WCAG 2.0 now live!
Posted by accessibleweb on February 3, 2009
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 became live in December 2008. The full WCAG 2.0 guidelines are available from the W3C website.
The new guidelines are divided into 4 main sections:
1. Perceivable
2. Operable
3. Understandable
4. Robust
Below is a very brief summary of what is included within the 4 WCAG sections.
WCAG 2.0
1. Perceivable
Web content can be seen and heard
- 1.1 Text alternatives – Alt text for images, labels for form controls, identification of embedded multimedia.
- 1.2 Time-based Media – Transcript of online audio files (MP3s and podcasts), transcript for web video. Captions for multimedia files.
- 1.3 Adaptable – Correct use of headings, tables and lists in the HTML code. Flexibility to change page layout without damaging it’s structure.
- 1.4 Distinguishable – Contrasting foreground and background colours. Colour is not used as the sole mechanism for displaying content or interaction.
2. Operable
The page is operable
- 2.1 Keyboard accessible – The web page can be used via the keyboard
- 2.2 Enough time – Users have the ability to pause or cancel time based interactions.
- 2.3 Seizures – No flashing components that may cause a seizure
- 2.4 Navigable – Skip navigation option, descriptive page titles, clear link text meaning
3. Understandable
Page content and interface understandable
- 3.1 Readable – Correct use of the html lang attribute and abbr tag.
- 3.2 Predictable – Consistent navigation, no major page events (such as pop ups) on changes to focus or interaction
- 3.3 Input assistance – Identify required fields in a controls label, provide cues or error alerts.
4. Robust
Can be used by multiple browsers or devices
- 4.1 Compatible – Validate the pages
