WCAG 2.0
WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 are a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure that web content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. WCAG 2.0 was published in December 2008 and has become the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility.
WCAG 2.0 is organized around four core principles, often referred to by the acronym "POUR":
Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in a way that can be perceived by all users, regardless of their abilities. This includes providing alternatives for non-text content such as images, videos, and audio.
Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with the website using various input methods, such as keyboard, mouse, or touch screen. The website should also provide sufficient time for users to read and interact with content.
Understandable: The content and operation of the website should be clear and understandable to all users. This includes using clear and concise language, providing predictable navigation, and avoiding content that may cause confusion.
Robust: The website should be compatible with a wide range of user agents (browsers and assistive technologies) to ensure that users can access the content reliably. This involves using standard, well-supported technologies and following best practices in web development.
WCAG 2.0 is structured into three levels of conformance: A (minimum), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest). Conformance to Level AA is often considered the standard for accessibility compliance, as it addresses a wide range of accessibility issues while still being practical to implement.
WCAG 2.0 has been widely adopted by governments, organizations, and businesses around the world as the benchmark for web accessibility. Compliance with WCAG 2.0 not only ensures that websites are accessible to people with disabilities but also improves usability and user experience for all users.
