Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of technical recommendations for making digital content accessible to people with disabilities. This article covers the most basic principles of accessibility and who needs to follow them in the UK.

Who Created the Accessibility Guidelines

The web accessibility content guidelines (WCAG) have been developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). They provide a comprehensive framework that accessible design should meet.

Four Key Principles of Accessibility

These principles sit at the top of accessible design:

1. Perceivable: Website content must be perceivable through multiple senses, regardless of visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments.
2. Operable: People should be able to navigate and use your website using alternative methods, like keyboard navigation and screen readers.
3. Understandable: Website content should be clear, easy to understand, and help users avoid or correct mistakes.
4. Robust: Website content should be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents (including assistive technologies).

A Brief History of the Guidelines (WCAG)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines have been developed over many years by leading experts in the field.

1. WCAG 2.0, published in 2008.
2. WCAG 2.1, Updated in 2018.
3. WCAG 2.2, published late in 2023.
4. WCAG 3.0, published on May 16, 2024 (But is not expected to become an official W3C Standard for a few more years).

Conformance Levels (WCAG)

1. Level A: The basic level of adherence.
2. Level AA: This level is commonly referenced in global accessibility regulations.
3. Level AAA: The highest level of conformance and most difficult to achieve.

The Minimum UK Legal Requirement for an Accessible Website

The minimum legal requirement for an accessible website in the UK is the WCAG 2.2 AA standard. The Equality Act 2010 required many businesses and organisations to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to people with disabilities. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including up to 4% of worldwide turnover.

Who Needs to Legally Comply with Accessibility Standards in the UK

We all should! But many types of UK businesses and organisations are legally required to comply with WCAG:

• Businesses that provide services to the public: This includes hotels, restaurants, pubs, and other businesses that provide goods or services to the public.
• Public services: This includes hospitals, schools, libraries, and other public services.
• Public bodies: This includes government departments, local authorities, and other public bodies.
• Private organizations: This includes businesses and other privately-owned organizations.
• Transport providers: This includes transport providers.
• Clubs and associations: This includes clubs and associations.
• Charities: Charities must follow the Equality Act 2010, and must be careful not to restrict benefits to people based on protected characteristics.

The Minimum US Legal Requirement for an Accessible Website

The minimum legal requirement for an accessible website in the US is the WCAG 2.1 AA standard, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Who Needs to Legally Comply with Accessibility Standards in the US

In the US private businesses that provide goods or services to the public and fall under the category of “public accommodations” and are legally required to have accessible websites. These include:

• Retail Stores and E-commerce Platforms: Websites selling products or services.
• Restaurants and Bars: Websites used to display menus, accept reservations, or facilitate takeout orders.
• Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and individual practitioners must ensure accessibility for patients seeking appointments, medical records, or other services.
• Hotels and Lodging Services: Websites offering bookings and information.
• Banks and Financial Institutions: Online banking and financial services.
• Gyms and Fitness Centers: Websites with membership sign-ups, schedules, or class bookings.
• Entertainment Venues: Theaters, stadiums, and event venues must ensure ticket purchasing systems and event information are accessible.

Furthermore, under Title II, all state and local government entities are required to ensure their websites are fully accessible. These include:

• Public schools and universities: (online learning platforms and informational sites).
• Local government websites: providing vital public services such as tax information, public housing applications, or voting information.
• Public libraries: offering digital resources.

Less than 1% of Websites Meet the AA Accessibility Standard

In reality, according to a 2024 report by WebAIM, the percentage of websites that meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines AA standard is lower than 1%. Although most government and public sector websites that do meet this standard, there is clearly along way to go for many private businesses and organisations!

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