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WCAG 2.1: The Current Standard for Web Accessibility



Informe de accesibilidad indica sitio web accesible, WCAG 2.1, La lista Axessible

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) represent the most influential technical protocol for digital accessibility and form the basis of many laws and regulations worldwide.


While there are previous versions (WCAG 2.0), WCAG 2.1, published in June 2018, is the most current and relevant: it includes all previous success criteria and adds new ones, especially focused on improving access from mobile devices and for people with cognitive, motor, or low vision disabilities. As a result, content that complies with WCAG 2.1 also complies with WCAG 2.0. It’s defined as the "gold standard" in web accessibility. Although a newer version exists (WCAG 2.2), no legal framework currently requires its use; therefore, WCAG 2.1 Level AA remains the most practical and recognized target.


These guidelines are structured into three levels of compliance:

  • Level A: Minimum barriers removed;

  • Level AA: Recommended by most regulations (like the EAA), incorporating additional criteria such as contrast, error labeling, and clear navigation;

  • Level AAA: The most comprehensive level, difficult to achieve and not required in most cases.


The WCAG is built on four fundamental principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust—known as the POUR model. Each supports multiple guidelines and success criteria aimed at ensuring content is accessible for people with sensory, cognitive, or motor disabilities.


Complying with WCAG 2.1 involves:

  • Providing alternatives such as subtitles, descriptive texts (alt text), and adequate contrasts,

  • Ensuring keyboard navigation,

  • Allowing text scaling and spacing between elements,

  • Organizing content clearly and consistently,

  • Ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.


Compliance can be verified through technical and manual audits. There are also free automatic tools (like Our Scanner) that allow you to assess whether a page meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA.


Not sure if your site is accessible? Audit your website for free

 
 
 

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