Website Accessibility Considerations
There is a growing need to make your website accessible. This is a very broad and complex topic. The different levels of WCAG 2.0 conformance might be summarized this way:
Level A
Level A is the minimum requirement needed for a page to be considered accessible. It includes criteria such as all non-text content (like images) have textual equivalents, that all content is accessible via the keyboard, that all form elements have labels or instructions, and that assistive technologies (like screen readers) can determine what the content is. If a site meets these and other Level A criteria, it will be somewhat accessible to those with disabilities, including people who are using assistive technology, like screen readers.
Level AA (Our standard level)
Level AA requirements ensure that content achieves a greater degree of accessibility. For example, Level AA criteria require that text and background have a minimum level of contrast, that all content is organized under clear headings and labels, and that navigation is consistent (for example, throughout a website). People with disabilities will have an easier time accessing content that meets Level AA criteria than they would with content that only meets Level A.
When WCAG 2.0 is referenced in regulations, resolution agreements, and court orders, the WCAG 2.0 conformance level required is generally Level AA.
Level AAA
Level AAA includes additional requirements, some of which enhance those established in Level AA criteria (for example, Level AA text must have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against the background; level AAA text must have a contrast ratio of 7:1). Other Level AAA criteria add new requirements, such as the need to have a sign language translation for pre-recorded videos, have user data saved when re-authenticating, and have all content at a ninth-grade reading level. Meeting Level AAA requirements creates content that can be used by the greatest number of people with disabilities (at least, as far as WCAG criteria allows).
We develop websites to be Level AA compliant as standard and can make them Level AAA when needed and the additional development time and associated content considerations are understood.
Further reading around WCAG 2.0 can be found on the www.w3.org website here.
Get in touch if you would like to discuss the accessibility of your website.
