Standards and Guildelines
Provides a direct link to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) with simplified explanations for better comprehension and application, alongside detailed information on relevant laws and regulations like the ADA, AODA, and EN 301549, which govern web accessibility in various regions.
WCAG Guildlines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with a goal of providing a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally. The guidelines are organized into three levels of accessibility compliance: A (lowest), AA (standard), and AAA (highest).
Each guideline has testable success criteria, which are used to determine if content meets the needs of accessibility. The criteria are intended to be technology-neutral. The four principles of accessibility — that content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust — form the foundation of WCAG, ensuring that users receive a full and equal experience with no barriers.
Level A (Lowest)
These are the most basic web accessibility features. Websites must satisfy this level in order not to exclude some groups from access to the web content.
Level AA (Standard)
This level deals with the biggest barriers for disabled users. Websites should satisfy this level to provide better accessibility to a wider range of users with disabilities.
Level AAA (Highest)
This level includes the highest (and most complex) level of web accessibility. While not all content will be able to meet this level, websites aiming to be fully accessible to as many users as possible should aim for AAA compliance.
A direct link to the WCAG guidelines can be found below, providing detailed documentation and examples for each criterion.
https://www.epicwebstudios.com/blog/web-accessibility-standards-a-beginners-guide
Legal Requirements
Web accessibility is not just a best practice, but also a legal requirement in many regions across the world. Various laws and regulations have been enacted to ensure that the internet is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Some of the key legislations include:
These laws and regulations serve to ensure that web content is accessible to all users, regardless of their physical capabilities, and they impose penalties for non-compliance, underscoring the importance of integrating web accessibility into the development process. By understanding and implementing these legal requirements, businesses and organizations can avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a more inclusive digital environment.
Here is a link to the ADA. gov page talking about the Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA:
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
In the United States, the ADA requires certain businesses and nonprofit service providers to make their web content accessible to people with disabilities. While the ADA does not explicitly mention websites, federal cases and the Department of Justice have interpreted its mandate as applicable to digital properties.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
In Ontario, Canada, AODA requires public organizations, nonprofits, and private businesses to meet certain accessibility standards, including web accessibility. Organizations must comply with WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines by specific deadlines.
European Standard EN 301 549
In the European Union, EN 301 549 specifies the requirements for digital accessibility to ensure that ICT products and services, including websites, are accessible. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for public sector bodies in the EU, which are also required to comply with Directive (EU) 2016/2102, requiring websites and mobile apps of public sector bodies to meet specific accessibility standards.