Creating an accessible website is not just an ethical choice or an inclusive gesture: it's a winning strategy to reach a broader audience and climb search engine rankings. Yes, you heard that right: accessibility is good not only for people but also for your SEO!
Le WCAG The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are the global rules of the game: guidelines designed to make the web a welcoming place for everyone, including people with disabilities. By following them, you not only reach new users but also create a site that Google crawlers love. Who wins? Everyone!
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about WCAG in simple language with practical advice. You'll discover the basic principles, compliance levels, and tools to help you succeed. Because yes, a more inclusive web is also a smarter web (and SEO-friendly)!
What are the WCAG?
The WCAG are the instruction manual for a web that suits everyone, developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). Essentially, these guidelines are designed to make web content accessible even to people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
Why are the WCAG important for your website?
Following the WCAG is not only a good practice but is often required by law, especially in public and commercial sectors. Additionally, accessible websites:
- Improve user experience: an inclusive design is more intuitive for everyone.
- Increase traffic: reach a wider audience, including users with disabilities.
- Optimize SEO: search engines reward accessible sites.
- Reduce legal risks: in some countries, non-compliance with WCAG may result in fines or legal actions.
WCAG Guidelines Versions
The WCAG guidelines have been updated multiple times to adapt to technological advancements and user needs. Here's an overview of the main versions:
WCAG 1.0
The first version, WCAG 1.0, dates back to 1999 and was developed by W3C as a foundation for defining accessibility standards.
This version included 14 guidelines organized into three priority levels (1, 2, and 3) and reflected the technologies of the time, such as HTML 4.
However, it had some limitations as it did not adequately consider emerging technologies like advanced CSS and complex multimedia content.
WCAG 2.0
In 2008, WCAG 2.0 was introduced, a completely revised version that brought significant innovations.
The four fundamental accessibility principles, which remain central in later versions, were introduced. This version provided greater flexibility, being technology-independent, and presented a compliance system divided into three levels: A, AA, and AAA.
Its structure and longevity have made it a widely adopted standard for over a decade.
WCAG 2.1
In 2018, WCAG 2.1 was published, expanding the accessibility requirements with 17 new success criteria.
This update enhanced accessibility for people with visual, motor, and cognitive disabilities, also addressing the needs of mobile devices, which have become central to web access.
Notable improvements include enhanced visual contrast, compatibility with touchscreens, and a more intuitive interface.
WCAG 2.2
WCAG 2.2, published in 2023, introduced further improvements.
This version adds nine additional criteria to the existing guidelines in the A, AA, and AAA levels, such as improved focus visibility on selected elements, minimum sizes for interactive buttons, and better tools for preventing form errors.
WCAG 2.2 aims to perfect digital accessibility, ensuring more effective support for modern technologies and devices and promoting greater inclusivity.
WCAG 3.0
WCAG 3.0 is currently under development and represents a completely new vision of web accessibility.
This future standard will be based on a more flexible evaluation system, focusing on the user experience rather than rigid compliance levels. It is designed to support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things.
Although the release date is not yet officially confirmed, preliminary drafts indicate a significant shift from the WCAG 2.x series.
Fundamental principles of WCAG
The WCAG are based on four fundamental principles, known by the acronym POUR:
- Perceivable: content must be presented in ways that users can perceive, such as using alt text for images.
- Operable: the interface must be navigable and usable without barriers for everyone, such as including functionality for keyboard or assistive devices.
- Understandable: content must be easy to read and understand, with a clear and predictable language.
- Robust: content must be compatible with various technologies and devices, including assistive technologies like screen readers, braille displays, or alternative keyboards.
Each principle is detailed in specific guidelines and success criteria, offering detailed guidance on how to ensure accessibility.
WCAG compliance levels
The WCAG defines three compliance levels, representing the degree of accessibility achieved by a site:
Compliance level A
The Level A compliance criteria are essential for removing the primary accessibility barriers. While this is the minimum level, implementing these criteria is a crucial step towards making the web more inclusive and ensuring a basic accessible experience for all users.
For example, these criteria require every image to have a descriptive alt text and that all functionalities be accessible via keyboard without needing a mouse.
Compliance level AA
The AA compliance level addresses practical issues that significantly enhance user experience, making the web more inclusive. By meeting these criteria, you not only comply with regulations but also ensure fairer access to content for all users.
For this level, the criteria require, for example, a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between text and background for readability and descriptive headings that clarify the purpose of the content.
Compliance level AAA
The AAA compliance level represents the highest standard of web accessibility. This level includes criteria that aim to meet the needs of a broader audience, including people with severe disabilities or specific needs.
