Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Accessible content is flexible content and works on the widest variety of devices for the widest variety of user abilities.
In this section:
- What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?
- What are the standards?
What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)?
WCAG is a set of measurable standards for web accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). There are three conformance levels (A, AA, AAA).
Boise State WCAG Conformance
Boise State complies with WCAG Conformance Level AA per University Policy 8140.
These standards ensure web content works for users whether they are using a computer with a keyboard and mouse, a mobile phone, or if they are using assistive technology like screen readers, alternative keyboards, braille readers, voice-to-text input, or screen magnification.
WCAG Standards
WCAG 2.x is built around four standards: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
1. Perceivable
Users read and interact with websites in different ways, often using assistive technology. This standard provides measurable ways to improve your website so users and assistive technology alike can understand the content presented using their senses including sight, sound, and touch.
2. Operable
Users should be able to use all the functions of your website regardless of whether they use a keyboard and mouse or another type of assistive technology.
3. Understandable
Understandable sites have clear, simple instructions, explain complex issues in plain language, and avoid unusual, inconsistent, or unexpected functions.
4. Robust
Robust sites follow recognized standards and conventions for the web.
How does this translate into accessible content?
The Boise State WordPress theme takes care of a large portion of these standards. You are responsible for all the content you add to your web pages. In the next sections, you’ll learn tips for creating more accessible text, links, images, tables, forms, documents, and media.
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Next, learn how to make text more accessible for your web content.