Website accessibility is more than a technical best practice — it’s a legal and ethical obligation. One of the most important standards used to measure accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, commonly known as WCAG.
This guide will help you understand what WCAG is, why it matters, and how to apply it to create a website that is inclusive, ADA-compliant, and built for all users — regardless of ability.
What Is WCAG?
WCAG (pronounced “wuh-kag”) stands for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Created by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), WCAG provides a set of internationally recognized standards for making web content accessible to people with disabilities.
Currently, the most widely adopted version is WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which expands accessibility considerations for users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. These guidelines are used by governments, courts, and accessibility consultants worldwide as the baseline standard.
Most ADA-related lawsuits refer to WCAG 2.1 as the technical benchmark for compliance.
Why WCAG Matters for ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t name specific technical standards for websites. However, courts consistently reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA when determining whether a website is accessible.
Whether you’re a business owner, school administrator, or web developer, WCAG is the best roadmap for avoiding legal risk and improving usability for all.
Related post: ADA Website Compliance: Legal Risks You Need to Know
The Four Principles of WCAG
WCAG is built on four foundational principles — known by the acronym POUR. To be accessible, web content must be:
- Perceivable – Users must be able to perceive the information on your site, whether visually or through assistive technology.
- Operable – All functionality should be operable by keyboard, mouse, or other input methods.
- Understandable – Content and navigation must be clear, consistent, and predictable.
- Robust – Your website must be compatible with a wide variety of browsers and assistive tools like screen readers.
Key WCAG 2.1 Requirements (Level AA)
Here are some of the most critical requirements from WCAG 2.1 Level AA — the version most commonly cited in ADA web accessibility lawsuits and audits:
- Text alternatives for non-text content
All images, icons, and visual elements must include alt text that describes their function or content. - Captions and transcripts
All audio and video content must include synchronized captions or transcripts so users with hearing impairments can access the information. - Keyboard navigability
Users must be able to access every feature (menus, links, buttons) using only the keyboard — no mouse required. - Contrast ratio
Text must meet minimum contrast ratios (4.5:1 for normal text) so users with low vision can read it clearly. - Consistent navigation and headings
Navigation menus and headings should be logical, predictable, and follow a clear hierarchy using H1, H2, H3, etc. - Form labels and error messages
All forms must include visible labels and provide feedback (like error messages) that screen readers can interpret.
Related post: ADA Website Checklist: Is Your Site Compliant?
Common Accessibility Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing alt text on images or decorative elements
- Incorrect use of heading tags (e.g., skipping from H1 to H4)
- Inaccessible PDFs or documents not tagged properly
- Links with no context (e.g., “click here” instead of “read our accessibility checklist”)
- Color-only cues like using red text to indicate errors
- Videos without captions or autoplaying audio with no controls
How to Implement WCAG on Your Website
You don’t need to memorize every WCAG rule — but you should follow a consistent process:
- Conduct an accessibility audit using both automated tools (like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse) and manual review.
- Prioritize critical issues such as navigation, forms, and video content.
- Use accessible themes and templates if you use WordPress or similar platforms.
- Fix and remediate issues with your team or by hiring an accessibility expert.
- Train your team on accessible content creation — especially for blogs, PDFs, and multimedia.
- Test with assistive technology like screen readers or keyboard-only navigation tools.
Want a guide for team training? See our Accessibility Training Options.
Who Needs to Follow WCAG?
WCAG is critical for:
- Public-facing business websites
- K–12 and higher education institutions
- Healthcare and legal professionals
- Government contractors and agencies
- Digital agencies, developers, and designers
If your organization interacts with the public, sells services online, or receives federal funding, WCAG compliance is not optional — it’s a necessity.
Need a role-specific guide? Top 5 Traits of a Great ADA Website Consultant
Getting Help with WCAG Compliance
Not sure if your site meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA? We can help you:
- Audit your website using manual and automated tools
- Remediate key accessibility issues quickly and professionally
- Train your content team on accessibility best practices
- Document your compliance efforts to show due diligence
Schedule a consultation to review your website for WCAG compliance
WCAG is the foundation of digital accessibility. By understanding and applying its principles, you not only reduce your legal risk — you also create a more inclusive experience for everyone who visits your site.
Accessibility starts with awareness — and continues with action. Let us help you implement WCAG with clarity and confidence. Contact us to begin your accessibility audit and WCAG remediation