Digital Accessibility Standards

What Is WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international standards created by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). They explain how to make websites and digital content easier for everyone to use-especially people with disabilities.

WCAG improves web accessibility by helping websites work better for all users-including those who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or need stronger color contrast.

Following WCAG makes your website more usable for people with disabilities-including those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive challenges. It also improves the experience for everyone.

Why Does WCAG Matter?

Accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement- it’s the right thing to do. Making your content accessible ensures equal access for all users, regardless of ability. It also improves SEO, boosts performance, and helps reach a wider audience.

Many major accessibility laws-like the ADA in the U.S., the European Accessibility Act, and Israel’s Standard 5568-are based on WCAG guidelines to define what makes digital content accessible.

If your website isn’t WCAG-compliant, you may risk excluding users-and facing legal consequences.

---

The 4 Principles of Accessibility (POUR)

WCAG is based on four core principles. These principles make sure that all users can interact with content in meaningful ways.

1.Perceivable

Content must be presented in ways users can recognize, regardless of their abilities.

• Add alt text for images.
• Use captions and transcripts for videos.
• Ensure text has enough color contrast.
• Structure content with proper headings and lists.

2.Operable

Users must be able to use and navigate the site.

• Make sure everything works with a keyboard.
• Avoid flashing content that can cause seizures.
• Highlight focused elements (like buttons or links).
• Provide consistent, clear navigation.

3.Understandable

Users must understand how the site works and what content means.

• Use clear, simple language.
• Avoid flashing content that can cause seizures.
• Keep navigation predictable.

4.Robust

Content must work across all devices and assistive technologies.

• Use clean HTML and ARIA labels.
• Test with screen readers and browsers.
• Avoid using outdated or broken code.

WCAG 2.2 Success Criteria: A, AA, and AAA

WCAG is divided into testable rules called Success Criteria. Each rule is assigned a level:

• Level A –Basic accessibility (essential for access)
• Level AA –Recommended standard (used in most regulations)
• Level AAA – Advanced accessibility (optional in most cases)

Most businesses aim for Level AA to meet legal and practical accessibility needs.

---