Is your WordPress site compliant with modern Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? If you are like most WordPress Developers or Web Designers you are probably scratching your head with wonder and confusion. Today, let’s discuss what it means for your site to be compliant and tools to use.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0
The accessibility guidelines (v 2.0) are based on four principles.
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
Perceivable
Web developers need to make sure that users can perceive all the information on your website regardless of sight, sound and/or touch impairments.
Operable
The main operable initiative is that all web users can navigate the website using keys instead of relying on mouse or scrolling movements. Also, under the operable initiative forms and other information collection mechanisms should not have time limits or time expiry.
Understandable
Make sure your website explains even the most complicated issues in the simplest manner. This is assisted by avoiding overcomplicating the site, and using unexpected or inconsistent functionality.
Robust
Using the most recent standards of HTML and CSS will help insure your WordPress site meets all modern day accessibility standards.
Web Content Accessibility Tools
As mentioned previously by Trinity Web Media, WordPress is rolling out a total web accessibility initiative with the next update of Gutenberg. This will help many WordPress Developers get a jump on something that is perceived as complex.
Also, there are WordPress plugins that check your site for basic compliance. Trinity Web Media works with the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin. This plugin helps identify the basic challenges through the free version, and the paid version digs into the theme and core issues of your WordPress site.
For your reference you can download a WCAG2 Checklist that outlines all compliance standards.
Let’s learn more about WGAC2 and develop WordPress sites to a higher level that truly democratizes publishing for all.
While I’ve known Greg for years from our time together in the marketing scene, I’ve only recently had the chance to work with Trinity Web Media on a client project. Not only was the team professional and their work spot on, they were amazingly quick to respond and required very little hand-holding along the way. I chalk that up to their past experience and a deep understanding of best-in-class services.
I have hired Greg and the Trinity team multiple times for work on my own websites, and have also hired them to work on behalf of multiple clients. He is simply a pleasure to work with, in every respect. Smart but without the giant ego of some developers, Trinity Web Media works with his clients to achieve their vision in the best way possible — with careful attention to their interests, and thoughtful recommendations based on his expertise. • Susan Baier – Founding Marketing Strategist – Audience Audit