What are WCAG 2.1 and 2.2?

1. What is WCAG?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It’s a set of rules created by experts to make websites usable for people with disabilities—like those who are blind, deaf, or have trouble using a mouse. Think of it as a recipe for building a website that everyone can enjoy, no matter their abilities.

WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 are the latest versions (released in 2018 and 2023), adding more ways to make your site welcoming. They’re often tied to laws like the ADA, so following them helps you stay out of legal trouble, too!

2. Why Does This Matter to Your Business?

As a small business owner, WCAG might sound like tech jargon, but it’s really about your customers. If your website follows these guidelines, more people can shop with you—about 1 in 4 Americans have a disability! Plus, it shows you’re a business that cares.

Real-World Example: If you own a flower shop and your online order form doesn’t work with a keyboard, someone with shaky hands can’t buy your roses. WCAG helps fix that.

3. What’s in WCAG 2.1 and 2.2?

WCAG has lots of details, but you don’t need to memorize them. Here’s the gist in plain language:

• Readable by machines: Blind users rely on screen readers (software that reads aloud). WCAG 2.1 says to label buttons clearly, like "Add to Cart," so the software understands.
• Works on phones: WCAG 2.1 adds rules for touchscreens—like making buttons big enough for shaky fingers to tap.
• Visible to all: Low-vision users need high contrast (dark text on light backgrounds) and text that zooms without breaking your site.
• Extra help in 2.2: WCAG 2.2 makes it easier to fill out forms (like avoiding tricky drag-and-drop) and ensures pop-ups don’t trap users who can’t see them.

Real-World Example: A cafe’s "Contact Us" form in WCAG 2.2 needs clear labels and no tiny text, so a visually impaired customer can reach out without frustration.

4. What’s the Difference Between 2.1 and 2.2?

WCAG 2.1 came first and added rules for mobile devices and people with cognitive or vision issues. WCAG 2.2 builds on that with a few more tweaks:

• 2.1: Focuses on touchscreens, zooming text, and avoiding seizures from flashing content.
• 2.2: Adds help for forms (like fewer tricky steps) and makes sure keyboard users aren’t stuck by hidden menus.

Both aim for the same goal: a website that’s easy for everyone. 2.2 just polishes things further.

5. Levels of Compliance: A, AA, AAA

WCAG has three levels—A, AA, and AAA. Think of them like grades:

• A: Basic accessibility (the minimum).
• AA: Better access—most businesses aim here, and it’s often what courts expect for ADA compliance.
• AAA: The gold standard, but tough to achieve (not usually required).

For your small business, AA is the sweet spot—good enough to avoid trouble and welcome more customers.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple websites can trip up on WCAG. Watch out for:

• No captions: A video of your new product without subtitles excludes deaf customers.
• Bad colors: Light gray text on white looks stylish but fails WCAG contrast rules.
• Mouse-only: If your site needs a mouse to navigate, keyboard users are stuck.

7. How to Make Your Site WCAG-Friendly

You don’t need to be a coder to start. Try these steps:

• Test it: Use free tools like WAVE (webaim.org) to see where your site needs work.
• Fix easy stuff: Add descriptions to images (alt text), boost color contrast, and test with your keyboard.
• Ask for help: A web designer or accessibility tool can handle the technical bits.

Real-World Example: A pet store added alt text to photos of their puppies (e.g., "Fluffy brown puppy chewing a toy"). Sales went up because blind shoppers could "see" the cuteness!

8. The Benefits of Following WCAG

Besides dodging lawsuits (yes, they happen!), WCAG makes your site better for everyone. Search engines like Google love accessible sites, so you might rank higher. Plus, it’s a win for your reputation.

Real-World Example: A hair salon followed WCAG 2.1, added video captions, and got rave reviews from deaf clients—plus more bookings.

9. Questions?

Feeling lost? We’re here to help! Contact us at [email protected] for plain-English advice on WCAG 2.1 and 2.2.