Making a website that works well for all visitors is very important. Whether people are using a screen reader, a keyboard instead of a mouse, or just browsing on a small phone, they should be able to enjoy your site without trouble. That’s where guidelines like WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 come into play. They help you figure out how to design and develop your website to be welcoming to everyone. This post will explore why these standards matter and provide a handy checklist to help you meet Level AA compliance.

What Are WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These guidelines are created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), a group that works to improve the Internet. The goal is to help developers, designers, and website owners make web pages that people of all abilities can use.

• WCAG 2.1 focuses on areas like mobile accessibility, helping people with low vision, and simplifying things for those with cognitive or learning differences.
• WCAG 2.2 builds on 2.1, adding more ways to ensure websites are user-friendly across various assistive tools and devices.

When you aim for Level AA under these guidelines, you cover a wide range of barriers that many people face online. This level is a popular target because it helps most users get a smooth experience while staying realistic in terms of time and cost for website owners.

Why Accessibility Is Key

In the United States, many people look for websites they can use easily, even if they have different skills or use different devices. By following WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2, you’re making sure your site can be seen, understood, and operated by everyone who lands on your pages. These guidelines improve the overall usability of your site, which can lead to happier visitors, more return traffic, and a stronger online presence.

Some people think accessibility features only help those with disabilities, but that isn’t the full story. For example, captions on videos help viewers in noisy places, and clear headings make pages easier to scan for everyone. In other words, these improvements can boost your site’s performance for all visitors, not just a few.

The Four Principles of WCAG

Both WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 focus on four main principles, often known as POUR:

Perceivable

People should be able to sense and process the information on your site. This includes making text large enough to read and providing text alternatives for images or audio.

Operable

Your site should be easy to interact with. This means visitors can use a keyboard instead of a mouse or stop and pause moving content if they need more time.

Understandable

Content should be simple to read and organized in a clear way. Consistent layouts and obvious labels help people find what they’re looking for.

Robust

A robust site works well across different devices and assistive technologies. Proper HTML structure and well-labeled elements are examples of ways to keep your site solid and flexible.

A Checklist for WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 Level AA Compliance

Below is a practical checklist to guide you. This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many key points to keep in mind when aiming for WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

1. Perceivable

1. Text Alternatives for Media
   • Add alt text to images that share important information. This lets screen readers describe images to users who can’t see them.
   • Provide transcripts or captions for audio and video content so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can follow along.
2. Color Contrast and Text Size
   • Ensure your text stands out against the background. A ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for larger text.
   • Make sure text can be resized up to 200% without losing functionality or clarity.
3. Responsive and Flexible Layout
   • Design pages to work well on phones, tablets, and desktop screens.
   • Don’t rely on just color to convey meaning. For example, if you have error messages in red, also include an icon or text label that says “Error.”

2. Operable

1. Keyboard Navigation
   • Test your site using only a keyboard. You should be able to reach every link, button, and form field.
   • Make sure there are no “keyboard traps” where you can’t move forward or backward in a form or menu.
2. Focus Indicators
   • Provide a visible outline or highlight for the element in focus. This helps users see where they are on the page as they tab through it.
3. Timing and Movement Controls
   • If your site has slideshows, videos, or any moving parts, allow users to pause or stop them. This is especially important for people who need more time to read or interact.
4. Bypass Blocks
   • Include a “Skip to main content” link so users don’t have to tab through large menus every time.
   • Break your site into clear sections with headings or landmarks.

3. Understandable

1. Clear, Simple Language
   • Aim for short sentences and paragraphs. Organize content with headings, bullet points, or numbered lists.
   • Provide definitions or explanations for any unusual terms or abbreviations.
2. Consistent Navigation
   • Keep your menu and site structure similar across all pages. A consistent layout helps visitors learn and predict where things are.
3. Helpful Error Messages
   • If a visitor makes an error on a form (like entering an invalid email), explain the problem and how they can fix it.
   • Use clear wording for buttons. For example, instead of “Submit,” try something like “Send Message” if that’s what’s happening.

4. Robust

1. Semantic HTML and ARIA
   • Use proper HTML tags like <h1> for main titles and <h2> for subheadings. This helps screen readers and other tools understand your content’s structure.
   • If you have dynamic content like pop-up menus, consider using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels to clarify these features.
2. Test with Assistive Tools
   • Try out screen readers like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac) on your site.
   • Check how your site behaves with magnifiers or voice control software.
3. WCAG 2.2 Highlights
   • Accessible Authentication: Try using a password manager or simpler login methods so you won’t have to memorize codes every time you log in.
   • Target Size: Interactive elements, like buttons and links, should be large enough (at least 24×24 CSS pixels) to tap comfortably. This is especially crucial for mobile devices.
   • Drag-and-Drop Options: If your website uses drag-and-drop features, provide keyboard-friendly ways to do the same task.

Testing Your Site

Even if you follow all these guidelines, it’s wise to test your site thoroughly. Here are a few suggestions:

• Automated Scanners: Tools like WAVE and Lighthouse can point out possible issues and give you quick fixes.
• Manual Checks: Use your site with a keyboard to see if you can tab through elements correctly. Also, turn off your monitor or close your eyes and see if you can rely solely on a screen reader to navigate.
• User Feedback: Ask real users to test your site. They can share their experiences and spot issues you might have missed.

Making Accessibility Part of Your Routine

Accessibility can feel like a big job at first, but it becomes easier when you build it into your normal process. Start small by fixing one area at a time—maybe improve the color contrast first, then add captions to videos, and so on. As you learn more about WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2, you’ll discover that these changes often benefit everyone who uses your website.

Regularly updating and testing your site is also a good idea. Technology changes quickly, and new devices and browsers appear all the time. Staying up to date with best practices means your site will remain friendly and easy to use.

Conclusion

Following WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 Level AA guidelines is a great way to make your website more welcoming. This checklist helps you cover the basics—like text alternatives, keyboard navigation, and clear instructions—but it’s just the beginning. As you keep learning and improving, you’ll find more ways to create a site that everyone can navigate and enjoy.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or a large company, making an accessible website helps you connect with more people and makes every visitor feel welcome. Check out these WCAG 2.2 tips and see how they can transform your site into a space everyone can enjoy!