Implementing WCAG will help to ensure that your website or software platform is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This is not only the right thing to do, it is a legal requirement in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and United States. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a framework for making online content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. So how do we go about implementing the changes needed to bring a digital project in line with the guidelines in a practical manner?
Understanding WCAG
Before diving into implementation, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of what WCAG is and why it matters. WCAG is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and its guidelines are considered the gold standard for web accessibility. They are organised around four principles, known as POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. POUR is a way of breaking down the requirements into four main principles. Let’s take a look at each one:
Perceivable
- Text Alternatives: Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols, or simpler language.
- Adaptable: Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example, a simpler layout) without losing information or structure.
- Distinguishable: Make it easier for users to see and hear content, including separating foreground from background.
Operable
- Keyboard Accessible: Ensure that all functionality is available from a keyboard.
- Enough Time: Provide users enough time to read and use content.
- Seizure and Physical Reactions: Design content in a way that avoids causing seizures and physical reactions.
Understandable
- Readable: Make text content readable and understandable.
- Predictable: Make web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
- Input Assistance: Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
Robust
- Compatibility: Maximize compatibility with current and future user tools.
Once we understand these principles we can apply them to our project. A pragmatic approach would be to:
- Integrate from the Start: Where possible every project should integrate WCAG requirements from the start. It is far better to build accessibility in from the start than to apply it retrospectively. However, should you need to retrofit
- Audit Your Current Content: The first step in implementing WCAG is to know where you stand. Use accessibility evaluation tools such as Pagespeed Insights to audit your website or digital content, identifying areas that fail to meet WCAG standards. Software Testing companies can be engaged for thorough and professional auditing.
- Prioritise Fixes: Not all accessibility issues are created equal. Prioritise fixes based on the impact they have on users and the effort required to address them. Start with changes that will benefit the largest number of users or those that address legal compliance issues.
- Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. Regularly review your website or digital content against WCAG standards, and be prepared to make necessary adjustments as content changes or as new guidelines are released.
- Engage with Your Users: Finally, engage with people with disabilities to get direct feedback on your digital content’s accessibility. This feedback can be invaluable in understanding real-world challenges and improving accessibility.
Conclusion
Implementing WCAG guidelines in your digital projects is essential for creating inclusive digital environments that accommodate all users. The practical tips outlined in this post, can help you take significant steps towards achieving digital accessibility, ensuring that your content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
Accessibility is not just about adhering to standards but about embracing the spirit of inclusivity, opening up your digital doors to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
