WCAG
WCAG provides testable criteria for accessible web content. A conformance claim needs a defined version, level and scope.
Evaluate accessibility against criteria
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG, are W3C guidelines for the accessibility of web content. They include testable success criteria at levels A, AA and AAA. These cover perceivability, operability, understandability and robustness.
An example customer portal project might agree on WCAG 2.2 Level AA as its evaluation target. It must then clarify which pages and complete processes are included. A working login alone does not establish that the subsequent ordering process meets the criteria.
Naming a target level is not a test result. A substantiated assessment also states the scope examined and its findings. Which legal requirements apply to a service cannot be inferred from the abbreviation WCAG alone.
Sources
Related terms
- Digital accessibilityDigital accessibility enables people with disabilities to perceive, understand and operate digital services.
- Keyboard operabilityKeyboard operability makes tasks possible without a mouse. Actions must be reachable through a clear sequence of controls.
- Focus orderFocus order determines the route through focusable elements. It should preserve meaning and operability, including during dynamic changes.
- Keyboard trapA keyboard trap leaves keyboard users stuck within a region. Deliberately containing focus in a dialog needs a keyboard-operable exit.
- Skip linkA skip link bypasses repeated navigation and leads to the main content. The destination must also work for subsequent keyboard navigation.
- Accessible nameAn accessible name labels a control for assistive technology. It should explain the action and agree with the visible text.
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