Understanding the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is key to creating accessible digital experiences for all users, including those with disabilities. In this guide, we’ll break down what WCAG means, its core principles, and the levels of accessibility you can achieve.
What is WCAG?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of internationally recognized standards designed to make digital content, such as websites and mobile applications, accessible to people with disabilities. This is primarily the goal of regulations we covered in this article.
The current WCAG is available here.
WCAG is based on four core principles, ensuring content is:
- Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive (for instance, not only by visual display but with alternative texts).
- Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable (the interface cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform).
- Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
- Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
If any of these are not true, users with disabilities will not be able to use the web.
WCAG levels of conformance: A, AA, AAA
WCAG defines three levels of conformance, reflecting the depth and complexity of accessibility requirements.
Level A (Minimum Level)
- These are the most basic web accessibility requirements, ensuring that no content creates significant barriers to access. Common examples include alternative texts for images or keyboard operability.
- Essential for achieving basic accessibility.
- Not meeting Level A means a website or app is not accessible to the majority of users with disabilities.
- It is better than nothing, however it will most likely not meet the standard set by the current regulations.
Level AA (Mid-Level)
- Level AA meets the requirements of level A and adds some more to improve accessibility for a broader audience.
- Most accessibility regulations, like the ADA or AODA, require conformance to Level AA.
- Level AA is a standard which must be met by public bodies, therefore it is widely considered the practical standard for accessibility in most private sector industries.
- Level AA accommodations include, for example, color contrasts, resizable text up to 200% without loss of functionality, clear and consistent navigation (e.g., a site map or breadcrumbs), and labels or instructions for form fields (e.g., input fields with clear placeholders or labels).
Level AAA (Highest Level)
- Level AAA is not typically required by regulations, as it can be difficult to achieve for all content.
- If you want to make your app truly accessible, it is good to aim at level AAA as your goal. However, in some cases, the similar level of accessibility may be achieved in a simpler and less invasive way.
- Level AAA accommodations may include things like even higher contrast ratios (e.g., 7:1 for normal text), sign language interpretation for audio content or the avoidance of time limits whenever possible.
Summary of differences between levels
| Aspect | Level A | Level AA | Level AAA |
| Complexity | Basic | Moderate | Advanced |
| Color Contrast | Not required | 4.5:1 | 7:1 |
| Media Requirements | Basic alternatives (e.g., captions) | Extended alternatives (e.g., audio descriptions) | Comprehensive (e.g., sign language) |
| Navigation | Accessible | Consistent and clear navigation | Enhanced aids for finding content |
| Compliance | Minimum standard | Most common requirement for laws | Rarely required, aspirational |
WCAG vs. legal frameworks
Please note that, even though WCAG is a commonly used benchmark (and for a good reason!), it is not a legally binding regulation.
Is it fair to say then that to be safe, you can only implement WCAG Level AA to your app? In most cases, yes. However, please keep in mind that particular regulations may differ from WCAG, and, most importantly, they may obligate you to provide things like additional documentation or procedures.
In some cases, if it is what is best for your business at the time, perhaps WCAG Level A should do the trick.
The matter is more complex, especially when you want to distribute your app across multiple regions. You should also pay more attention to the topic if your business is in a regulated area, such as Transport or banking. We recommend that you conduct both a legal audit and an accessibility audit at an early stage so you know what you’re up against.
You may also like:
- Step-by-Step Guide to Provide Accessibility in Your Mobile App
- 9 Key Accessibility Laws for Mobile Apps: What You Need to Know
Wrap-up: Is WCAG enough for accessibility?
WCAG provides a practical framework for making your app or website accessible, ensuring a better experience for users with diverse needs. While Level AA compliance is often sufficient to meet legal standards, going beyond to Level AAA can demonstrate your commitment to true inclusivity.
However, accessibility isn’t just a technical checklist – it’s an ongoing process that evolves as user needs and technologies change. Start by understanding the specific needs of your audience and align them with the right WCAG level for your goals.
Prioritize accessibility from the beginning to save time, reduce costs, and create a product that genuinely resonates with all users. If you’re unsure where to start, expert audits and guidance can make the process smoother and more effective.Start planning for accessibility today, and if you need expert guidance, let’s connect – we’re here to help!
