WCAG 2.1 AA — complete checklist for websites + apps
The four principles (perceivable, operable, understandable, robust) translated into concrete checks for your site or app. EAA-compliant from 28 June 2025.
WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the global standard for digital accessibility. Level AA is the legal requirement in NL (Temporary Digital Accessibility Decree + EAA from 28 June 2025). Four principles (POUR): (1) Perceivable — alt text (1.1), video subtitles (1.2), adaptable presentation (1.3), colour contrast 4.5:1 (1.4.3). (2) Operable — keyboard-accessible (2.1), enough time (2.2), no flashes >3x/sec (2.3), skip links (2.4), gesture alternatives (2.5). (3) Understandable — readable language (3.1), predictable navigation (3.2), input help (3.3). (4) Robust — valid HTML + ARIA (4.1). Concrete checks that find 80% of issues: all interactive elements reachable via Tab? Focus visible? All images alt text? Buttons have text label (not just icon)? Contrast 4.5:1? Form labels linked via for=""? Tools: WAVE (Chrome extension), axe DevTools, Lighthouse, WebAIM contrast checker. Automated tests catch ~30% of issues — manual + screen-reader tests required for the rest. Our tip: start at most-used pages + work to less used. 80/20 principle.
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