The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards for web accessibility, designed to make web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities. WCAG 2.2, the most recent version, has four principles that provide the foundation for accessible web content: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.

1. 1. Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented to users in a way that they can perceive, including visual and auditory content.

Guidelines under this principle include:

• • • Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g. images, videos, etc.).
    • Time-based media must have synchronized media alternatives (e.g. captions or audio descriptions).
    • Make it easier for users to see and hear content, such as providing a high-contrast mode for users with visual impairments.

Example 1: A website includes descriptive alt-text for images, describing the image content.
Example 2: A video on the website has captions, making it accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
Example 3: The website has a high-contrast mode, improving visibility for users with visual impairments.

 

2.  Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable through various means, including keyboard and touch controls.

Guidelines under this principle include:

• • • Make all functionality available through keyboard controls (e.g. buttons and links).
    • Provide users sufficient time to read and use content (e.g. no timed content).
    • Avoid design patterns that could cause seizures (e.g. flashing lights).

Example 1: A website allows users to navigate and interact with all content and functions through keyboard controls, making it accessible for users who cannot use a mouse.
Example 2: The website does not have any timed content, giving users ample time to read and use the content.
Example 3: The website does not have any flashing lights, making it safer for users prone to seizures.

 

3.  Understandable: Information and user interface must be easy to understand and operate.

Guidelines under this principle include:

• • • Make text content readable and understandable (e.g. clear language, avoiding jargon).
    • Content must appear and operate predictably (e.g. familiar navigation patterns).
    • Provide clear error messages and ways to correct mistakes.

Example 1: A website uses clear and concise language, making it easy to understand for all users.
Example 2: The website has a familiar navigation pattern, making it easier for users to find what they are looking for.
Example 3: Error messages on the website are clear and provide suggestions for correction, making it easier for users to correct mistakes.

 

4.  Robust: Web content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide range of user agents, including assistive technologies.

Guidelines under this principle include:

• • • Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies (e.g. screen readers).

Example 1: A website is built using semantic HTML, making it more compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.
Example 2: The website is tested for compatibility with various assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to ensure its accessibility.
Example 3: The website uses up-to-date technology and follows best practices, making it more likely to be compatible with future user agents and assistive technologies.

In summary, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a set of international standards for making web content accessible to individuals with disabilities. The four principles of WCAG – Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust