What Are Web Accessibility Standards AAA?
Web accessibility standards aa are a set of guidelines that dictate how digital content should be made to be accessible for all users. These are commonly referred to as the WCAG guidelines and have different levels of compliance which are described by A, AA, and AAA.
These WCAG guidelines are for UX/UI designers, web developers, and testing tools to follow when creating their websites. It is important to incorporate accessibility in the design phase.
Level A
In the United States, web accessibility standards are governed by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines provide a set of standards with three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA.
Level A covers the most basic requirements, ensuring that all users can access and understand the website’s content. This includes providing text alternatives for image-based media and ensuring that all functions can be operated using keyboard navigation. It also includes preventing content from causing seizures or other physical reactions in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
While these are the minimum requirements, they are still a good place to start for companies that want to ensure their websites are accessible. However, it is important to remember that the WCAG standards are not only about meeting legal obligations; they are about providing the best experience for everyone who uses your site.
As such, it’s vital that companies commit to accessibility as a core business strategy rather than simply a legal requirement. By making web accessibility a top priority, businesses can reach a broader audience, build trust with customers, and improve their search engine rankings.
In addition to boosting conversions, accessibility standards can help avoid costly lawsuits. In 2021, more than 2,800 ADA Title III lawsuits were filed against businesses of all sizes for non-compliance with accessibility laws. The number of small-business cases far exceeded those of larger companies, indicating that even smaller businesses are at risk for litigation.
Developing an accessible website starts at the design phase. To create a compliant site, you must ensure that page layouts consider colour contrast, legibility, readability, and identifiable feedback, among other things. This can be done without sacrificing the aesthetics of your site. In addition, it’s important to make sure that the content is clearly written and that all forms and pages have clear labels.
Web Accessibility Standards AA
Achieving a WCAG 2.1 AA standard is essential for businesses of all sizes, as it meets the minimum requirement for digital accessibility. WCAG is an internationally recognized standard that helps ensure websites are usable by all people, regardless of disability. It is comprised of four overarching principles known as the POUR principles and 13 individual guidelines, each with its own success criteria.