WCAG?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is published by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative and defines how to make digital content accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG 2.2 (published October 2023) added nine new success criteria to WCAG 2.1, including 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum), 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced), 2.5.7 Dragging Movements, 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum, 24×24px), and 3.2.6 Consistent Help. WCAG is organised around four principles (POUR): Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust. Level AA (the middle tier) is mandated by ADA Title III case law in the US, the EU Accessibility Act, and most enterprise procurement requirements. Level AAA is aspirational, not feasible for all content.
Related terms
WCAG, frequently asked questions
WCAG 2.2 Level AA is the internationally recognised accessibility standard for digital products. It requires, among other things: text contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, keyboard operability for all functionality, visible focus indicators, accessible form error handling, and minimum touch target size of 24×24px. Level AA is the legal compliance target under ADA Title III, AODA, and the EU Accessibility Act.
WCAG was written for web content, but its principles apply broadly to mobile. The W3C publishes WCAG2ICT guidance specifically for applying WCAG to non-web software including native iOS and Android apps. Additionally, Apple and Google publish their own accessibility guidelines (iOS Human Interface Guidelines, Android Accessibility) that align closely with WCAG. App store review guidelines now include accessibility checks.