WCAG 2.0 Checklist
Published December 13, 2017 | Categories: Web Development
An accessible website is important for any website, but especially for higher education driven websites. 508 is equally important, but this article covers WCAG 2.0 specifically.
The WCAG 2.0 checklist is a great place to start.
There are three levels: A (beginner), AA (Intermediate) most colleges abide by this level, and AAA (Advanced)
At a glance:
A Level (Beginner):
1.1.1 – Non-text Content Provide text alternatives for non-text content
1.2.1 – Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded) Provide an alternative to video-only and audio-only content
1.2.2 – Captions (Pre-recorded) Provide captions for videos with audio
1.2.3 – Audio Description or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded) Video with audio has a second alternative
1.3.1 – Info and Relationships Logical structure
1.3.2 – Meaningful Sequence Present content in a meaningful order
1.3.3 – Sensory Characteristics Use more than one sense for instructions
1.4.1 – Use of Colour Don’t use presentation that relies solely on colour
1.4.2 – Audio Control Don’t play audio automatically
2.1.1 – Keyboard Accessible by keyboard only
2.1.2 – No Keyboard Trap Don’t trap keyboard users
2.2.1 – Timing Adjustable Time limits have user controls
2.2.2 – Pause, Stop, Hide Provide user controls for moving content
2.3.1 – Three Flashes or Below No content flashes more than three times per second
2.4.1 – Bypass Blocks Provide a ‘Skip to Content’ link
2.4.2 – Page Titled Use helpful and clear page titles
2.4.3 – Focus Order Logical order
2.4.4 – Link Purpose (In Context) Every link’s purpose is clear from its context
3.1.1 – Language of Page Page has a language assigned
3.2.1 – On Focus Elements do not change when they receive focus
3.2.2 – On Input Elements do not change when they receive input
3.3.1 – Error Identification Clearly identify input errors
3.3.2 – Labels or Instructions Label elements and give instructions
4.1.1 – Parsing No major code errors
4.1.2 – Name, Role, Value Build all elements for accessibility
AA Level (Intermediate):
1.2.4 – Captions (Live) Live videos have captions
1.2.5 – Audio Description (Pre-recorded) Users have access to audio description for video content
1.4.3 – Contrast (Minimum) Contrast ratio between text and background is at least 4.5:1
1.4.4 – Resize Text Text can be resized to 200% without loss of content or function
1.4.5 – Images of Text Don’t use images of text
2.4.5 – Multiple Ways Offer several ways to find pages
2.4.6 – Headings and Labels Use clear headings and labels
2.4.7 – Focus Visible Ensure keyboard focus is visible and clear
3.1.2 – Language of Parts Tell users when the language on a page changes
3.2.3 – Consistent Navigation Use menus consistently
3.2.4 – Consistent Identification Use icons and buttons consistently
3.3.3 – Error Suggestion Suggest fixes when users make errors
3.3.4- Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) Reduce the risk of input errors for sensitive data
AAA Level (Advanced):
1.2.6 – Sign Language (Pre-recorded) Provide sign language translations for videos
1.2.7 – Extended Audio description (Pre-recorded) Provide extended audio description for videos
1.2.8 – Media Alternative (Pre-recorded) Provide a text alternative to videos
1.2.9 – Audio Only (Live) Provide alternatives for live audio
1.4.6 – Contrast (Enhanced) Contrast ratio between text and background is at least 7:1
1.4.7 – Low or No Background Audio Audio is clear for listeners to hear
1.4.8 – Visual Presentation Offer users a range of presentation options
1.4.9 – Images of Text (No Exception) Don’t use images of text
2.1.3 – Keyboard (No Exception) Accessible by keyboard only, without exception
2.2.3 – No Timing No time limits
2.2.4 – Interruptions Don’t interrupt users
2.2.5 – Re-authenticating Save user data when re-authenticating
2.3.2 – Three Flashes No content flashes more than three times per second
2.4.8 – Location Let users know where they are
2.4.9 – Link Purpose (Link Only) Every link’s purpose is clear from its text
2.4.10 – Section Headings Break up content with headings
3.1.3 – Unusual words Explain any strange words
3.1.4 – Abbreviations Explain any abbreviations
3.1.5 – Reading Level Users with nine years of school can read your content
3.1.6 – Pronunciation Explain any words that are hard to pronounce
3.2.5 – Change on Request Don’t change elements on your website until users ask
3.3.5 – Help Provide detailed help and instructions
3.3.6 – Error Prevention (All) Reduce the risk of all input errors
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