However, many of the AAA-level guidelines are difficult to apply to all web content, making this level more suitable for specific sites (such as educational or government sites) or particular sections of a site.
AAA compliance criteria include an advanced contrast ratio of at least 7:1 between text and background, the provision of subtitles for all live audio content, and explanations for abbreviations to improve content understanding.
Why adhere to the WCAG guidelines
Why should businesses, designers, webmasters, and professionals address the issue of accessibility? Adhering to the WCAG guidelines is essential for various reasons, ranging from inclusivity to business efficiency, offering benefits for both users and website owners.
The topic of web accessibility was first addressed in Italy with Law 9/2004 no. 4, also known as the Stanca Law, and since then, the regulatory framework has been continuously updated, following the evolution of WCAG guidelines.
Although often considered a challenging burden or even an obstacle, the WCAG recommendations offer a unique opportunity to improve and grow the activities of those operating in the digital world.
The primary goal of these guidelines is to promote inclusion, making online products and services accessible to everyone, without exclusion.
Complying with the WCAG criteria does not simply mean fulfilling a duty to all citizens (including those with disabilities, vision or hearing impairments, the elderly, people with limited IT skills, or those using outdated devices). It also represents a significant opportunity to strengthen your web presence, making it more competitive and profitable.
While aligning with WCAG requirements involves investment and adaptation time, it is equally undeniable that the benefits are tangible and significant. These include:
- Promoting inclusion, enabling everyone to participate and interact with the web without barriers;
- Expanding market reach: if your company's online communication is not accessible, you risk excluding millions of people (over 80 million in Europe and more than 3 million in Italy);
- Encouraging innovation;;
- Strengthening the corporate image, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion;
- Compliance with regulations: in many countries, adhering to WCAG is a legal obligation for public entities and private companies.
- Moreover, accessibility is a long-term investment. WCAG guidelines help you prepare for technological and regulatory evolution, ensuring that your site remains up-to-date and compliant in the future.
In conclusion, adhering to WCAG is not just an ethical choice but a winning strategy. It promotes inclusion, fosters innovation, reduces risks, and provides tangible advantages, making your site a benchmark of digital excellence.
Tools to evaluate website accessibility
To ensure your site meets WCAG standards, several useful tools are available:
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): analyzes your site's accessibility and provides improvement suggestions.
- Lighthouse: integrated into Chrome DevTools, this tool also evaluates accessibility.
- Color Contrast Checker: checks color contrast to ensure compliance with standards.
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): simulates the experience of a visually impaired user, helping you identify necessary improvements.
In 2025, Avacy CMP will integrate an advanced scanning tool into its platform, capable of analyzing your website's compliance with accessibility regulations.
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How to implement WCAG in your site: best practices for an accessible website
Implementing WCAG may seem complex, but by following a step-by-step approach, you can achieve significant results. Here are some practical actions:
1. Use adequate color contrast
Ensure that text is readable by using sufficient contrast between the text color and background. You can use online tools to verify contrast and ensure optimal visibility even for people with visual difficulties.
2. Provide alternative texts for images
Every image should have an alternative text (alt text) that briefly describes its content. This is essential for users who rely on screen readers and also improves site comprehension for search engines.
3. Make navigation intuitive
Use clear and well-structured menus. Avoid relying solely on colors or visual elements to indicate interactivity. Include breadcrumbs and navigation indicators to help users orient themselves.
4. Provide subtitles and transcripts for multimedia content
Videos and audio should be accompanied by subtitles or transcripts to ensure accessibility. This is especially useful for people with hearing impairments or those accessing content in noisy environments.
5. Hierarchical titles and headings
Use H1, H2, H3 tags logically to structure content and facilitate reading. A clear hierarchy not only improves accessibility but also boosts SEO.
6. Responsive design
Optimize your site for all devices, ensuring optimal usability on smartphones, tablets, and various screen sizes. Ensure that content is scalable and easily navigable, even on smartphones.
Common errors to avoid
- Ignoring color contrast: one of the most frequently reported issues.
- Lack of alternative texts: images without alt descriptions are unusable for screen reader users.
- Generic links: avoid text like "Click here" and instead use specific descriptions.
- Non-scalable text: ensure text can be enlarged without losing readability.
- Ignoring the keyboard: many users navigate without a mouse; ensure the site is fully usable with a keyboard.
Conclusion
Implementing WCAG on your website is a fundamental step to ensure inclusivity and enhance your online presence. While it may initially seem challenging, the long-term benefits far outweigh the efforts. Start with small changes and leverage the available tools to ease the process.
Remember: an accessible web is a better web for everyone!
