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  • Accessibility for Websites: Why One Version Is Enough

    Accessibility for Websites: Why One Version Is Enough

    You may have heard this before—or even thought it yourself: “If our main site is too complex, we’ll just build a simple, text-only version for people who use assistive technology.”

    On the surface, that seems like a smart fix. If making your main site accessible feels overwhelming, why not create a separate version that looks simpler and easier to use? For years, many businesses believed this was the shortcut to meeting ADA requirements without reworking their entire website.

    But here’s the problem: a separate “accessible site” is not the best answer—legally, ethically, or practically. Real accessibility for websites means making your main site usable for everyone, not sending people to a stripped-down side door.

    Why the “Separate Accessible Site” Myth Lives On

    So why do people still think a second site is a good idea? One reason is that it feels easier. Making changes to an existing site can seem complicated and costly, while building a quick, text-only version looks faster and cheaper.

    There’s also the idea that people who are blind or have low vision “just need text.” That thinking misses the bigger picture. Accessibility for websites covers much more than plain text—it’s about making sure every feature, tool, and piece of content can be used by everyone, no matter their ability.

    Why It Fails: Standards and Legal Risk

    This is where the shortcut starts to unravel. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) apply to all web content, not just simplified versions. Nowhere do the guidelines suggest that a simplified, alternate version of a site fulfills compliance.

    Take color contrast, for example. WCAG requires a minimum contrast between text and background across every page. Even if you create a plain version, your main site still has to meet those standards.

    The U.S. Department of Justice agrees. In April 2024, new rules made it clear that public entities can’t offer inaccessible main sites with “alternate” accessible versions, except in rare situations where no other option is possible. Courts have backed this up, too. In one case, DOT vs. SAS, an airline was fined $200,000 after trying to meet accessibility rules with a separate assistive site. In the end, they still had to fix their main site.

    In short, accessibility for websites isn’t about offering an alternate route. It’s about making sure the front door works for everyone.

    The Real Problems With Dual-Site Strategies

    Even if the legal side didn’t matter, the practical downsides are hard to ignore.

    Keeping two sites in sync is a constant challenge. Every blog post, product update, or policy change must be added to both. It’s all too easy for the “accessible” version to fall behind, leaving users with outdated or incomplete information.

    Then there’s the user experience itself. Imagine being told you can’t use the same website as everyone else—that you have to go through a different door. That separation feels unwelcoming, even insulting. Most users don’t want fewer features; they want the same experience, just built in a way they can use.

    And here’s another snag: text-only sites often cut out interactive tools, forms, or multimedia. For someone who needs keyboard-friendly navigation, that’s not helpful—it’s limiting. In trying to fix one barrier, you end up creating new ones.

    Finally, a dual-site setup complicates your own operations. Analytics, personalization, and user tracking get split in two, which makes it harder to understand how people interact with your brand online.

    Why Building Accessibility Into the Main Site Works Better

    When you build accessibility into your main site, everyone benefits.

    Captions help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also help anyone watching a video in a noisy environment. Alt text helps people using screen readers, but it also boosts your site’s SEO. Clear navigation supports users with motor disabilities, but it also makes the site faster for power users who prefer keyboard shortcuts.

    Accessibility for websites also saves money in the long run. Many fixes—like adding alt text, adjusting headings, or improving color contrast—are low-cost and sometimes even free. Building accessibility into your normal workflow prevents expensive, large-scale repairs later.

    Most importantly, an accessible main site builds trust. It shows customers that your brand is modern, inclusive, and committed to fairness.

    Are There Times a Separate Version Is Okay?

    Only in rare situations. If you’re using a third-party tool that can’t be fixed right away, a temporary alternate version may help. But it should be:

    • Clearly linked and easy to find
    • Fully equal in content and function
    • Phased out as soon as your main site is fixed

    Think of it like a patch, not a permanent solution. The goal should always be accessibility for websites built directly into the primary site.

    Building an Accessibility-First Mindset

    So what should you do instead? Shift your thinking from “quick fix” to “accessibility-first.”

    Start by auditing your current site against WCAG. Find the biggest barriers and prioritize fixing those. Build new features with progressive enhancement so they’re usable by everyone from the start. Test with real users, not just automated tools—especially people with disabilities whose feedback will reveal issues you can’t see yourself.

    And most importantly, make accessibility part of your normal workflow. Fold it into design reviews, QA testing, and content updates. Keep users in the loop by being transparent about your efforts. Progress is valuable, and users will notice your commitment.

    Conclusion: One Site, For Everyone

    The idea of a “separate accessible version” might look like an easy answer, but in practice, it creates more problems than it solves. It’s harder to maintain, sends the wrong message, and leaves users without the features they need.

    True accessibility for websites means one site that includes everyone. It’s about designing digital spaces where people don’t need a back door—they walk through the same front door as everyone else.

    If you’re ready to leave alternate versions behind and move toward an accessibility-first strategy, consider scheduling an ADA briefing with 216digital. We’ll show you how WCAG works in real-world practice, point out your greatest opportunities, and help you make your main site truly accessible—for everyone.

    Greg McNeil

    August 13, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, ADA Compliance, ADA Web Accessibility, WCAG Compliance, WCAG conformance, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • Email Accessibility: Make Every Click Count

    Email Accessibility: Make Every Click Count

    You spend hours testing subject lines, analyzing open rates, and crafting the perfect call to action. But if your emails are not accessible, you may be unintentionally excluding millions of potential readers. More than one billion people around the world live with some form of disability, and many rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, or keyboard navigation to interact with digital content. This is why email accessibility should be at the center of every campaign you send.

    This is where email accessibility makes a difference. Accessible emails do not only support people with disabilities; they also improve reach, engagement, and usability for everyone. You can think of accessibility as a safety net during your quality assurance process, one that helps make sure your hard work actually reaches its audience. The encouraging part is that small and thoughtful changes can create a big impact.

    Structure and Layout: Design for Navigation, Not Just Aesthetics

    Attractive design may catch the eye, but structure is what allows readers to move through your message with ease. Using semantic heading tags such as <h1>, <h2>, and <h3> helps organize your content in a way that screen reader users can understand. Headings should flow in a logical order without skipping levels. Relying on bold text or font size alone to show importance does not provide the same clarity.

    Tables are another common issue. They should be avoided for layout purposes whenever possible because screen readers can misinterpret them. If a table must be used for structure, adding role="presentation" tells assistive technology that it is decorative rather than data.

    It is also important to test your emails using only the Tab key. If you cannot reach every link, button, and input field by tabbing through the message, your subscribers will face the same problem.

    Image Accessibility: More Than Just Pretty Pictures

    Images are powerful in marketing emails, but without the right preparation, they can create barriers. Every image should include descriptive alt text that explains its purpose. If the image is decorative and does not add meaning, use empty alt text so that screen readers can skip it.

    Critical information, such as discount codes or calls to action, should never exist only within an image. Live text ensures that the message still appears even if images are turned off in the inbox. A good test is to disable images and see whether the email still conveys your intended message.

    Animations also require care. Flashing or strobing content can cause serious discomfort or even seizures for some readers. Autoplaying GIFs may distract from your main message. Whenever possible, give users the ability to pause or stop moving elements.

    Links and Calls to Action: Clear, Clickable, Inclusive

    Calls to action are where engagement happens, and they must be designed with clarity in mind. Instead of vague text such as “Click here,” choose phrases like “Read the full guide” or “Shop the new collection.” Screen reader users often move through an email by jumping between links, so each one needs to make sense on its own.

    Links should always be visually distinct. Underlining them is the best practice since relying on color alone is not effective for people with color blindness. Buttons and links should also be large enough to tap easily on a mobile device. A minimum size of about 44 by 44 pixels provides enough room for users with limited dexterity. Spacing links apart reduces the chance of misclicks. These adjustments not only improve email accessibility but also increase click-through rates by making the experience smoother for everyone.

