What is WCAG?

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are about making websites accessible to everyone. The guidelines ensure that people with, for example, impaired vision, limited color perception, or other disabilities can access digital information on equal terms.

Accessibility encompasses everything from keyboard-only navigation to proper contrast ratios, adjustable text size, and alternative image descriptions.

WCAG consists of 78 success criteria, divided into 13 guidelines and organized under four main principles:

• Perceivable: Content and features must be perceivable by all users.
• Operable: The interface should be navigable with, for example, a keyboard and various assistive technologies.
• Understandable: Information and functions should be clear and easy to understand.
• Robust: Content should work with different browsers, assistive technologies, and future technologies.

Each criterion is assessed according to three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Level AA is the standard most often requested when developing new websites.

EN 301 549 and WCAG are central standards in accessibility for information and communication technology (ICT). Together, they ensure that digital products and services within the EU are inclusive and accessible.

• EN 301 549 is a European standard that defines accessibility requirements for ICT.
• WCAG is a global standard that focuses on accessibility for web content.

By following both standards, organizations can meet both EU requirements and international guidelines.

Working with WCAG contributes to a more inclusive society where everyone can access digital information. This is especially important in a time when more and more services are being digitalized.

The law on digital accessibility primarily applies to public entities, such as government agencies, municipalities, and regions, as well as certain private businesses in areas like education and healthcare. You can read more at the Agency for Digital Government.

Yes. Most web platforms can be adapted according to WCAG, and WordPress is particularly well-suited for this. With the right development and adaptation, websites can meet all accessibility levels.

As a WordPress agency, Pigment helps you create accessible, user-friendly, and future-proof websites—tailored to your needs.

Do you want to ensure that your website meets WCAG? Contact us at Pigment and we will help you.