If you manage a website, you’ve probably heard of WCAG accessibility standards. But with the release of new versions like 2.1 and now 2.2, it can get confusing keeping up with what’s changed and why it matters. Let’s break it down in simple terms!
As web gurus, we know that having an accessible site is crucial these days. Making content usable for people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do ethically, but also opens doors to a huge customer segment.
Still, we get that sorting through the complex WCAG documentation is a major snoozefest. So let me give you the Cliff Notes on what’s new and essential to know. Grab a coffee and let’s dive in!
WCAG Refresher: The Need-to-Know Basics
First quick recap for anyone unfamiliar with WCAG:
– It stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines published by the global W3C standards group.
– The guidelines break down best practices for making web content work for people with disabilities.
– They are organized by 4 main principles called POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust. Makes sense right?
– To meet guidelines, websites need specific HTML, CSS, and ARIA markup added. More on that later!
So in plain talk, WCAG gives you the recipe to bake a deliciously accessible digital cake! Let’s compare the changes from 2.1 to 2.2.
WCAG 2.1 vs 2.2: What’s New in the Latest Version?
WCAG 2.1 came out in 2018 to add more detail on mobile accessibility, folks with low vision, and cognitive disabilities. Helpful additions but just appetizers leading up to the main course…
Enter WCAG 2.2 in 2022 with more meaty upgrades including:
– Limiting content that flashes/blinks rapidly to avoid triggering seizures. Huge for those with photosensitive conditions.
– Expanding color contrast rules so text is easier to read for people with low vision. Take that tiny light gray font!
– Making keyboard navigation and screen reader functionality more robust. Helps those who can’t use a mouse.
– Guidance on accessible captcha and security question options. Love seeing inclusivity in design!
– Considering translation and localization needs. Building cultural diversity into the guidelines.
So in everyday speak, WCAG 2.2 serves up some important practical upgrades for making sites work well for all people.
While WCAG 2.1 still holds up, start folding 2.2 into your game plan. Standards move fast in the digital age – staying current is the only way to truly be accessible!
Why Should You Care About WCAG Compliance?
Great question imaginary reader! Here are the real talk reasons to focus on accessibility:
- Avoid lawsuits – Many countries now enforce legal standards based on WCAG. Skirting guidelines risks fines or litigation. Not worth it!
- Tap into more customers – Over 1 billion people globally have disabilities. Don’t miss out on their business!
- Improve SEO – Accessible sites with good semantics, navigation and metadata perform better in search. Ka-ching!
- Enhance user experience – Clean layouts, logical focus order, and sufficient color contrast create better UX for all. It’s universal design, baby!
- Boost brand reputation – Applying WCAG shows you care about inclusion and equal access. Major props for doing good!
Put simply, following WCAG is not just morally admirable, but also smart business. Those dollars and social cred points add up!
Getting Your Site WCAG Certified: The Easy-Peasy Checklist
Making your existing site accessible means:
- Auditing to identify problem areas. May need an accessibility consultant to spot gaps.
- Making an action plan and budget. Quick fixes first, complex redesigns later.
- Adding alt text, semantics, labels and focus indicators for screen readers.
- Optimizing color contrast across all elements to meet standards.
- Ensuring keyboard and screen reader accessibility. Logical tab order is key!
- Captioning audio, adding video transcripts. ARIA attributes improve screen reader flow.
- Testing with users of assistive tech and incorporating feedback. Their insight is gold!
- Sharing an accessibility statement for reporting issues. Be responsive to user needs.
- Instilling accessibility into regular design and dev processes through governance. Yes to lifelong learning!
See, WCAG compliance just takes planning, budget and the right markup seasoning. Your recipe for an accessible site awaits!
The Future of Digital Accessibility
While WCAG 2.2 moves inclusivity forward, more work remains. As tech evolves, so must standards. Artificial intelligence, AR/VR, and IoT will bring new considerations.
But the core values of equitable access and human-centric design will be our North Star. Building those values into digital experiences now future-proofs for tomorrow!
So What’s the Takeaway Here?
WCAG guidelines exist to unlock the power of the web for *everyone*. Staying current, embracing change, and baking in accessibility from the start benefits us all.
Onward with courage, compassion and code! Now let’s go make the digital world a little more beautiful for humanity.
The views expressed herein are personal and do not reflect the views of any of my clients, partners or employers.