    Copywriting and Readability: Make Every Word Count

    Email accessibility applies to words as much as to code or design. Short and direct sentences help readers understand quickly. Breaking your content into smaller paragraphs with clear subheadings makes the email less overwhelming.

    Avoid heavy jargon or insider language that may confuse people. Simple words in everyday language travel further and faster. Writing in an active voice also helps keep your copy engaging.

    Do not forget the basics of text styling. Font sizes should be at least 14 points, which is especially important for people with low vision or anyone reading on a small screen. Text should be left-aligned only, since centered or justified alignment slows down reading speed and can reduce comprehension.

    Multimedia Content: Do Not Skip the Captions

    Many email campaigns now include video, audio, or GIFs. These can make content more dynamic, but they bring accessibility challenges that need attention. Any video or audio clip should come with captions or transcripts. Captions are essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also help people who are in noisy environments or those who are somewhere quiet and cannot turn on the sound.

    Animated GIFs should avoid flashing sequences or rapid loops. If movement is key to your message, include a description of it in the email copy or offer a static fallback image. Multimedia can be powerful, but it should never come at the expense of accessibility.

    A Pre-Send Accessibility Checklist

    Before you hit send, it helps to run through a quick accessibility check. Try navigating the email with only your keyboard. Make sure every image includes descriptive alt text or an empty alt attribute if it is decorative. Look at your link text and ask if it clearly describes the action or destination. Turn images off and check if the message still makes sense. Confirm that your color contrast is strong enough to read comfortably. Review your animations to see if they are subtle and under control. Lastly, read the text on both desktop and mobile screens to confirm that the font size is easy to read.

    These checks only take a moment, but they can prevent frustration and lost engagement.

    Accessibility Is a Long Game, but Every Email Helps

    No email will ever be perfectly accessible. The goal is not perfection but progress. Each improvement you make expands your reach, improves engagement, and builds trust with your audience.

    Email accessibility is not only about legal compliance. It is also about creating meaningful connections. By removing barriers, you ensure that your message reaches as many people as possible and resonates more deeply with them. Making email accessibility part of your long-term strategy strengthens both your brand reputation and the experience of every subscriber.

    The next time you prepare a campaign, add accessibility to your checklist. Treat it as part of your workflow, not an extra chore. An inaccessible email is never as effective as it could be.

    If you need a clear plan for accessible digital communication, schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. We will walk you through practical steps to make your email campaigns and your digital presence more inclusive, more effective, and better prepared for the future.

    Greg McNeil

    August 12, 2025
    How-to Guides, Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, email accessibility, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, Website Accessibility
  • How WCAG Applies to AI-Generated Content

    How WCAG Applies to AI-Generated Content

    AI is changing the way we create. From blog posts and product descriptions to social media graphics, work that once took hours can now be done in seconds. This speed is powerful—but it also carries risk. In the rush to publish, it’s easy to miss a crucial question: Is this content accessible?

    The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) apply to everything online—whether written by a person, coded by a developer, or created by an AI tool. That means AI-generated content is not exempt. If you’re using AI to scale your digital strategy, accessibility must remain part of the foundation.

    This guide explains how WCAG applies to AI-driven workflows and offers a simple checklist to help you review AI-written text, visuals, and layouts. The goal: to help you publish faster without leaving inclusion behind.

    Why AI-Generated Content Creates Accessibility Risks

    AI tools can be incredible productivity boosters. But they are not accessibility tools. A common mistake is assuming that if something looks polished, it must be usable for everyone. In reality, accessibility requires more.

    AI-generated content often misses the real-world needs of diverse users. For example, it might:

    • Write vague alt text like “image of a person” instead of describing the purpose.
    • Suggest design elements with poor color contrast.
    • Use bold text instead of proper heading tags like <h2> or <h3>.

    If left unchecked, these issues can shut people out, frustrate customers, and even create legal risk. The takeaway is simple: AI-generated content is not automatically compliant with WCAG. It needs human oversight.

    WCAG Still Applies—No Matter Who (or What) Creates the Content

    WCAG, developed by the W3C, is the global standard for digital accessibility. It’s built around four principles:

    • Perceivable: Users must be able to perceive the information (like adding alt text for images).
    • Operable: Content should be easy to navigate and interact with (keyboard accessibility matters).
    • Understandable: Information should be clear and predictable.
    • Robust: Content must work with assistive technologies now and in the future.

    These rules apply equally to all content, whether it’s human-created or AI-generated content. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has fueled thousands of lawsuits over inaccessible websites and apps. Courts often turn to WCAG as the standard for compliance—and they aren’t alone. Many countries, including those in the European Union and Canada, also rely on WCAG as the foundation of their digital accessibility laws.

    That means WCAG isn’t just a best practice—it’s often the measuring stick for legal compliance. Regardless of whether content was written by a human or generated by AI, if it excludes people with disabilities, it can be litigated upon. The risk is real: inaccessible content can damage your brand, frustrate customers, and create costly legal battles.

    The AI Accessibility Checklist

    This checklist will help you review AI-generated content before publishing. Each step ties directly to WCAG principles, making accessibility practical and manageable.

    For AI-Written Text

    • Use clear language: Choose plain, everyday words instead of jargon or long, complex phrasing.
    • Ensure proper headings: Use semantic HTML like <h2> and <h3> so screen readers and assistive tech can navigate. Avoid using bold text as a replacement.
    • Write descriptive links: Swap vague text like “click here” for something meaningful, such as “Download our accessibility guide.”
    • Keep a consistent flow: Break up large blocks of text into shorter paragraphs, bullets, or numbered lists so readers can follow easily.
    • Format for scanning: People often skim. Use headings, bullets, and white space to make sure they can still understand the main points at a glance.

    For AI-Generated Images and Visuals

    • Provide meaningful alt text: Describe the purpose of the image, not just what it looks like. For example, instead of “photo of a person,” write “Customer smiling while using our product.”
    • Avoid text inside images: Important words should always appear as live text so they can be read by screen readers and resized.
    • Check contrast: Make sure text and background colors meet at least a 4.5:1 ratio so words are readable by people with low vision.
    • Don’t rely on color alone: Use shapes, labels, or patterns in addition to color to communicate meaning. This helps users who are colorblind.

    For AI-Generated Multimedia

    • Add synchronized captions for videos: Captions must match the audio in both timing and content.
    • Provide transcripts for audio files: A text version allows people who can’t hear—or who prefer to read—to still access the information.
    • Include audio descriptions: When visuals add meaning that isn’t spoken, narrate those details so blind users don’t miss them.

    For AI-Generated Layouts, Code, or Documents

    • Ensure keyboard accessibility: Test navigation using only Tab, Shift+Tab, and Enter keys. All interactive elements should be reachable.
    • Create accessible PDFs: Include proper headings, a logical reading order, alt text for images, and searchable text.
    • Support text resizing: Content should still work when zoomed to 200% without breaking the layout.
    • Apply ARIA correctly: ARIA landmarks and roles can help when HTML alone isn’t enough, but they should never replace semantic tags.

    Testing Your Output

    • Manual review: Always look at the content yourself. Automated tools can’t replace human judgment.
    • Assistive tech testing: Try screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, or voice input tools to see how real users will experience it.
    • Automated scans: Use tools like WAVE, or Lighthouse to quickly flag common issues, then verify the results manually.

    Running through this checklist regularly will catch most accessibility gaps before content reaches your audience.

