Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) briefing

WCAG 2.1: 5 key updates

A working draft of the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is available for comment. Here’s our perspective on WCAG 2.1, and why we think 5 of its 17 proposed new guidelines are particularly significant.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are considered the main reference point for assessing digital accessibility, providing a common set of checkpoints for reviewing different digital platforms. Our consultants have found these guidelines to be a valuable asset, using them to shape much of our accessibility work.

The working draft of WCAG 2.1 comes 10 years after W3C released WCAG v2 in 2008, and here at System Concepts, we’re impressed with the 17 new guidelines proposed.

Criteria for assessing different platforms and devices

The 17 new guidelines will help improve the assessment of accessibility of web content across different platforms and devices, and they also embrace more considerations for users with cognitive impairments. We commend the team responsible for the update, and believe the additions will make WCAG 2.1 a more comprehensive set of guidelines.

WCAG 2.1 alone is not the silver bullet

We will continue to keep an eye out for the final release of the next set of WCAG guidelines. However, it’s important to remember that, as W3C itself states, “…even content that conforms at the highest level (AAA) will not be accessible to individuals with all types, degrees, or combinations of disability, particularly in the cognitive, language, and learning areas”.

You’ll need to use a combination of the WCAG guidelines, and direct feedback from disabled users, to ensure your digital products are truly inclusive.

WCAG update summary:
Download our useful WCAG slide deck: overview, key highlights, and best practice examples.