In an era where digital presence is paramount, accessibility has clearly emerged as a critical factor for success. Essentially, accessibility standards provide guidelines and regulations designed to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with web content effectively. Specifically, standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offer a framework for creating inclusive digital environments.
Surprisingly, 98% of websites do not comply with WCAG version 2.1 (Source: AccessiBe). This staggering statistic highlights a significant gap in the digital landscape, where many organizations overlook the importance of making their online content accessible to all users.
Accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about creating an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone, regardless of their abilities. As businesses increasingly recognize the value of inclusivity, they must also confront the misconceptions that hinder progress in this area.
In this post, we will clarify key accessibility standards, including WCAG, ADA, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), breaking down complex information into simple terms. By understanding these standards, organizations can unlock a wealth of benefits, from enhanced user experience to increased market reach, ultimately leading to a more successful and sustainable online presence.
What is WCAG?
Introduction
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. First published in 1999, WCAG has undergone several updates, with the most current version being WCAG 2.2, officially released on October 5, 2023.
Evolution of the Guidelines
WCAG 2.2 builds upon the previous WCAG 2.1 (2018) and WCAG 2.0 (2008) guidelines, introducing nine new success criteria that address accessibility needs for people with cognitive or learning disabilities, mobile device users, and e-reader users.
The Four Core Principles (POUR)
WCAG is organized around four fundamental principles, often referred to as POUR:
Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presented to users in ways they can perceive. This means that all content should be available to all users, regardless of their sensory abilities.
Operable
Users must be able to operate user interface components and navigation. Therefore, this principle ensures users can interact with all website elements, including those relying on keyboard navigation or alternative input methods.
Understandable
Users must be able to understand information and the operation of the user interface. Consequently, this principle emphasizes clear, simple language, consistent navigation, and predictable functionality.
Robust
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This ensures that as technology evolves, content remains accessible.
Conformance Levels
Level A
Minimum Accessibility: The basic requirements that must be satisfied to make content accessible to users with disabilities. Failing to meet Level A criteria would create significant barriers for certain user groups. This level represents the minimum acceptable standard.
Level AA
Standard Accessibility: The target level for most organizations and websites. Level AA addresses the most common and impactful barriers while remaining achievable. This level is referenced in most accessibility legislation worldwide and represents a good balance between comprehensive accessibility and practical implementation.
Level AAA
Enhanced Accessibility: The highest level of conformance, providing optimal accessibility for all users. Level AAA includes additional criteria that may be difficult to implement across entire websites but can be valuable for specific content. Few organizations achieve complete Level AAA compliance, though many incorporate selected Level AAA criteria in critical areas.
Conclusion
WCAG standards serve as the foundation for digital accessibility worldwide, providing clear, actionable guidelines for creating inclusive web experiences. By implementing these standards, organizations not only meet legal requirements but also expand their reach to the approximately one billion people globally with disabilities. As digital accessibility continues to evolve, WCAG remains the definitive framework for ensuring the web is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
What is ADA?
Introduction
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law enacted in the United States in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. While the ADA was passed before the widespread use of the internet, courts have interpreted Title III of the ADA, which covers “places of public accommodation,” to include websites and digital services.
Key Provisions
The ADA is divided into five titles, each addressing discrimination in different areas:
| Area of Focus | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Employment | Prohibits discrimination in employment practices and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. |
| Public Services | Ensures that state and local government services, programs, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. |
| Public Accommodations | Requires businesses and nonprofit service providers that are open to the public to comply with accessibility standards and provide equal access to their goods and services. |
| Telecommunications | Requires telephone and internet companies to provide services that allow individuals with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate effectively. |
| Miscellaneous Provisions | Contains various provisions including prohibiting retaliation against individuals who assert their rights under the ADA. |
Digital Accessibility and ADA Compliance
Although the ADA does not explicitly mention websites or digital content, both the Department of Justice and various court rulings have affirmed that websites must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the ADA does not prescribe specific technical standards, WCAG 2.1 Level AA has become the de facto standard cited in legal settlements and court decisions.
