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Each individual has their unique abilities and limitations. Web accessibility levels the playing field for everyone, enabling equal website access and navigation for people with disabilities.
By acknowledging the different ways users access web content, we show appreciation and build trust with visitors.
Level A is the minimum level of conformance with criteria involving basic requirements that do not really impact the design or structure of the website.
Examples of Level A success criteria:
- All non-text content like audio or video must have a text alternative, like alt text or captions, that serves the equivalent purpose.
- Users can navigate the website effectively using only a keyboard
- If there is audio that auto-plays on your website for more than three seconds, ensure that you provide means of adjusting the volume, stopping, or pausing it.
- Offer an alternative (such as an audio track) for time-based media or video content.
WCAG comprises four principles known as POUR ‒ Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Let’s look at each concept and understand its role in promoting web accessibility.
Perceivable
Users, including those relying on assistive technology, should be able to notice and utilize the information displayed by the website. Adding text alternatives for images allows screen readers to describe them to someone with vision impairment, helping you comply with this principle.
Operable
Everyone should be able to navigate and use the website. This principle covers various aspects of navigation and control, ensuring that all users can operate the site.
You can promote this principle by enabling users to navigate the website with a keyboard if they don’t have or cannot access to a mouse. In addition, don’t display flashing or autoplay website elements that can trigger seizures to ensure your site is safe for people with disabilities.
Understandable
The information and the way the website works should be easy to understand. In other words, the website must present readable content in an organized structure and predictable navigation.
Robust
This principle dictates that the site content be accessible via different web browsers and user agents, including assistive technology solutions.
Web accessibility is a legal requirement in many countries. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires web content to be easily usable by anyone, including people with disabilities.
Failing to make a website ADA-compliant can result in legal consequences and heavy fines for businesses and organizations.
Creating a website with accessible web design means advocating for fairness and equality. Recognizing that access to information and digital services is a fundamental right helps remove accessibility barriers for people with disabilities.