    Building Accessibility Into Your AI Workflow

    The best way to make accessibility stick is to build it into the workflow, not tack it on at the end. Here are some ways to do that:

    • Use accessible prompts: When you ask AI to create content, guide it with instructions like “Write at an 8th-grade level with clear headings and descriptive link text.” This increases the chance that the draft will already meet accessibility standards.
    • Start with strong templates: Use page layouts, design systems, or document templates that are already set up with accessibility in mind. This reduces the risk of introducing barriers later.
    • Assign responsibility: Make accessibility review part of someone’s role in the publishing process so it doesn’t get skipped.
    • Iterate with feedback: If you notice that AI keeps generating inaccessible elements—like vague alt text or poor contrast—update your prompts or workflow so those issues don’t repeat.
    • Set clear standards: Document rules for headings, alt text, link labels, color use, and formatting. Apply these rules consistently so everyone on your team is aligned.

    By treating accessibility as a normal part of the process, AI-generated content becomes an asset to inclusion instead of a risk factor.

    Accessibility Isn’t Optional—Even with AI

    AI may be changing how quickly we create, but accessibility is what ensures that work actually connects with people. WCAG provides the framework, but it’s people—teams like yours—who make sure the digital world is usable for everyone.

    The risks of overlooking accessibility are real, from frustrated customers to lawsuits. But the rewards are greater: trust, inclusivity, and a digital presence that welcomes all. The good news is you don’t need to slow down to get it right. With the right checklist and habits built into your workflow, accessibility becomes part of how you publish—not an afterthought.

    At 216digital, we help businesses bring accessibility into every stage of content creation—including AI-generated content. If you’re unsure where you stand, consider scheduling a personalized ADA briefing with our team.

    It’s a practical next step toward a digital experience that truly works for everyone.

    Greg McNeil

    August 11, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, AI-driven accessibility, AI-generated content, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • When Web Accessibility Standards Gets Fuzzy

    When Web Accessibility Standards Gets Fuzzy

    Every team that works on digital accessibility eventually runs into the same moment: the rules don’t feel black and white. You’re following the Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and doing your best to interpret them. Then suddenly, you find yourself asking: Does this count? Are we helping everyone, or could this fix create a new barrier somewhere else?

    That’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s how web accessibility standards are written. WCAG is designed to cover countless technologies, contexts, and user needs—not to prescribe one rigid answer for every situation. That flexibility leaves room for judgment, but it can also leave teams second-guessing their choices.

    This article is here to help. We’ll walk through why these “grey areas” exist, why they’re not a weakness but a feature of the standard, and—most importantly—how you can approach them with confidence. You’ll get a practical, repeatable framework to guide decisions, reduce risk, and keep accessibility focused on what really matters: creating digital experiences that work for people.

    What Are WCAG “Grey Areas”?

    “Grey areas” are success criteria that can be met in more than one valid way, or where context changes the best answer. They matter because solving for one disability group can, at times, introduce friction for another. Trade-offs are real, and responsible teams face them head-on.

    These scenarios highlight why web accessibility standards are intentionally flexible, pushing teams to weigh impact, not just compliance.

    • Dark mode: A darker theme can reduce glare and help many people with low vision or light sensitivity. But some users with dyslexia or astigmatism may read best with higher-contrast dark text on a light background. A user-controlled toggle is a solid compromise.
    • Reflow (SC 1.4.10): Avoiding horizontal scroll at 320–400 px width sounds simple, until a multi-column data table collapses and users lose the ability to compare rows and columns.
    • Non-text contrast (SC 1.4.11): What counts as “essential” visual information? In infographics or dense UIs, borders, separators, and icon strokes can be more important than they look at first glance.
    • Link purpose (SC 2.4.4): Is “See details” okay? Often yes—if the link sits under a descriptive product name or is wrapped with an accessible name/description that conveys purpose. If a page lists 20 identical “Read more” links with no additional context, that’s a problem.
    • Alt text: Even the basics aren’t always basic. An image might need a rich description on a museum site, but be marked decorative in a dashboard if it adds no meaning.

    Why Ambiguity Exists—and Why That’s Okay

    WCAG isn’t a script; it’s a set of outcomes. It avoids prescribing specific UI patterns so it can work across devices, frameworks, and future tech. That flexibility can feel frustrating when you need a yes/no answer today. But it’s also where web accessibility standards allow accessibility leadership to shine.

    The goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity, consistency, and usability—especially for people who rely on assistive technology. When the standard leaves room for interpretation, your job is to apply sound reasoning, test with real users, and document what you did and why.

    A Practical Framework for Resolving WCAG Grey Areas

    Use this five-step process to move from “it depends” to “here’s what we’ll do.”

    Step 1: Start with the Source

    Go beyond the short success-criterion text and read the Understanding WCAG guidance. These pages explain intent, define terms, and include examples and common failures. Many “edge cases” are addressed there, even if not word-for-word identical to your scenario.

    Tip: Keep a shared team doc of the Understanding pages you reference most. It speeds consensus.

    Step 2: Analyze Real User Impact

    Shift from “Does this pass?” to “Who does this help or hinder—and by how much?” Consider:

    • Screen reader and braille users
    • Keyboard-only and switch users
    • Low-vision users (zoom, magnifiers, custom styles)
    • Users with cognitive or attention-related conditions
    • Motion/vestibular sensitivities and color-vision differences

    Ask: Does one option create a minor inconvenience while another blocks a key task? If a choice affects checkout, account access, or a critical service, prioritize task success over neatness or brand purity.

    Step 3: Test with People Who Use AT

    When the stakes are high, run quick, focused usability tests with people who use assistive tech. You don’t need a giant study. Five to eight participants who reflect the impacted group can reveal what theory can’t.

    • Scope the test to the specific component or flow.
    • Observe with screen readers, keyboard only, and zoom.
    • Capture where users stumble, not just what they say.

    User evidence turns debates into decisions.

    Step 4: Phone a Friend (the Right One)

    If internal consensus stalls, bring in an accessibility expert with hands-on WCAG experience—ideally someone comfortable with dynamic UIs, eCommerce patterns, and ARIA. 

    Credentials like CPACC can help, but project-based proof matters most: “Show me where you solved this before.”

    Step 5: Document Your Rationale

    Most teams skip this safety net. For every grey-area decision, record:

    • The WCAG criterion(s) at issue
    • The ambiguity you faced
    • The options considered
    • The reasoning: user impact, technical feasibility, constraints
    • Any expert input or user-testing results
    • The final decision and where it applies (component, template, page type)

    Store this where designers, developers, QA, and product can find it. You’ll create consistency across teams and time.

    Common Examples, Resolved with the Framework

    Let’s revisit those tricky scenarios and apply the process. This is where teams can see how web accessibility standards translate from theory into practice.

    Reflow vs. Data Integrity (SC 1.4.10)

    • Challenge: A comparison table collapses at 320 px, and users can’t relate cells across columns.
    • Approach: Understanding WCAG clarifies that the intent is to avoid two-dimensional scrolling for most content while preserving meaning.
    • Decision: Provide a responsive table with a toggle: stacked rows by default for small screens, with a “Compare columns” view that preserves tabular relationships and allows horizontal scroll within the table container. Add a “Skip to table comparison” anchor and ARIA summary to explain the toggle.
    • Result: Reflow is respected where it helps, and comparison remains possible where it matters.

    Link Purpose in Card Grids (SC 2.4.4)

    • Challenge: Product cards each have an image, name, price, and a “See details” link.
    • Approach: Screen reader testing shows that when the product name is an accessible link, the extra “See details” adds noise.
    • Decision: Make the product title the primary link with a descriptive accessible name (e.g., “View details for Acme Pro Blender”). Keep “See details” visible but aria-hidden or make it a button that moves focus to the same target for sighted mouse users who expect it.
    • Result: Purpose is clear programmatically and visually; duplication is removed for AT users.

    Non-Text Contrast on Icon Buttons (SC 1.4.11)

    • Challenge: Icon-only controls use thin strokes that technically reach 3:1 against the background, but some users miss them.
    • Approach: Prioritize recognizability over minimalism.
    • Decision: Increase stroke width and contrast on the icon and its focus indicator. Add an accessible name (e.g., “Filter results”) and a visible label on hover/focus for cognitive clarity.
    • Result: The control is perceivable and operable for more users—even if it slightly shifts the visual aesthetic.

