What are the New WCAG 2.2 Guidelines and Why are They Important?

Creating accessible websites is no longer optional; it's a necessity. The release of the new WCAG 2.2 compliance guidelines in October 2023 underscores this point, providing updated standards for building inclusive websites. By prioritizing WCAG compliance, businesses can enhance user experience, improve search engine rankings, and mitigate legal risks. 

WCAG is the globally recognized standard for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. It provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for developers, designers, and content creators to follow. By adhering to WCAG, organizations can create websites and applications accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and speech impairments.

The website accessibility services provided by Global Reach, the leading web development company in Iowa, make managing this transition quick and convenient. 

Why is WCAG Important? 

Beyond the ethical imperative to create inclusive digital experiences, there are significant legal and business implications. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate accessibility for many organizations. Non-compliance can result in costly lawsuits and damage to a company’s reputation. According to UsableNet 4,605 lawsuits were filed for website ADA violations in 2023. This averages out to 80-100 lawsuits a week! Moreover, accessible websites have a broader reach, catering to a wider audience, including older adults and individuals with temporary disabilities. The age group most likely to have a vision or hearing impairment is those born before 1964, and according to U.S News & World Report, this group holds over 70% of the disposable income in the U.S. and spends more than any other generation, across all categories.

What's New in WCAG 2.2?

WCAG 2.2 builds upon the foundation established by previous versions, introducing nine new success criteria to address emerging accessibility challenges. These updates focus on enhancing usability for individuals with cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments.

Improved Keyboard Navigation

WCAG 2.2 places a stronger emphasis on ensuring that websites are fully navigable using a keyboard. This is crucial for users with motor impairments who rely on keyboard-only input.

• Focus Not Obscured (2.4.11 and 2.4.12): Previously, it was common for elements to become obscured when they received keyboard focus, making it difficult for users to determine where they were on a page. WCAG 2.2 mandates that this should not happen. For example, a dropdown menu should not cover the menu item that has the focus when it opens.
• Focus Appearance (2.4.13): This criterion ensures that keyboard focus is clearly visible. Simply changing color or adding a border might not be sufficient. The focus indicator should be distinct and easily perceivable.

Enhanced Mobile Accessibility

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices, WCAG 2.2 has introduced guidelines to improve accessibility on smaller screens.

• Target Size (2.5.8): Touchscreen devices require larger target areas for accurate interaction. This criterion ensures that clickable elements such as buttons and links are large enough to be easily touched, reducing errors and frustration.

Better Support for People with Cognitive Disabilities

WCAG 2.2 recognizes the importance of creating content that is easy to understand and navigate.

• Consistent Help (3.2.6): Users should be able to find help consistently. If a website provides help or support information, it should be consistently placed and formatted throughout the site. For instance, a help icon should always be located in the same position on each page.

Increased Focus on Video Accessibility

Video content can be a significant barrier for people with hearing or visual impairments. WCAG 2.2 provides more specific guidance to make video content more accessible.

• Captions and Audio Descriptions: While previous versions of WCAG covered captions and audio descriptions, WCAG 2.2 provides more detailed requirements for accuracy, timing, and placement of captions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of providing alternative methods for accessing video content, such as transcripts or text-based descriptions.

Staying Compliant with WCAG 2.2

While WCAG 2.2 represents the latest best practices, it's essential to understand that legal requirements may take time to catch up. Many organizations are still working towards full compliance with WCAG 2.1. However, incorporating WCAG 2.2 principles into new projects and gradually updating existing websites can demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and help mitigate future risks.

To ensure your website complies with WCAG 2.2, consider contacting Global Reach to help you with the following steps:

1. Conduct a thorough accessibility audit
2. Train your team
3. Incorporate accessibility into the design process (for more about this read our blog about what to consider before designing a website) 
4. Test with users
5. Stay informed about updates

Global Reach Will Keep Your Website Relevant and Accessible

It’s important to remember website accessibility is no longer an optional feature but a fundamental requirement. WCAG 2.2 sets a new standard for inclusive web design, and proactive implementation demonstrates your commitment to creating a seamless experience for every user. Following these updated guidelines demonstrates your company’s commitment to ethical values and offers legal protection by showcasing your dedication to statutory obligations. By prioritizing accessibility and staying informed about the latest standards, you can create inclusive websites that benefit everyone.

Global Reach, one of the best web development and web design companies in Iowa, can help you navigate the path to WCAG 2.2 compliance. We offer thorough accessibility testing to identify areas for improvement and provide ongoing website accessibility services to guarantee you stay up to date. Ensure your website is future-proof and accessible to everyone. 

Contact us today to find out how!