What is WCAG 2.1?
WCAG 2.1 is a set of guidelines (link to guidelines can be found here: WCAG 2.1 Guidelines) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that aims to ensure the accessibility of websites for people with various disabilities. This standard consists of four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Each principle is then divided into predefined “success criteria” that specify the specific requirements that should be met.
Why is Compliance with WCAG 2.1 Important?
Compliance with the WCAG 2.1 standard is highly important for web creators for several reasons:
- Accessibility: A website compliant with WCAG 2.1 is accessible to all users, regardless of their disabilities. This ensures equal access to information, products, and services for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
- Legal Requirements: In some countries, there are legal regulations that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 helps meet these requirements and avoid legal consequences.
- Better User Experience: A website that complies with WCAG 2.1 offers a better user experience for all visitors. It improves navigation, readability, usability, and access to information, increasing user satisfaction and engagement.
Who in Poland is Required to Comply with WCAG 2.1?
In Poland, the obligation to implement the WCAG 2.1 standard on websites rests with public entities and private entities whose websites serve public functions. Polish legislation in this regard is based on the Act of April 4, 2019, on the digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector entities. According to this act, websites subject to the obligation must be accessible to people with disabilities, in accordance with the requirements specified in WCAG 2.1 at level AA.
Here is a list of example entities in Poland that are required to implement the WCAG 2.1 standard:
- Government institutions and public administration at various levels (ministries, offices, local governments, etc.).
- Educational organizations, including schools, universities, and educational facilities.
- Healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and medical centers.
- Banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies.
- Postal and telecommunications services.
- Public transportation providers, such as airlines, railways, buses.
- Online stores and e-commerce platforms.
- Media and news portals.
- Cultural organizations, including museums, theaters, libraries.
- Tourism service providers.
The above-listed entities, if they meet the statutory criteria, must adapt their websites to the WCAG 2.1 standard to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
How to Build a WCAG 2.1 Compliant Website?
To build a website that complies with the WCAG 2.1 standard, various aspects of design and implementation need to be considered. Each of the four principles of the standard should be briefly elaborated on (detailed information can be found here):
- Perceivable:
- Text Alternatives: Access to equivalent information must be provided by supplying alternative texts for non-text content (e.g., images, sounds).
- Time-Based Media: The website should be optimized for quick and easy access to content.
- Adaptable: The presentation of content should be adaptable to different perceptual needs of users (e.g., font size adjustment).
- Operable:
- Keyboard Accessibility: All functions of the website should be accessible via keyboard to enable usage by individuals who cannot use a mouse.
- Timing Adjustable: Users should have enough time to read and understand content on the website, especially for content that might disappear automatically.
- Navigable: The website should provide easy content navigation through a logical layout, proper use of headers, and appropriate labeling of links.
- Understandable:
- Readable Text: Text on the website should be legible and easy to understand, with appropriate color contrasts, line spacing, and font size.
- Predictable: The website should be predictable in its behavior, so users have clear expectations about interactions.
- Input Assistance: If a user makes an error, the website should clearly understand the error and help find a solution.
- Robust:
- Compatibility: The website should be compatible with various technologies and software so that users can use different access tools.
- Understandable: Information and actions on the website should be clear and understandable to avoid misunderstandings and errors.
- Consistency: The website should have consistent and logical structures, enabling users to easily navigate and use its features.
Ensuring that each of these principles is met on the website is crucial for creating a website compliant with the WCAG 2.1 standard and providing accessibility for all users.
Summary
Compliance with the WCAG 2.1 standard is incredibly important for web creators to ensure accessibility for all users. Designing a website that adheres to the WCAG 2.1 standard means providing access to information, products, and services for individuals with various disabilities. It’s not only an ethical requirement but also a legal and strategic one that contributes to a better user experience and reaching a broader audience. Keep these guidelines in mind and build a website that is accessible and useful for everyone.
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