Global Guidelines: WCAG

What Are WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are internationally recognized standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). These guidelines provide a clear framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

WCAG is considered the global benchmark for digital accessibility and is referenced by governments, organizations, and legal frameworks worldwide.

Why WCAG Matters Globally

WCAG helps ensure that websites, applications, and digital platforms are usable by everyone, regardless of ability. Following WCAG:

• Promotes equal access to digital content
• Improves user experience for all users
• Supports legal and regulatory compliance across multiple countries
• Enhances SEO, usability, and performance
• Demonstrates social responsibility and inclusivity

Many accessibility laws and standards—such as ADA (USA), EAA (EU), AODA (Canada), and DDA (Australia)—are directly aligned with WCAG requirements.

WCAG Principles (POUR)

WCAG is built on four core principles known as POUR:

Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive (e.g., text alternatives for images, captions for videos).

Operable
User interface components must be operable via keyboard and assistive technologies, without requiring complex gestures or interactions.

Understandable
Content and navigation must be clear, predictable, and easy to understand.

Robust
Content must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies, ensuring long-term accessibility.

WCAG Levels of Conformance

WCAG defines three levels of compliance:

• Level A – Minimum accessibility requirements
• Level AA – Recommended standard for legal compliance (most widely adopted)
• Level AAA – Highest level of accessibility (not always required or feasible)

Most organizations aim for WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA compliance to meet global accessibility expectations.

WCAG Versions

• WCAG 2.0 – Foundation of modern accessibility laws
• WCAG 2.1 – Adds support for mobile, low vision, and cognitive accessibility
• WCAG 2.2 – Enhances usability for users with cognitive and motor disabilities
• WCAG 3.0 (in development) – Future-focused, outcome-based accessibility model

Our Commitment to WCAG

We align our accessibility testing, reporting, and recommendations with the latest WCAG standards. Our tools and audits help identify accessibility barriers, prioritize fixes, and support ongoing compliance with global accessibility guidelines.

By following WCAG, organizations can create inclusive digital experiences while reducing legal risk and expanding their audience reach.