Author: Marcin Pioch
In an era where technology and digital communication have almost entirely taken over every aspect of our lives, the concept of accessibility has become not only a trendy term but a necessity. In an increasingly globalized world where geographical barriers fade away, other walls—technological and communicational—gain significance. Have you ever wondered how blind individuals browse websites? Or how individuals with mobility disorders navigate through complex applications?
In the contemporary digital age, with its unrestricted access to information, education, and entertainment, unfortunately, not everyone experiences equality. Individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers preventing them from fully utilizing what the Internet has to offer. This is why the WCAG 2.1 standard was established. It’s worth exploring its history, principles, and impact on digital content creation to understand its significance.
History and Genesis of WCAG
WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, was introduced by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international organization dedicated to setting standards for the Internet. The first version of accessibility guidelines, WCAG 1.0, was published in 1999. Over time, as technology advanced and a better understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities emerged, W3C updated these guidelines, introducing WCAG 2.0 in 2008, followed by WCAG 2.1 in 2018. Responding to evolving technology and needs, W3C is developing WCAG 2.2 standards, which are set to debut in 2023.
Accessibility and WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
WCAG 2.1 is based on four fundamental principles rooted in perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness:
Perceivability – Users must be able to perceive information, which includes providing alternative texts for images, subtitles for video materials, and adapting content for screen readers.
Operability – Users must be able to interact with content, meaning all website functions should be accessible via a keyboard, and animations or scrolling content should not pose problems.
Understandability – Content and the interface should be understandable. This includes text clarity, navigation predictability, and appropriately phrased feedback information (including error prompts).
Robustness (also referred to as solidity) – Content should be presented and function reliably across various technologies and devices, including screen readers and different browsers.
WCAG 2.1 guidelines are highly detailed and cover many specific recommendations. Some of these recommendations include:
Alternative Texts – Every image should have appropriate alternative text describing its content, aiding blind individuals in understanding graphic content.
Structure and Tags – The page should be constructed logically using proper HTML tags, facilitating navigation for users relying on screen readers.
Color Contrast – Text on the page should be easily readable, thanks to appropriate contrast between text and background.
Multimedia Accessibility – Videos and audio on the site should be accompanied by subtitles and transcripts or both, aiding deaf individuals or users relying on screen readers.
Form Accessibility – Forms should be accessible via a keyboard and have proper labels and error messages to assist users in completing them.
Scalability and Responsiveness – The site should be responsive to different screen sizes and devices, facilitating usage for individuals with various types of equipment. Additionally, the site must display adequately regardless of the device’s orientation.
For a detailed description of the pillars and guidelines, you can refer to the W3C organization’s website. A Polish version is also published and updated by the Krakow-based Institute for Regional Development.
Why Adhere to WCAG 2.1?
First and foremost, accessibility is an ethical matter. We should have equal and unhindered access to the information and data the Internet and its resources provide. The modern digital world is becoming increasingly ubiquitous in people’s daily lives. By adhering to WCAG 2.1, we ensure that individuals with various disabilities have equal access to online content and services. Ensuring accessibility is a step toward a society where everyone has equal opportunities to use internet resources.
Apart from the moral imperative, adhering to the guidelines brings other benefits:
Legal Risk – In many jurisdictions, there are laws requiring digital accessibility. In Poland, for instance, there is a law on the digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications. According to the existing legal standards in Poland, public entities can be penalized for not meeting the norms arising from WCAG.
Increased Website Popularity – Accessible websites are more user-friendly and can attract a larger audience. Everyone should have equal access to information, and complying with WCAG standards positively impacts website visibility and visitor counts.
Search Engine Ranking – Search engines like Google increasingly reward accessible sites, which can improve visibility in search results.
WCAG 2.1 is not just a technical standard but, above all, a manifesto of equality. The modern digital world should be accessible to all, regardless of physical or intellectual limitations. By caring about the accessibility of our content, we create a more user-friendly environment for every user. As technology evolves and our digital experiences become more complex, standards like WCAG become the foundation upon which we will build future stages of Internet development. The key to understanding and implementing WCAG standards lies in technical knowledge, deep empathy, and commitment to creating a more accessible world of information.