    Dark Mode and Motion Preferences

    • Challenge: Dark mode improves comfort for many, but not all. Animations delight some, but can trigger discomfort for others.
    • Approach: Respect user control and system settings.
    • Decision: Provide a theme toggle that remembers preference. Honor prefers-color-scheme and prefers-reduced-motion. Keep contrast targets consistent across themes.
    • Result: Users opt into what works for them; your defaults are inclusive, not absolute.

    Alt Text in Dashboards

    • Challenge: Decorative charts and status icons risk becoming screen reader noise.
    • Approach: Identify the purpose of each image.
    • Decision: Provide a textual summary or data table for the chart. Mark decorative images with empty alt (alt=""). For meaningful icons, supply concise alt text or an aria-label on the control they’re part of.
    • Result: Users get the information without redundant chatter.

    Let Strategy Guide You—Not Guesswork

    Grey areas in web accessibility standards aren’t flaws to fear—they’re invitations to make thoughtful, people-first choices. With a repeatable process, you can:

    • Ground decisions in the intent of WCAG, not just the letter web accessibility standards.
    • Weigh real user impact over theoretical compliance.
    • Validate with targeted testing and expert input.
    • Build a paper trail that improves consistency and reduces risk.

    Accessibility is a journey, especially on complex products. You won’t get every decision perfect the first time, and that’s okay. What matters is that your choices are deliberate, documented, and centered on the people who need your site to work every single time.

    Need a second set of eyes? If your team is wrestling with ambiguous criteria, we can help you apply web accessibility standards in a way that fits your design system, codebase, and real users. Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital to walk through your grey-area challenges and map a clear, defensible path forward.

    Greg McNeil

    August 7, 2025
    WCAG Compliance
    Accessibility, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, WCAG conformance, Website Accessibility

  • How to Identify Decorative Images for Accessibility

    Images can bring a web page to life—but not all of them need to speak. When it comes to web accessibility, knowing which images are decorative and which are informative is key to creating a cleaner, smoother experience for people using screen readers and other assistive technologies. That’s where alternative text (alt text) comes in.

    You probably already use alt text to describe important images. But what about the purely visual ones—those flourishes and background elements? If they don’t add value beyond appearance, they might be decorative images. This article helps you identify which images fall into that category and how to properly mark them, so screen reader users aren’t bogged down by unnecessary noise.

    By focusing on even small improvements—like skipping redundant descriptions—you can build better, more respectful websites.

    What Makes an Image “Decorative”?

    Let’s start with the basics. According to WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content, all meaningful non-text content must have a text alternative. But decorative images are an exception—they don’t need a description because they don’t carry meaning.

    So, what exactly counts as decorative?

    Common Decorative Image Types

    • Borders, swirls, and flourishes that are strictly for looks
    • Icons next to already-labeled buttons (like a phone icon next to the word “Call”)
    • Stock photos that add mood or style but aren’t referenced in content
    • Repetitive logos or design elements used as dividers or backgrounds

    If removing the image doesn’t change the message or function of the page, you’re likely dealing with a decorative image.

    Making the Right Call: Informative or Decorative?

    It’s not always black and white. Here are a few quick questions to help:

    • Does the image convey info that isn’t available in the text?
    • Would a user miss out on something if the image was gone?
    • Is the image part of an instructional step, chart, or link?

    If you answer yes to any of these, the image is probably informative—and it needs descriptive alt text. If not, you may be safe to treat it as decorative.

    For a more detailed approach, try W3C’s Alt Decision Tree. It’s a great tool, but don’t worry—no one expects you to follow it like a script. Trust your content instincts too.

    Common Mistake Alert: Don’t mark company logos, charts, or instructional images as decorative. If they carry meaning or serve a function, they need proper alt text.

    How to Properly Mark Decorative Images in Code

    Once you’ve determined that an image is decorative, here’s how to ensure assistive technologies skip over it.

    Use an Empty Alt Attribute

    This is the most common and widely supported method:

    <img src="divider.png" alt="">

    Why does this work? A screen reader will completely ignore the image. This prevents confusion and keeps users focused on meaningful content.

    But be careful: don’t skip the alt attribute altogether. Leaving it out may cause screen readers to read the file name—something like “divider-dot-p-n-g”—which is exactly the kind of noise we’re trying to eliminate.

    Use role="presentation" or aria-hidden="true"

    For SVGs, icons, or complex visual elements that can’t use alt="", try one of these:

    <svg role="presentation">...</svg>
<img src="swirl.svg" aria-hidden="true">

    What’s the Difference?

    • role= "presentation" tells assistive tech: this element is just for visuals.
    • aria-hidden= "true" hides the element from all assistive tech completely.

    Choose one—don’t combine them with an empty alt attribute. Using both can confuse the accessibility tree and cause unpredictable results.

    Best Practices & Pitfalls to Avoid

    To keep your decorative images accessible:

    • Use only one method to mark an image as decorative
    • Test your implementation using screen reader emulators, WAVE, or Lighthouse
    • Avoid using the word “decorative” in the alt text—use an empty alt attribute instead.
    • Always include the alt attribute, even if it’s empty.
    • Be careful not to hide meaningful images by using aria-hidden="true".

    It’s also a good idea to review your CMS settings. Many platforms automatically insert images or fill alt text fields with file names. Stay alert!

    Why It Matters: The Impact of Doing It Right

    When you handle decorative images properly, you create a better user experience for everyone:

    • Less noise for screen reader users, making it easier to navigate pages
    • A clearer focus on important content and messages
    • Reduced cognitive load, especially for users with visual or cognitive disabilities
    • Cleaner code that’s easier to maintain and optimize

    Bonus: It can even help with SEO by making your site more semantic and purposeful.

    Real users have reported better experiences when extra, repetitive images are removed from their screen reader journey. It’s a small step with a big payoff.

    Beyond Alt Text: Decorative Images Are Just One Part

    Identifying and labeling decorative images is one part of a much larger accessibility picture. But it’s a foundational step.

    Teams should regularly audit content—especially in environments where new images are often added, like blogs or e-commerce templates. Ask yourself: are new images truly meaningful, or just visual noise?

    Also, remember: accessibility isn’t one person’s job. It’s a shared responsibility. Designers, devs, marketers, and content creators all play a role in making digital experiences more inclusive.

    And if you’re using modern frameworks like React or Vue, be sure your components handle decorative images correctly and out of the box. A simple alt=”” on a reusable image tag can save a lot of friction.

    Keep Image Accessibility Intentional

    To recap: If an image is purely decorative, mark it so that screen readers skip over it. Use an empty alt="", or where needed, role= "presentation" or aria-hidden= "true". Don’t mix methods, and always test your work.

    Improving how you handle decorative images might seem like a small detail, but it’s a powerful way to respect your users and refine your site’s accessibility. Thoughtful design isn’t just about how a site looks—it’s about how it feels to navigate.

    Need a second pair of eyes on your accessibility implementation?

    Schedule an ADA accessibility briefing with 216digital. Our experts can help you identify gaps, offer hands-on guidance, and take the guesswork out of inclusive design—so your digital experiences work better for everyone.

    Greg McNeil

    June 23, 2025
    How-to Guides
    How-to, Image Alt Text, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, web developers, web development

  • Descriptive Page Titles for Better Accessibility

    If you’ve ever had 15 tabs open at once (and let’s be honest—who hasn’t?), you know how frustrating it is to click around trying to remember which one is which. When the titles are clear, you can find what you’re looking for in a second. When they’re not, it’s a guessing game.

    For users who rely on screen readers or who live with cognitive or memory challenges, vague titles aren’t just annoying. They’re a real barrier. That’s where descriptive page titles come in. They make a huge difference in helping all users navigate the web more easily, and they support your site’s overall usability and accessibility—without requiring a major overhaul.

