The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

WCAG - Compliance Guide

What is the WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and define how websites and digital content must be designed to be accessible to all people — including those with disabilities.

The current version, WCAG 2.2, was published in October 2023 and builds upon previous versions with additional success criteria, especially improving accessibility for people with cognitive and learning disabilities and users of mobile devices.

Eye-Able supports you in complying with WCAG 2.2 Level AA — the benchmark required by laws like the BFSG, EN 301 549, and others.

For more information about the WCAG 2.2 check our blogarticle

Why should I comply with the WCAG? 

Every user matters. By aligning your website with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), you ensure that people of all abilities can navigate, understand, and interact with your content - while your business stays future-proof and legally secure.

WCAG compliance is the foundation of digital accessibility worldwide. It is mandatory under many national and international laws, including:

• BFSG (Germany)

• European Accessibility Act (EAA)

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Whether you operate in the public or private sector, following WCAG helps you:

• Ensure legal certainty in compliance with laws as the European Accessibility Act

• Improve the digital experience for all users

• Position your company as inclusive and future-proof

What does WCAG require?

WCAG is structured around four core accessibility principles — known as POUR:

Perceivable

Content must be presented in ways all users can perceive.

• Text alternatives for images

• Captions and transcripts for media

• Logical structure and adaptable layout

• Strong color contrast

Operable

User interfaces must be operable by everyone.

• Full keyboard accessibility

• No time limits or flashing content

• Clear focus indicators

• Easy site navigation

Understandable

Users must be able to understand content and how to use the interface.

• Clear and plain language

• Predictable site behavior

• Well-labeled forms

Robust

Content must remain accessible across technologies.

• Compatible with screen readers and browsers

• Clean, semantic HTML

• Forward-compatible coding practices

Together, these four principles - Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) — form the foundation of accessible web design, ensuring that digital content can be accessed and used by everyone, regardless of ability.

The compliance levels

WCAG defines three levels of compliance — each representing a deeper level of accessibility:

• Level A – This represents the baseline level of accessibility, focusing on eliminating the most critical barriers for users with disabilities. Meeting WCAG Level A means that essential accessibility requirements are in place.
  For example, adding alternative text to images allows screen readers to convey the content of the visuals, helping people with visual impairments better understand the information presented.

• Level AA – This is the intermediate level of accessibility, offering broader coverage than Level A. Meeting WCAG Level AAmeans taking an extra step to support a wider range of disabilities. It includes all Level A requirements plus additional success criteria.
  For example, providing audio descriptions for videos ensures that people who are blind or have low vision can understand visual content through narration, making video content accessible to all—not just those who can see it.

• Level AAA – This represents the highest level of accessibility. Meeting WCAG Level AAA reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity and delivers the most comprehensive experience for users with disabilities. It builds on all Level A and Level AA requirements and introduces more advanced criteria.
  For example, offering text transcripts, audio descriptions, sign language interpretation, and enhanced audio descriptions for streaming media ensures that people with various disabilities—such as those who are blind, have low vision, are deaf, or hard of hearing—can fully access and understand the content.

Most legal requirements target Level AA — the optimal balance of accessibility, usability, and compliance.

What are common issues that violate WCAG?

The following issues are common examples of WCAG 2.2 AA violations:

• Missing alt text for images

• Low contrast between text and background

• No visible keyboard focus indicator

• Poorly labelled or unlabelled form fields

• Missing skip links or an incorrect heading structure

• CAPTCHAs without accessible alternatives

These barriers can make digital content difficult or impossible to use for millions of people, while also exposing your company to legal and reputational risks.

How can I check if my website is accessible?

Implementing the WCAG is only the first step. Just as important is checking whether your website or application can actually be used accessibly. There are two main approaches:

Automated testing

Specialised software can quickly detect many issues, such as missing alt text, poor colour contrast or buttons that do not meet the minimum target size.

Automated checks are a good starting point, but they do not replace a full accessibility audit.

Manual testing with assistive technologies

Only practical testing with assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice control or Braille displays can show whether content is truly accessible.

This also includes checking aspects such as accessible authentication, for example CAPTCHA alternatives.

By combining both methods, you can make sure that your website not only meets technical requirements, but also provides an accessible user experience in practice.

How does Eye-Able support compliance with the WCAG?

Eye-Able helps your company comply with the WCAG by providing practical, easy-to-integrate digital accessibility solutions. Our software tools enhance website usability for all users — all in line with accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549.

We offer detailed accessibility audits, generate legally required accessibility statements, and provide tailored recommendations to help you meet WCAG requirements quickly and effectively. This way you turn the law from a challenge into an opportunity.

Beyond tools, Eye-Able supports your long-term accessibility strategy with training for your teams, ongoing monitoring, and additional services like Plain Language translation and AI-based multilingual accessibility. With our all-in-one solution and expert support, you not only avoid legal risks — you build trust, reach more users, and position your company as a leader in digital inclusion.

Not sure where to start? Don't worry. We are here to help.