Conclusion
The ADA has fundamentally transformed accessibility in American society. It established the legal framework protecting the rights of people with disabilities to participate fully in civic and economic life. As digital technologies became essential to daily living, the ADA’s application to websites helped drive digital accessibility forward. This ensures everyone can access the opportunities of the online world. Organizations prioritizing ADA compliance not only mitigate legal risk but also demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and equal access.
What is EAA?
Introduction
The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) is a landmark EU legislation adopted in 2019 that aims to improve the accessibility of key products and services for people with disabilities across the European Union. By establishing common accessibility requirements, the EAA creates a harmonized framework that removes barriers created by divergent regulations among member states.
What It’s About
The EAA establishes mandatory accessibility requirements for specific digital products and services deemed essential for full participation in society, including:
- Websites and mobile applications for essential services
- E-commerce platforms and online shopping
- Banking and financial services
- E-books and related software
- Computers and operating systems
- Self-service terminals (ATMs, ticketing machines)
- Smartphone devices and applications
- Digital television services
- Transport service websites and apps
The directive follows a phased implementation approach, with member states required to transpose it into national law by June 2022, while organizations must comply with its requirements by June 2025.
Impact on Web Accessibility
The EAA significantly advances web accessibility across Europe by:
- Mandating that digital interfaces be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust
- Requiring accessible authentication processes for online services
- Ensuring digital content like e-books and documents are accessible
- Establishing accessibility requirements for e-commerce checkout processes
- Making electronic communication services accessible to people with various disabilities
- Requiring accessible digital banking interfaces and financial information
- Ensuring transport booking systems and travel information are available in accessible formats
The EAA extends beyond public sector websites (already covered by the Web Accessibility Directive) to include private companies providing essential services, thereby significantly expanding the scope of mandatory web accessibility in Europe.
Technical Standards
While the European Accessibility Act (EAA) doesn’t explicitly reference WCAG, it establishes four functional requirements—perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness—that align closely with the WCAG framework. These principles essentially create a functional equivalence between EAA compliance and WCAG implementation.
The European Commission is currently developing harmonized standards to provide a presumption of conformity with the EAA’s accessibility requirements. Once finalized, these technical specifications will offer clearer guidance on implementation across various product and service categories. In the meantime, most digital accessibility experts recommend adhering to WCAG 2.1 Level AA as a practical approach to ensuring compliance with the EAA’s web accessibility standards. Organizations that have already adopted WCAG 2.1 AA will likely be well-positioned to meet the EAA’s technical requirements when enforcement begins in 2025.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act represents a transformative step toward digital inclusion in Europe by making accessibility a legal requirement for essential digital products and services. By expanding the scope of mandatory accessibility beyond the public sector, the EAA creates a more inclusive digital environment for the approximately 87 million Europeans with disabilities. As organizations prepare for the 2025 compliance deadline, the EAA is driving unprecedented attention to accessibility considerations in digital product development and service delivery, ultimately creating a more inclusive European digital market.
Other Accessibility Standards
Section 508
Overview
Section 508 is a U.S. federal law that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, software, and hardware.
Key Requirements
Section 508 mandates that all federal websites and digital content must comply with specific accessibility standards, which are often aligned with WCAG. This law ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to government information and services.
EN 301 549
Overview
This is a European standard that specifies accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services. It aims to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use these technologies.
Key Requirements
EN 301 549 covers a wide range of products, including websites, mobile applications, and software. It provides detailed guidelines that align closely with WCAG, making it easier for organizations to comply with both standards.
Real-World Examples
At SolDevelo, we’ve successfully conducted accessibility audits for various projects, including OpenIMIS, OpenLMIS, and OpenMRS. These case studies showcase our commitment to improving digital inclusivity and ensuring that essential services are accessible to all users.
We have case studies that detail our evaluations of compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which serves as a core foundation for being accessible. In these audits, we identified key areas for improvement and drove positive change, helping our partners create more inclusive digital environments.
If you’re interested in accessibility testing, we encourage you to explore the audits we’ve performed for our partners.
Check out our case studies:
- Improving inclusivity: SolDevelo’s accessibility audit of openIMIS
- Accessibility matters: SolDevelo’s audit of OpenLMIS
- Bridging the digital divide: Advancing digital healthcare accessibility in OpenMRS
