In today’s fast-moving digital world, web accessibility is essential. It’s not just about doing the right thing. It is also about meeting user expectations and complying with legal standards. Accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your website or application. This is where the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) come in.
These international standards enable organizations to create websites that are easy to navigate, readable, and accessible for all users. At Pegotec, we help clients efficiently and sustainably align with WCAG standards.
What Is WCAG and Why Does It Matter?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). They aim to make digital content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. This includes individuals with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, or neurological impairments.
The guidelines are built around four key principles. Websites must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These principles form the foundation for every recommendation in WCAG.
Complying with WCAG not only improves accessibility. It also leads to better usability for everyone. For example, captions on videos help users in noisy environments, and high-contrast design helps users in direct sunlight or with aging eyesight.
From WCAG 2.0 to 2.2: How the Standards Have Evolved
WCAG 2.0
Released in 2008, WCAG 2.0 set the foundation. It defined clear rules for text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, color contrast, and support for screen readers. A typical example is adding alt text to images, which enables screen readers to describe visuals to users who are blind.
WCAG 2.1
In 2018, WCAG 2.1 extended the scope. It introduced support for mobile users, people with low vision, and those with cognitive disabilities. It added success criteria for features such as screen orientation, touch targets, and input assistance. One common feature is the ability to zoom content up to 200% without breaking the layout.
WCAG 2.2
The latest version, released in 2023, addresses new challenges. It focuses on navigation improvements and making interactions easier for people with cognitive limitations. For example, it encourages visible focus indicators, such as borders around fields when users navigate with the keyboard. Another example is making authentication easier without requiring puzzle-solving or timeouts.
Each update builds upon the previous one, adding real-world improvements that make digital services more inclusive and accessible.
Levels of Conformance: A, AA, AAA
WCAG defines three levels of compliance. These levels enable organizations to determine the extent of their efforts based on their audience and legal obligations.
- Level A includes the most basic requirements, such as ensuring images have text alternatives.
- Level AA, the most commonly adopted standard, adds contrast ratios, resizable text, and navigation aids.
- Level AAA provides the highest level of accessibility, such as simplified language and sign language interpretation for video content.
Most organizations aim for WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA to meet legal expectations and user needs.
Legal Requirements Around the World
Europe
In the European Union, the EU Web Accessibility Directive requires all public sector websites and mobile apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This became mandatory in 2020. The European Accessibility Act, which will come into force gradually from 2025, will extend these requirements to private businesses, particularly those offering services such as banking, e-commerce, and transportation.
United States
In the United States, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies and contractors to provide accessible digital content. Courts increasingly reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the standard, even for private businesses. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has also been used in lawsuits when commercial websites fail to meet accessibility standards.
Asia
In Asia, regulations vary. Countries like Singapore and Japan promote WCAG alignment through government-backed digital inclusion programs. In the Philippines, accessibility guidelines adhere to WCAG principles, particularly in government projects. China and India have national standards that closely mirror WCAG.
While laws differ, the direction is clear: compliance with WCAG is becoming the global norm. Meeting at least WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the safest and most responsible approach for any organization.
Common Accessibility Examples in Action
Accessibility is not just about checklists. It’s about real users facing real challenges. Here are a few scenarios that highlight the importance:
- A blind user accesses your website using a screen reader. Without proper structure and alt text, they cannot understand your content.
- A color-blind user cannot distinguish green and red buttons. Unless you use text labels or icons, the interface becomes confusing.
- A wheelchair user may rely on voice or keyboard controls for navigation. If buttons can’t be activated with the keyboard, they are excluded.
- A senior user may have reduced vision and needs to zoom the page. If your layout breaks, it becomes unusable.
These are just a few examples. Accessibility affects everyone at some point — whether permanently, temporarily, or situationally.
How Pegotec Helps You Become WCAG Compliant
Pegotec helps businesses integrate accessibility from the ground up. We begin with a comprehensive WCAG audit to identify any gaps. We then create a tailored plan that works for your users, your brand, and your timeline.
Our developers implement changes that meet WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA. This includes improving keyboard navigation, adjusting color contrasts, adding ARIA labels, and ensuring mobile accessibility. We also collaborate with your designers to provide a visual appeal that meets compliance requirements.
In addition to implementation, we provide training and ongoing support. Accessibility is not a one-time fix — it is a long-term commitment. Pegotec makes it easy to stay compliant as technologies evolve.
Future-Proof Your Website Today
Accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It is a business requirement. It enhances your reach, protects your brand, and delivers improved digital experiences for everyone.
By following WCAG and staying up to date with international regulations, you avoid legal risks, meet user expectations, and lead with digital responsibility.
Pegotec is here to support you on your accessibility journey — from strategy to execution and beyond. Contact us to discuss Understanding WCAG: Making Digital Accessibility a Reality.