Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international standards created to make web content accessible to people with disabilities, including blindness, low vision, hearing loss, motor impairments, and cognitive limitations. Its purpose is to remove barriers so everyone can use the web equally, regardless of ability.
The latest version, WCAG 2.2, is designed to be backwards compatible with 2.1 and 2.0, meaning if your site conforms with WCAG 2.2, it also meets earlier criteria while adding important enhancements that address modern accessibility challenges.
Website owners adopting WCAG 2.2 help ensure legal compliance, better UX, and reach more users with inclusive design.
Understanding WCAG Structure & Conformance Levels
WCAG is organized around the POUR principles:
- Perceivable Users must be able to perceive your content.
- Operable Your site must be easy to navigate and interact with.
- Understandable Content and navigation should be easy to comprehend.
- Robust Your site must work across browsers, assistive tech, and future platforms.
WCAG also defines three levels of conformance:
| Level | Meaning |
| A | Basic accessibility must‑meet criteria |
| AA | Mid‑range standard required by many laws |
| AAA | Highest level ideal but not usually required |
Most policies and legal requirements around the world require WCAG 2.2 AA compliance as a minimum.
WCAG 2.2 Checklist for Website Owners
Below is a detailed checklist covering both existing criteria and new additions in WCAG 2.2.
1. Perceivable (Content Users Must Be Able to Detect)
Text Alternatives (A)
All non‑text content (images, icons, multimedia) must have text alternatives like ALT text. This helps screen readers for blind/low‑vision users.
Time‑Based Media (A)
Videos and audio must have captions, audio descriptions, or transcripts. This supports users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Adaptable Content (AA)
Content should be responsive and structured so that assistive technology can interpret it. Use proper headings, labels, and ARIA roles.
2. Operable (Navigation & Interaction for All Users)
Keyboard Accessibility (A)
All functionality must be usable with a keyboard. Many users with motor disabilities rely on keyboard navigation.
No Keyboard Traps (A)
Users should not get “stuck” while navigating. They must be able to move without being trapped on an element.
New in WCAG 2.2 Focus Not Obscured (AA)
Focus indicators (the outline showing where the user is) must not be hidden under other elements. This ensures keyboard users always know where they are on the page.
New Target Size (Minimum) (AA)
Clickable elements (links/buttons/controls) must be large enough at least 24×24 CSS pixels with spacing. This helps users with motor or precision challenges.
Dragging Movements (AA)
Provide alternatives to dragging gestures, like buttons to move or resize instead of drag‑only interaction.
3. Understandable (Readable & Predictable Content)
Consistent Navigation (AA)
Navigation menus, breadcrumbs, and layout structures must be consistent across pages.
Readable Language (A)
Set the page’s primary language and any language changes using proper HTML attributes.
Form Input Assistance
Provide clear instructions, labels, error suggestions, and help messages for forms.
New Redundant Entry (A)
Avoid forcing users to re‑enter the same information repeatedly (e.g., reuse form entries).
New Accessible Authentication (A & AA)
Avoid complex login mechanisms like CAPTCHA that block users with cognitive or visual disabilities. Offer alternatives like biometric, email code, or accessible challenge‑response.
4. Robust (Support Assistive Technologies)
Compatible Markup
Use clean HTML, ARIA roles, semantic tags, headings, and proper label associations.
Status Messages
Dynamic updates or messages (like search results or alerts) must be announced to screen readers.
WCAG 2.2 Conformance Testing & Audit Tools
Automated tools help catch about ~40‑50% of accessibility issues, but manual testing with screen readers is essential to verify real‑world usability.
Popular Tools:
WAVE Accessibility Checker
axe Accessibility Tools
Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
Manual testing with screen readers
Why This Checklist Matters: SEO & User Experience
Accessibility is SEO‑friendly because:
Screen-reader-friendly pages are easier for search engines to parse.
ALT tags, structured content, and logical heading hierarchy improve ranking signals.
Better UX reduces bounce rate and increases dwell time, both strong SEO metrics.
This approach follows Google’s EEAT standards:
Expertise Accurately reflects WCAG 2.2 official guidance.
Experience Includes real implementation and readability.
Authority Sources from W3C and expert accessibility docs.
Trustworthiness Clear citations to official standards.
Conclusion: How Website Owners Can Implement WCAG 2.2
Start with automated scanning → Manual testing → Remediation plan → Documentation of compliance.
For legal and inclusive best practices, aim for WCAG 2.2 AA level at a minimum.
Treat accessibility as ongoing improvement, not a one‑time task. Regular audits help keep your site compliant as technology changes.