    Best of all, it’s one of the simplest changes you can make that still packs a serious punch. A good page title improves orientation, reduces confusion, boosts your SEO rankings, and even helps reduce legal risk under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All with a few well-chosen words.

    What WCAG 2.4.2 Actually Requires

    Under WCAG 2.4.2—a Level A requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—every web page must have a title that clearly describes its topic or purpose. It’s one of the most fundamental accessibility requirements, but it’s also one of the most overlooked.

    Simply having a <title> tag isn’t enough. What’s inside that tag matters. A vague or generic title—like “Home” or “Untitled”—does little to help users understand what the page is actually about. It’s a bit like labeling all your folders “Stuff”—no one can navigate that efficiently, especially not users relying on assistive technologies.

    This is especially important for screen reader users. Page titles are often read aloud as soon as a page loads or when switching between browser tabs. That brief moment of context helps them know exactly where they are. Similarly, sighted users benefit from meaningful titles when scanning through multiple open tabs or saving bookmarks for later reference.

    Who Benefits from Descriptive Page Titles?

    The short answer? Everyone. But here’s how it really plays out for different types of users:

    • Screen reader users hear the page title as their first introduction. A vague or incorrect title can throw them off or force them to dig deeper than necessary.
    • People with cognitive or memory challenges rely on titles to quickly understand whether a page is relevant. A well-written title can prevent information overload and reduce frustration.
    • Mobility-impaired users benefit because they can avoid unnecessary clicks or key presses if the title tells them they’re on the wrong page.
    • Everyone else—yes, even those without disabilities—appreciates descriptive page titles for the sheer convenience. Clear titles make it easier to navigate tabs, scan bookmarks, and share links confidently.

    When a title says exactly what a page delivers, no one has to guess. That’s good usability—and that’s what accessibility is really about.

    Common Title Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    Even with the best intentions, many websites still fall into title traps. Let’s look at a few common problems:

    • Too Vague: Titles like “Home” or “Blog” don’t help much when you’re trying to tell one tab from another.
    • Reused Titles: When every blog post or account page is titled the same—like “Monthly Statement”—users lose their place quickly.
    • Doesn’t Match the Page: If your title says “Pricing,” but the page is about features or FAQs, that mismatch causes confusion.
    • Overloaded for SEO: You’ve seen these: “Best Home Trim Vinyl Windows Outdoor Accessories 2025 Guide.” They’re trying to do too much and end up helping no one.

    Better Examples

    Consider replacing generic titles with more descriptive ones. For example, swap “Blog Post” with “How to Write Descriptive Page Titles.” You might also change “Services” to “Real World Accessibility | 216digital,” or “Contact” to “Contact Us – 216digital Web Team.”

    These small edits bring clarity, build trust, and boost both accessibility and SEO

    Accessibility and SEO: They Work Together

    There’s a common myth that writing for accessibility hurts SEO—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, descriptive page titles are a perfect example of how accessibility and SEO can work in harmony.

    Search engines love pages with relevant, concise, and unique titles. So do people. That means when you follow accessibility best practices, you’re also improving your site’s visibility and user engagement.

    Tips for Great Titles

    • Keep them between 30–60 characters so they don’t get cut off in search results or browser tabs.
    • Use primary keywords naturally, not awkwardly.
    • Try using a pattern like: [Page Topic] | [Brand Name].

    So, “About” becomes “About Our Team | 216digital” and “Pricing” becomes “Website Accessibility Pricing | 216digital.”

    It’s easy to see how small tweaks can have a big payoff.

    How to Improve Your Titles—Step by Step

    Here’s a quick plan to help you get your titles in shape:

    Audit Your Site

    Use automated tools to spot missing, duplicate, or unusually long titles. But don’t stop there—manual review is key to catching vague or misleading language that tools might miss.

    Apply a Simple Template

    Keep it consistent across your site: “[Page Topic] | [Brand]” works for most needs and helps build recognition.

    Loop in Your Team

    Content creators, developers, designers, and SEO specialists should all care about good descriptive page titles. Make it a shared goal—not an afterthought.

    Add it to Your Checklist

    Whether you’re launching a new blog post, updating a product page, or doing a site redesign, reviewing the title tag should be part of the process every time.

    The Risks of Getting It Wrong

    Ignoring this part of accessibility can lead to bigger problems. WCAG 2.4.2 is part of ADA compliance, and missing or misleading titles are often among the first things flagged in accessibility audits. If you’re not in compliance, you could be vulnerable to lawsuits—and nobody wants that.

    But beyond legal risk, failing to use descriptive page titles sends the wrong message. It suggests your site wasn’t built with every user in mind. And that hurts brand trust more than you might think.

    Final Thoughts: Titles That Work for Everyone

    It’s easy to overlook something as small as a page title. But when you take a step back, you’ll see that descriptive page titles affect every part of your site—from how users find you, to how they feel while browsing, to whether they come back at all.

    This one fix can make your site more usable, more discoverable, and more inclusive—without blowing up your workflow or budget. That’s what we call a smart move.

    Ready to Take Action?

    Want help reviewing your site for accessibility wins like this one? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. We’ll show you how small changes like descriptive page titles can lead to big improvements in compliance, usability, and user trust—no pressure, no hard sell.

    Let’s build a web that works for everyone—starting with the title.

    Greg McNeil

    June 18, 2025
    How-to Guides
    Accessibility, How-to, Page Titles, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility

  • Up and Coming ARIA Implementation

    Web accessibility is always evolving. Keeping up isn’t just beneficial—it’s crucial. Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) help developers build experiences that are usable by everyone, especially those with disabilities. As web standards advance, new ARIA attributes and roles emerge. Recently, ARIA 1.3 has introduced several notable features developers should start adopting now.

    Many of these are still in what could be called the “infrastructure stage”—they’re well-defined and available, but support across assistive tech and browsers remains inconsistent. That’s precisely why now is the time to pay attention. Understanding emerging ARIA implementation ensures your projects remain inclusive, user-friendly, and future-proof.

    This article explores fresh ARIA implementation options, their current support levels, and how developers can practically integrate them into real-world workflows.

    New and Noteworthy ARIA Attributes

    aria-errormessage

    Effective error messaging can significantly enhance usability. The ARIA implementation of aria-errormessage connects specific error messages to input fields when aria-invalid="true" is active. Unlike aria-describedby, this explicitly identifies the message as an error, and it’s only announced when the field is invalid—streamlining feedback for screen reader users.

    Support: Strong across JAWS, NVDA, and iOS VoiceOver. More limited in other environments.

    Example

    <label for="email">Email:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" aria-invalid="true" aria-errormessage="emailError">
<span id="emailError">Please enter a valid email address.</span>

    aria-description

    This attribute supplements existing descriptive labels by offering additional, programmatically available context that isn’t always visible on screen. It’s ideal for providing hints that enhance usability without cluttering the UI. For example, use aria-description="You are here:" to add orientation to breadcrumb navigation.


    Support: Currently handled well by NVDA and iOS VoiceOver; other screen readers may ignore it or misinterpret its purpose.

    Example

    <button aria-label="Download" aria-description="Downloads the current report in PDF format.">Download</button>

    aria-details

    The ARIA implementation of aria-details links an element to rich, supplementary content—replacing the outdated and poorly supported longdesc. It’s perfect for enhancing understanding of charts, data tables, and complex graphics.

    Support: Announced in some screen readers, but there’s currently no direct navigation path from the referenced element to the details content—limiting usability in production environments.

    Example

    <img src="chart.png" alt="Sales Chart" aria-details="chartDetails">
<div id="chartDetails">
  <p>This chart shows sales data from Q1 to Q4, highlighting growth trends.</p>
</div>

    aria-keyshortcuts

    Keyboard accessibility remains critical for many users. The ARIA implementation of aria-keyshortcuts lets developers document expected key commands directly in markup, making interfaces easier to learn and navigate via screen readers.

