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What is WCAG?

In the digital age, information accessibility is not only an ethical issue but also a legal requirement. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is an international standard that sets the direction for creating accessible web content. But what exactly is WCAG, and why is it so important for all internet users?

WCAG is a set of web content accessibility guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The goal of these guidelines is to make digital content accessible to everyone, regardless of their limitations or disabilities. This standard is based on four main principles:

  1. Perceivability
  2. Operability
  3. Understandability
  4. Robustness

Key Aspects of WCAG

WCAG applies to various digital areas:

  1. Websites: From simple sites to complex portals.
  2. Mobile Apps: Ensuring accessibility on mobile devices.
  3. Digital Documents: Including PDFs, which often pose challenges for accessibility.
  4. Multimedia: Videos, podcasts, and other audio-visual content.

WCAG introduces a three-level conformance system that can be applied to a wide range of digital content. These levels can be compared to stages of advancement in the art of inclusive digital communication:

Level A: Basic Accessibility

This is the foundation upon which an inclusive digital environment is built. For PDF documents, this may involve basic tagging of structure; for mobile apps, it means supporting basic accessibility gestures. It is the minimum that allows people with disabilities to interact with content, regardless of its form.

Level AA: Professional Standard

This is the level that most organizations aiming for accessibility strive for. For electronic documents, this may mean full tagging, including tables and graphics. For multimedia, this involves adding captions and audio descriptions. Content at this level is not only accessible but also user-friendly for a broad audience.

Level AAA: Excellence in Accessibility

This is the highest standard, often difficult to achieve fully, but setting the direction for development. For PDF documents, it might involve advanced navigation features; for video content, it may include sign language translation. At this level, accessibility becomes an integral part of the user experience, regardless of content format.

Choosing a conformance level is a strategic decision that should consider not only the type of content but also the needs of the audience. While Level A is the absolute minimum for all types of digital content, aiming for AA or selected AAA criteria can significantly enhance the inclusivity and usability of your materials, making them accessible to as broad an audience as possible.

Who Do WCAG 2.1 Guidelines Apply To?

The WCAG 2.1 guidelines have broad applications, but adherence is particularly crucial for specific groups of entities. First and foremost, the obligation to comply with these standards applies to public sector organizations and organizations (including NGOs) working for elderly people and people with disabilities. Also, entities receiving EU grants are required to ensure their websites are accessible. However, the law on ensuring accessibility requirements for certain products and services by economic entities, adopted by the Polish Parliament on April 26, 2024, and coming into full force on June 28, 2025, imposes accessibility obligations on a much broader range of entities.

According to the new law, ensuring product accessibility is the responsibility of manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers, and distributors. For services, the responsibility lies with service providers (excluding microenterprises). The law covers consumer systems for computer hardware, payment terminals, ATMs, ticket machines, as well as telecommunications services and retail banking. Importantly, these requirements also apply to the e-commerce sector, obliging online stores to ensure the accessibility of their platforms, including documents and digital content offered to customers.

This means that WCAG 2.1 guidelines will become relevant not only for the public sector but also for many entities in the private sector offering digital products and services, including businesses in the e-commerce sector.

Why is Digital Accessibility So Important?

Digital accessibility is a fundamental human right in the internet age. By ensuring accessibility, we enable people with disabilities to fully participate in social, educational, and professional life. The benefits of implementing WCAG are manifold:

  • Increased audience reach: Accessible digital content reaches a broader audience, including people with various disabilities, which translates into greater impact and effectiveness of communication.
  • Increased inclusivity: Creating an environment where everyone has equal access to information, supporting diversity and inclusivity within an organization.
  • Improved usability: Accessible content is easier to perceive and navigate for all users, not just those with disabilities.
  • Legal compliance: Meeting legal requirements for digital accessibility, minimizing the risk of sanctions, and improving the organization’s reputation.
  • Innovative image: Demonstrating commitment to modern technologies and social responsibility, which enhances the organization’s positive image.

Investing in digital accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements, but also about reaching a wider audience and building a positive image for your organization.

Remember, digital accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and adjustments as technology evolves and standards change. That’s why it’s essential to use professional support and tools like Aidapta, which will help you maintain your content at the highest level of accessibility.

Don’t wait — take a step towards digital inclusivity today! Contact us to learn how we can help you make your documents accessible to everyone, regardless of their limitations.