WCAG: Navigating the Maze with Confidence

Detailed Overview of WCAG

Hey, if you’re dipping your toes into web accessibility, you’ve likely encountered the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG pronounced as “way-cag,”) has already thrown you into a whirlwind of numbers and links. Overwhelming, right?

Don’t sweat it—I’m here to make it simple. Think of this guide as your shortcut through WCAG’s maze. I’ll break down the basics—principles, guidelines, and success criteria—into plain, easy-to-digest chunks.

I’ll also point you to posts that unpack these ideas further, so you’ve got a clear path forward. Let’s jump in!

1. Principles: The Foundation

Let’s start with the building blocks of WCAG, the four guiding principles that form the very foundation of web accessibility – POUR:

• Perceivable: Can all users perceive the content?
• Operable: Can all users interact with the content?
• Understandable: Is your content easy to understand?
• Robust: Is your content compatible with current and future technologies?

These principles set the stage for creating accessible content that is truly usable for everyone. Ready to dig deeper? Jump Ahead and Uncover the Principles

2. Guidelines: The Goals

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork with the principles, it’s time to look at the 13 guidelines that serve as your goals for making content accessible.

1. Text Alternatives
2. Time-based Media
3. Adaptable
4. Distinguishable
5. Keyboard Accessible
6. Enough Time
7. Seizures and Physical Reactions
8. Navigable
9.  Input Modalities
10. Readable
11. Predictable
12. Input Assistance
13. Compatible

Each of these guidelines helps you meet diverse accessibility needs, creating a more inclusive web experience. Dive Deep into the Guidelines!

3. Success Criteria: The Testable Requirements

Success Criteria are the specific, measurable requirements that determine if your content meets the guidelines. They ensure you’re on the right path:

• Level A (Minimum Accessibility)
• Level AA (Enhanced Accessibility)
• Level AAA (Optimal Accessibility)

Understanding these levels will help you gauge how accessible your content is and where you might need to improve. Ready to put theory into practice? Check the Success Criteria Post Here (coming soon)

4. Techniques: How to Achieve Success Criteria

Techniques are the hands-on strategies and best practices for meeting the Success Criteria. Think of them as your toolkit for making accessibility a reality:

• Sufficient Techniques
• Advisory Techniques
• Common Failures and How to Avoid Them

Dive into these techniques to turn your accessibility goals into reality and make sure every user gets the best experience possible. Explore Techniques in Depth (coming soon)

Each section has its own detailed post, packed with real-world examples and actionable tips. Stick around—there’s plenty more to explore in.

See you there!