    Important note: This does not create functionality—it simply advertises the shortcut to assistive tech.

    Support: Fairly robust in Chrome and Edge; less so in Firefox and mobile platforms.

    Example

    <button aria-label="Mute" aria-keyshortcuts="Ctrl+M">Mute</button>

    aria-placeholder

    This attribute serves as a screen-reader-friendly version of the native placeholder attribute, particularly useful for custom form controls like div[contenteditable]. Unlike native placeholders, the text won’t be announced after the field is filled, avoiding redundancy.

    Support: Surprisingly consistent across JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack.

    Example

    <div contenteditable="true" role="textbox" aria-placeholder="Enter your comment here..."></div>

    Emerging ARIA Roles Enhancing Semantic Meaning

    Editorial and Collaborative Roles

    Roles like role="mark", role="comment", and role="suggestion" provide semantic meaning in collaborative environments—useful in rich text editors, document workflows, and feedback tools.

    • mark: Highlights text.
    • comment: Marks feedback or user-generated discussion.
    • suggestion: Flags proposed edits or changes.

    Support: Varies widely. role="mark" is gaining traction due to its alignment with <mark>. Others are still emerging.

    Example

    <p>The final decision was <span role="suggestion">to postpone the launch</span> until next quarter.</p>

    Technical and Temporal Roles

    New semantic roles such as role="code" and role="time" help describe technical or time-based content when native elements like <code> or <time> aren’t feasible—particularly in component-based frameworks.

    Support: Minimal at present but useful for long-term semantic clarity.

    Example

    <div role="code">const sum = (a, b) => a + b;</div>
<div role="time" datetime="2025-06-06T13:49:19-04:00">June 6, 2025, 1:49 PM EDT</div>

    role=”image”

    This is functionally equivalent to role="img" but offers a clearer, natural-language alternative. While it doesn’t change behavior, it can improve code readability and naming consistency across projects.

    Example

    <div role="image" aria-label="Company Logo">
  <img src="logo.png" alt="">
</div>

    Practical Implementation Considerations

    Assessing Support Across Assistive Technologies

    Not every ARIA implementation feature enjoys uniform support. The ecosystem includes screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, and browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Always test your ARIA implementations across a matrix of platforms and devices. What works well in one may fail silently in another.

    Tested Environments (May 2025)

    • Windows 11: JAWS, NVDA, Narrator
    • macOS Sequoia: VoiceOver
    • iOS 18.4: VoiceOver (Safari)
    • Android 15: TalkBack (Chrome)

    Support varies—stay informed and test often.

    Best Practices for Adoption

    1. Use semantic HTML first. ARIA should enhance—not replace—native elements.
    2. Progressively enhance. Build baseline functionality, then layer in ARIA attributes where they add real value.
    3. Test with real users. Automated tests only go so far. Gather feedback from people who use assistive tech every day.
    4. Implement gracefully. Ensure content degrades without breaking if ARIA features aren’t supported.
    5. Stay proactive. Keep track of ARIA spec updates and screen reader changelogs.

    Conclusion

    Web accessibility isn’t static. Staying ahead of emerging ARIA implementation trends helps developers build experiences that are not just compliant, but genuinely inclusive. Attributes like aria-errormessage, aria-description, and editorial roles like role="comment" signal the future of accessible interaction.

    Many of these features may still be waiting for widespread support—but early adoption by thoughtful developers will shape best practices and standards moving forward.

    To lead with confidence in this evolving space, consider scheduling an ADA briefing with 216digital. Their accessibility experts can help you implement forward-looking ARIA features in a way that’s both robust and user-first—positioning your organization as a leader in inclusive design.

    Greg McNeil

    June 6, 2025
    How-to Guides
    Accessibility, ARIA, How-to, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, web developers, web development

  • Color Contrast That Pops: Accessibility in Every Shade

    Color is one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s toolkit—but without the right contrast, even the most beautiful interface can become unreadable. For users with low vision or color blindness, low contrast isn’t just inconvenient—it can make content completely inaccessible. And while most developers know the basics of accessible design, color contrast often slips through the cracks when brand guidelines or fast-moving deadlines take over.

    This article isn’t a beginner’s primer—it’s a hands-on guide for developers who already know what WCAG is but want smarter, more practical ways to apply color contrast in real projects. From testing tools to design techniques to working with brand colors, we’ll cover how to create experiences that look sharp, function well, and work for everyone.

    Understanding Color Perception and Its Impact on Accessibility

    To build truly inclusive designs, it helps to understand how users perceive color in the first place. The human eye detects color based on hue (the type of color), saturation (how strong it appears), and lightness (how bright or dark it is). This is where the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) model becomes useful—it mirrors how people actually experience color and helps designers assess contrast more accurately.

    Now, pair that with accessibility data. Around 300 million people worldwide live with color blindness, and another 253 million have low vision. That’s not a small edge case—it’s a significant portion of your audience. For these users, poor color contrast can turn buttons, labels, and links into frustrating puzzles. A green button on a gray background might seem fine to a fully sighted user, but it can disappear entirely for someone with red-green color deficiency.

    By considering how color vision deficiencies affect perception, developers can make smarter choices—ones that improve usability for everyone without drastically changing their design.

    WCAG Guidelines on Color Contrast

    To guide these decisions, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) lay out specific requirements. For Level AA compliance, normal text must have a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. Large text—defined as 18pt or 14pt bold—can meet a slightly lower bar of 3:1. If you’re aiming for AAA (which is more stringent), the numbers jump to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively.

    But contrast isn’t just about text. It also applies to non-text elements like icons, buttons, graphs, and interactive controls. These need to be distinguishable too, especially for users navigating with limited vision or screen magnifiers.

    That said, not everything falls under these rules. Logos and purely decorative graphics are exempt. This makes room for brand expression, but it also challenges teams to strike the right balance: How do you honor brand colors without sacrificing clarity? The good news is that small adjustments can go a long way.

    Tools and Techniques for Evaluating Color Contrast

    So how do you check if your contrast choices meet the mark? Fortunately, there’s a wide range of tools designed to make this easy—no guesswork required.

    Online contrast checkers are a great place to start:

    • WebAIM Contrast Checker is fast and simple—just plug in your colors and get a pass/fail result.
    • TPGi’s Colour Contrast Analyser lets you test live screen elements with an eyedropper tool.
    • Coolors Contrast Checker is especially helpful when working within a palette—it gives instant feedback as you test combinations.

    To take your testing further, browser extensions can simulate what your site looks like to users with different types of color blindness:

    • Colorblindly and Dalton show you how your design holds up for users with vision deficiencies.
    • Color Enhancer for Chrome allows you to customize and tweak colors directly in the browser.

    For those who prefer working within browser developer tools, Chrome DevTools offers built-in accessibility checks. You can inspect elements, see real-time color contrast ratios, and even simulate vision impairments. Pair that with media queries like @prefers-color-scheme or @prefers-contrast, and you’ll be ready to serve more inclusive experiences automatically—based on a user’s own system settings.

    Best Practices for Implementing Accessible Color Contrast

    Once you’ve got the right tools, the next step is applying best practices to your design and development process.

    Start by designing with accessibility in mind from the beginning. Don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning. Pair colors with icons, patterns, or text labels—so if a user can’t see the red “error” outline, they can still read the “required field” message.

    Next, build testing into your workflow. Just like you check for responsive breakpoints or load time, checking for color contrast should be routine. Use automated tests, then follow up with human feedback to catch edge cases tools might miss.

    Also, remember to document your choices. A clear, shared record of approved color combinations and contrast ratios will help your team stay consistent across projects. Whether it’s a design system in Figma or internal guidelines in Notion, this documentation keeps accessibility top of mind for everyone involved.

