However, the level of commitment to improving website accessibility varies across entities. Some companies or organizations see accessibility as a standard requirement and take active steps to ensure it on their websites, while others treat it as a mere statutory requirement or a budget-busting one.
Just because we are not yet obligated to implement WCAG 2.1 guidelines does not mean that we do not want to attract more customers to our products or services.
By implementing specific functionalities, we enable some people to use our website, and make it easier for others to use it, which has a positive impact on the user's feelings and experience. A positive impact translates into users returning to our website.
How accessible your website will be depends on how many changes you implement from the guidelines prepared by WCAG 2.1. Implementing all the requirements is time-consuming, and therefore expensive, and not always possible.
However, there are many reasons to invest in website accessibility, including:
Facilitating access to information and services for people with disabilities - Improving the accessibility of websites allows for easier and more convenient use of online resources by people with various disabilities, which increases their independence and enables full participation in social life.
Expanding the market - Improving the accessibility of websites allows you to reach a wider range of users, including people with disabilities, which in turn can bring financial benefits to a company or organization.
Compliance with regulations - Many countries and regions have regulations requiring websites to be accessible to public entities and some private companies. Meeting these requirements is key to avoiding financial penalties and other sanctions.
Image enhancement - Improving the accessibility of websites can contribute to a better image of a company or organization that demonstrates its commitment to creating a more just and equal world.
Websites that meet WCAG 2.1 requirements are said to be digitally accessible.
Success Criteria
Success criteria are specific requirements set out in digital accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1, that must be met for a website to be accessible to users with a range of disabilities. Success skype database criteria are divided into three levels - A, AA and AAA, each of which includes increasingly detailed accessibility requirements.
wcag 2.1 criteria levels
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1. Level A - these are elements that must be met, otherwise it will be inaccessible to a certain group of people with disabilities.
Examples of A level success criteria include:
Alternative text for images: Every image or graphic on a web page must have alternative text that describes the content of that image or graphic.
Keyboard accessibility: All functionality on a website must be accessible using a keyboard, without the need to use a mouse.
Headings and document structure: A web page must have appropriate heading structure to enable users with disabilities to use screen readers.
2. Level AA - these are elements that should be implemented on the website, otherwise access to these elements may be significantly difficult.
Examples of Level AA success criteria include:
Color contrast: The contrast between text and background on a web page must be sufficient to enable visually impaired users to easily read the text.
Alternative Content Versions: The website must have alternative content versions, such as transcripts or subtitles, for multimedia such as video or audio.
Accessibility via touch devices: The website must be accessible via touch devices such as smartphones or tablets, in a way that allows people with mobility impairments to easily use it.
3. Level AAA - these are elements that can facilitate the use of the website.
Examples of AAA level success criteria include:
Interpretation of information: The website must enable users with disabilities to interpret information in a way that they can understand and use.
Interface personalization: a website must allow users to personalize the interface to suit their needs and preferences.
Sign Language Support: The website must enable users with disabilities to hear or speak sign languages.
For a website to be digitally accessible it must meet all the success criteria required for levels A and AA .
The success criteria are detailed and precise to enable designers and developers to easily meet accessibility requirements at every level, which in turn helps to improve the accessibility of a website for different groups of users with disabilities. However, meeting the success criteria is not the only requirement for a website to be accessible to all users. Designing and developing websites with accessibility in mind from the very beginning of the design process is equally important, and testing and regularly updating a website for accessibility is essential to maintaining a high standard and is the foundation of web accessibility for users with different disabilities.
