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What is the WCAG?

When working on digital accessibility, you quickly come across the term WCAG against. But what exactly does WCAG mean? And what can you do with it if you create or manage a Web site? In this article, we explain it simply.

What does WCAG mean?

WCAG stands for: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. In Dutch, Guidelines for Accessible Web Content.

The guidelines are international standards that describe how to make websites, apps and other digital products accessible to everyone. Also for people with disabilities.

The guidelines are created by the W3C, an international organization that makes rules and standards for the Web. WCAG is thus the leading standard in digital accessibility worldwide.

Why are the WCAG important?

Not everyone uses a Web site the same way. Consider people who:

  • have poor vision or are blind,
  • be color blind,
  • are deaf or hard of hearing,
  • have difficulty reading or understanding,
  • only use a keyboard,
  • or use tools, such as a screen reader.

The accessibility guidelines helps make Web sites so that everyone can use them. Even people with disabilities. If you follow the guidelines, you make sure your site:

  • clear,
  • understandable,
  • operable
  • and highly visible.
Elderly couple looking at something on the computer together.

Who does the WCAG apply to?

The Web standard for accessibility is an international guideline. In many countries, the guidelines have also been incorporated into legislation. In the Netherlands, this is the case with the Digital Accessibility for Government Act.

For government agencies, compliance with WCAG 2.1 level AA is mandatory. Other organizations are not required (yet), but it is wise to follow the Web standard for accessibility. Because digital accessibility:

  • expand your reach,
  • prevents exclusion,
  • and improves usability for everyone.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) also applies to commercial businesses since 2025. This requires digital accessibility for certain services and products. For Dutch organizations Digitally Accessible Clear explanation of guidelines and legislation.

How is the WCAG structured?

The accessibility guidelines consist of four principles. These four principles form the basis of digital accessibility. Everything you do must comply with these principles:

  • Observable - information must be noticeable.
  • Operable - users should be able to control everything.
  • Understandable - information and usage should be clear.
  • Robust - the website must work with a variety of devices and tools.

These four principles are summarized in English as: POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust).

Under each principle are guidelines and success criteria. The accessibility guidelines has three levels:

  • Level A - the minimum level.
  • Level AA - the recommended (and legally required) level.
  • Level AAA - the highest level, optional.

Most websites aim for level AA, because that is easily achievable and often required by law.

Also read: The four principles of WCAG.

Examples of WCAG requirements

Here are some examples of what the guidelines call for:

  • Alt texts to images.
  • Enough contrast between text and background.
  • Good header structure (H1, H2, H3).
  • The website should work well with just the keyboard.
  • Forms should have clear labels and error messages.
  • No use of only color to make something clear.
  • Subtitles for videos.
  • Clear link text, such as “Learn more about our offerings” instead of “Click here.”.

These rules help people with disabilities, but also improve usability for everyone.

What is the difference between WCAG 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2?

There are several versions of accessibility guidelines. The latest official version is WCAG 2.2, published in late 2023.

  • WCAG 2.0 (2008): the basic version.
  • WCAG 2.1 (2018): with additional guidelines for mobile devices and cognitive impairment.
  • WCAG 2.2 (2023): with even more attention to users with learning disabilities or difficulty concentrating.

In the Netherlands, WCAG 2.1 level AA is still the standard for governments. But many organizations are switching to WCAG 2.2 because it is even better suited to different users.

How do you know if your website meets the guidelines?

You can explore that in several ways:

  • Use an automatic accessibility test such as WAVE or Axe.
  • Ask an expert to do a manual accessibility audit.
  • Have your website tested by people who use tools (such as a screen reader).

Keep in mind: automatic tools don't find everything. Many accessibility problems can only be assessed manually.

Want to know if your website is compliant? Check out our WCAG audit service.

What if your website is (still) inadequate?

This is not a disaster, but it is something to work on. Accessibility is not a one-time action, but an ongoing process. For example, start with:

  • clear texts,
  • sufficient contrast,
  • good headlines,
  • and alt texts to images.

Then continue working on forms, keyboard controls, videos and other components. This is how you make your site more accessible step by step.

WCAG and accessible design

Accessibility is more than technology. You can also use the WCAG in the design phase. Consider, for example:

  • clear buttons and plenty of space,
  • easy navigation,
  • clear language,
  • and designs with sufficient contrast.

That way you avoid having to adjust everything afterwards. Accessible design from the beginning is more efficient and cheaper.

Summary

  • WCAG means Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
  • It is an international standard for digital accessibility.
  • WCAG helps you make your website or app usable by everyone.
  • The guidelines are based on four principles: observable, operable, understandable and robust.
  • WCAG has three levels: A, AA and AAA.
  • In the Netherlands, level AA is mandatory for the government.
  • Companies would do well to adopt WCAG as well, especially in view of European legislation.

Want to know more?

Then read our other articles on:

  • What is digital accessibility?
  • How do you apply digital accessibility?
  • Accessible websites for healthcare professionals

Or take contact up for an accessibility audit. That way you know exactly where you stand and what you can improve.