    The Role of Browser Extensions in User Accessibility

    While developers work hard to build accessible designs, many users also rely on their own tools to improve visibility. Browser extensions like Colorblindly and Dalton allow users to adjust or simulate colors in a way that meets their personal needs.

    It’s important to remember that just because users can adjust colors, doesn’t mean developers shouldn’t strive for accessible defaults. By ensuring strong color contrast from the start, you make life easier for everyone—and reduce the need for users to rely on workarounds.

    Plus, by understanding how these tools work, developers can better anticipate what users experience and design with greater empathy.

    Balancing Brand Identity with Accessibility

    Now comes the tough part—color contrast often butts heads with brand design. Changing a brand’s color palette can feel like touching sacred ground. But here’s the thing: contrast issues can usually be fixed with minor adjustments.

    Sometimes it’s as easy as tweaking brightness or adding a subtle border. Instead of throwing out your palette, consider enhancing it. You might slightly darken a background color, lighten the text, or add supporting visuals that boost readability. Your core colors stay intact—just optimized for accessibility.

    And don’t worry—accessibility lawsuits are rarely about brand color alone. They’re about whether people can actually use your site. Keeping that goal in focus will help guide the right compromises.

    Final Shades of Wisdom

    At its core, color contrast is about communication. It makes your message easier to read, your interface easier to use, and your site more welcoming to everyone—regardless of how they see the world.

    With a solid grasp of the WCAG guidelines, the right tools in your toolkit, and smart design strategies, it’s entirely possible to meet accessibility goals without sacrificing visual style. Make contrast checks part of your process, revisit your palette with intention, and bring your team along with documentation and testing habits.

    And if you’re not sure where to start or want a second opinion, schedule a quick ADA compliance briefing with 216digital. We’ll help you uncover any color contrast issues hiding in plain sight—and map out a path toward a more inclusive, accessible web.

    Greg McNeil

    May 20, 2025
    How-to Guides, WCAG Compliance
    Accessibility, color contrast, WCAG, WCAG 2.1, WCAG Compliance, WCAG conformance, Web Accessibility

  • Is WCAG Certification Possible?

    Many businesses are on the hunt for something called “WCAG certification”—a stamp of approval to show their site is accessible. But is that even a real thing?

    The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the widely accepted standard for creating accessible digital content. These guidelines help ensure websites, apps, and digital tools work for everyone—including people with disabilities. But here’s the catch: there’s no such thing as official WCAG certification. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, though.

    In this article, we’ll unpack what WCAG really is, why it matters, and what practical steps you can take to prove your accessibility commitment—without chasing a non-existent certificate.

    What Is WCAG — and Why It Matters

    WCAG is a set of accessibility guidelines created by a group called the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It’s been updated over the years—versions 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 are already in use, and a new draft version (WCAG 3.0) is in the works.

    The guidelines are built on four main principles:

    • Perceivable: Can people see, hear, or otherwise access your content?
    • Operable: Can users interact with it, like using a keyboard or voice commands?
    • Understandable: Is your site’s content and layout easy to follow?
    • Robust: Will your site work across different devices, browsers, and assistive tech?

    These principles help you build a better experience for everyone. And with around 1 in 4 Americans living with a disability, accessibility isn’t a niche issue—it’s a core part of serving your audience.

    Can You Get WCAG Certified? (No — and Here’s Why)

    Let’s make it simple: WCAG certification does not exist in any official form. The W3C—the organization behind WCAG—doesn’t issue certificates to websites or developers. So if someone tells you they can give you a WCAG certificate, that’s a red flag.

    Here’s what does exist:

    • WCAG Conformance: This means your website meets specific WCAG success criteria.
    • Audit Reports: Accessibility experts can review your site and document its strengths and weaknesses.
    • Professional Credentials: Individuals can take training and exams to show they understand accessibility standards.

    What you can’t get is an “official” WCAG certification from any governing body. The W3C has actually decided not to create a certification program at all, stating that a formal seal could do more harm than good. So any so-called “WCAG certificate” should be treated carefully—think of it more as “we followed WCAG and have evidence” rather than a license or badge.

    Why the Idea of Certification Still Matters

    Even though WCAG certification isn’t real, the need to show good faith—especially during legal challenges—is very real.

    If your site faces an ADA accessibility complaint, a detailed audit report or a public accessibility statement can help. It won’t guarantee immunity, but it may:

    • Shorten legal negotiations
    • Lower settlement demands
    • Show that you’re actively working on improvements

    Most lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) focus on fixing the problem (not financial damages at the federal level), but state laws like California’s Unruh Act can make things much more expensive. In some cases, businesses may face penalties of $4,000 per violation—per user session.

    Many businesses choose to settle accessibility lawsuits rather than fight in court, with settlements typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, and sometimes far more. Proactively documenting your WCAG conformance can reduce those risks and costs.

    What You Can Get Instead: Real Accessibility Certifications

    While your website can’t be WCAG certified, you or your team can earn credentials that demonstrate knowledge of WCAG and broader accessibility concepts. These are well-respected in the field:

    • CPACC – Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies
       Great for content creators, marketers, and generalists. Covers topics like disability types, legal basics, and WCAG principles.
    • WAS – Web Accessibility Specialist
       Tailored for developers and UX designers. Dives deep into the technical side: semantic HTML, ARIA, testing practices.
    • CPWA – Certified Professional in Web Accessibility
       Combines both CPACC and WAS certifications. Ideal for accessibility leads or those overseeing compliance efforts.

    These certifications don’t claim to be WCAG certification, but they do show your commitment to accessibility expertise.

    Real Accessibility Is About Practical Action

    Certifications help—but they’re not a shortcut. To build and maintain an accessible site, focus on practical, ongoing steps that create real impact.

    Run Regular Accessibility Audits

    You can use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse, but manual testing is essential too. Look for issues like missing labels, broken keyboard navigation, or poor heading structure. Save your reports as documentation in case questions arise later.

    Fix High-Impact Issues First

    Some problems—like missing alt text or contrast issues—pose bigger risks than others. Prioritize known trouble spots.

    Bake Accessibility Into Development

    Make accessibility part of your everyday workflow, not something you tackle at the end. Small habits make a big difference.

    Publish a Public Statement

    Adding an accessibility statement to your website builds trust and shows you’re being transparent and proactive.

    Train Your Content Team

    Every upload matters. A well-meaning update can unintentionally introduce accessibility problems—so make sure everyone’s equipped to do their part.

    Should You Be Chasing WCAG Certification?

    Not exactly. The smarter question is: how do you prove that your site meets WCAG standards?

    Here’s how to show your work:

    • Encourage team members to earn real accessibility credentials like CPACC or WAS.
    • Hire an expert to audit your site and issue a detailed report.
    • Post an accessibility statement on your site that outlines your efforts and future plans.
    • Monitor your site and run regular checks to ensure improvements are sustained.

    And remember: legal risk is growing. Thousands of lawsuits were filed in the past year alone over inaccessible websites. Many target websites that lack basic WCAG conformance.

    Accessibility Partners Can Make the Difference

    Trying to juggle deadlines, legacy code, and legal exposure? Outside help can give you the lift you need. Experienced accessibility partners don’t just run audits—they help you build a sustainable, legally defensible program.

    What expert partners can offer:

    • Full audits, including real-user testing
    • Help fixing accessibility issues
    • Ongoing monitoring to catch new problems
    • Role-specific training for devs, designers, and content teams

    And a key difference? The right partner will never promise fake WCAG certification. They’ll help you build real results.

    You Don’t Need a WCAG Certificate—You Need a Plan

    The idea of WCAG certification sounds comforting—but it’s not real. What is real? Earning your users’ trust by making your site work for everyone.

    When you show that you’ve taken the right steps—training, audits, public transparency—you don’t need a certificate. You’ve already proven your commitment.

    Ready to show your commitment to accessibility the right way?
     Schedule an ADA accessibility briefing with 216digital and see how we help teams maintain long-term WCAG conformance and build more inclusive digital experiences.

    Greg McNeil

    May 14, 2025
    Web Accessibility Training
    Accessibility, WCAG, WCAG Certification, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development

  • eCommerce Accessibility: Cart & Checkout Best Practices

    As a front-end developer, you already know how much the small stuff matters—clear labels, logical tab order, and meaningful feedback. These details don’t just polish the experience; they make the difference between a site that works for everyone and one that silently shuts people out. When it comes to eCommerce accessibility, gaps tend to show up in the usual suspects: shopping carts, forms, payment flows, and filters.

    Below, we’ll explore common eCommerce accessibility gaps and show you how to fix them. You’ll see examples of HTML and ARIA attributes that make a real difference in usability—without requiring you to overhaul your entire site. Just clean, thoughtful code that helps your work reach more people, the way it’s meant to.

    Why Accessibility Matters in E-Commerce

    Better eCommerce accessibility results in a better user experience. When you streamline navigation, label form fields properly, and offer multiple payment methods, you’re benefiting everyone, not just shoppers with disabilities. You’re also opening your doors to more customers, including those who use screen readers, have limited mobility, or simply prefer an intuitive layout.

    Beyond enhanced usability, there’s also the legal side. Lawsuits related to eCommerce accessibility are on the rise. Addressing accessibility from the start can help reduce legal risks, but the bigger win is ensuring all potential customers feel welcome in your store.

    eCommerce accessibility often breaks down at a few critical points:

    • Shopping carts with unclear or missing labels.
    • Forms and checkouts that don’t offer proper error messages.
    • Payment flows that are dependent on inaccessible CAPTCHAs or limited payment methods.
    • Product filters that are keyboard-incompatible or lack clear feedback.

    If you’re a developer responsible for these features, you’re in the perfect position to fix these problems. A few strategic lines of code or well-placed attributes can help transform a confusing checkout into a seamless experience for all.

    Making Your Shopping Cart Work for Everyone

    Add Clear Labels (Yes, Even for Buttons)

    It’s a common oversight to have buttons or icons without descriptive text. Screen readers can’t interpret an icon unless you provide an aria-label or similar attribute. Give every button clear text or an invisible descriptor for assistive tech.

    <button aria-label="Remove item from cart">
  Remove
</button>

    This simple step ensures that anyone using a screen reader knows exactly what action they’re about to take.

    Let People Update Cart Items Without Guesswork

    Quantities, item removals, and other cart updates should be straightforward. If you’re using a numeric input, label it properly so a screen reader user knows what they’re adjusting.

    <label for="quantity">Quantity:</label>
<input type="number" id="quantity" name="quantity" min="1" value="1">

    When quantity fields are clearly labeled and keyboard-friendly, customers can adjust items easily—no mystery involved.

    Show Helpful Feedback When Things Go Wrong

    Errors happen: maybe a shopper enters an invalid quantity or tries to remove an item that’s no longer in stock. Instead of reloading the entire page (and frustrating users), use an aria-live region to announce errors in real-time:

    <div role="alert" aria-live="assertive">
  Error: Please enter a valid quantity.
</div>

    This alerts people using screen readers without forcing them to refresh or hunt for an error message.

    Shipping Forms That Are Easy to Use (and Easy to Navigate)

    Use Straightforward, Consistent Labels

    Forms can become confusing if users aren’t sure what to type. Proper <label> tags tied to the correct inputs make a huge difference for both sighted customers and those using assistive tech.

    <label for="address">Shipping Address:</label>
<input type="text" id="address" name="address">

    When labels are descriptive and consistent throughout the form, everyone knows exactly what information to provide.

    Make Sure Users Can Tab Through Fields Logically

    Keyboard-only users often navigate by pressing the Tab key. If your form fields aren’t in a logical sequence, they’ll jump around unpredictably. Paying attention to the natural DOM order is usually enough, but if you must alter it, use tabindex carefully.

    Show Errors Clearly and Offer Suggestions

    Generic error messages like “Invalid input” force users to guess what they did wrong. Instead, offer specific guidance so people know exactly how to fix the issue:

    <div role="alert">
  Error: ZIP code must be five digits.
</div>

    This clarity benefits everyone, speeding up the checkout process and reducing frustration—two big wins for eCommerce accessibility.

    Designing a Payment Flow That’s Smooth and Inclusive

    Offer More Than One Way to Pay

    Variety in payment methods—credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.—ensures different shoppers can complete purchases in a way that suits them. Some assistive technologies work better with certain payment platforms, so having options expands your customer reach.

    If You Use CAPTCHAs, Make Them Accessible

    Nothing derails a checkout faster than an inaccessible CAPTCHA. If possible, rely on server-side checks. If you do need a CAPTCHA, consider offering an audio version or a more user-friendly alternative. This prevents people with disabilities from being locked out at the final step of their eCommerce accessibility journey.

    Choose Accessible Payment Gateways

    Third-party payment platforms can introduce new accessibility issues. Do a quick review to ensure any external gateway meets basic WCAG standards and is compatible with screen readers and other assistive tools. Even the best checkout flow can fail if the final payment step isn’t accessible.

    Don’t Let Product Filters Be a Barrier

    Make Filters Keyboard-Friendly

    Checkboxes, sliders, and dropdowns all need to be navigable via keyboard. That means ensuring users can Tab to each control, use arrow keys for sliders, and press Enter or Space to toggle checkboxes or confirm a selection.

    Let Users Know What Filters Are Applied

    Always make it clear which filters are currently active, both visually and programmatically (via ARIA attributes). This helps sighted users and people using screen readers track their selections and remove or adjust filters easily.

    Stick to Native HTML Controls When Possible

    While custom-styled checkboxes and radio buttons can look appealing, they often introduce accessibility quirks. Native HTML elements are easier to make accessible:

    <fieldset>
  <legend>Filter by Size</legend>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="size" value="small"> Small</label>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="size" value="medium"> Medium</label>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="size" value="large"> Large</label>
</fieldset>

    You can style them to fit your brand while ensuring they work out of the box for most assistive tech. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve eCommerce accessibility.

    Testing and Validating Your Work

    Start with Automated Tools (But Don’t Stop There)

    Tools like Google Lighthouse and  WAVE are great starting points. They scan for many common issues, but automated tests can’t cover everything, especially more nuanced user interactions.

    Test Manually with Real Assistive Tech

    Grab a screen reader like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac). Try using only your keyboard to navigate the site. This hands-on approach reveals a lot about real-world usability that automated checks might miss—especially in areas related to eCommerce accessibility.

    Get Feedback from Real Users

    If you can, involve people with disabilities in your testing. Their direct experience helps pinpoint issues you might never notice on your own. Real-world feedback is invaluable for refining the shopping journey.

    Small Fixes, Big Impact

    Building an accessible eCommerce site doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Most improvements, like adding clear labels or structuring forms properly, are quick, incremental changes in your code. These small fixes can significantly enhance the experience for shoppers who rely on assistive technology—and often make the site more pleasant for everyone else as well.

    If you want more detailed guidance or an expert review, there are plenty of resources on WCAG and web.dev. You can also team up with 216digital, where we specialize in making sure online stores meet eCommerce accessibility standards from start to finish. Whether you need help with checkout flows, product filtering, or a full-site audit, our team is here to ensure every shopper can complete their purchase with ease.

    Remember: inclusive design isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a mindset. By prioritizing eCommerce accessibility at each step of your development process, you’ll build online shopping experiences that truly welcome everyone. And that’s good business for everyone involved.

    Greg McNeil

    April 4, 2025
    How-to Guides
    Accessibility, ecommerce website, How-to, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
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