WCAG 2.2: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Accessibility Standards

The internet is for everyone… or at least, it should be.

But for millions of people with disabilities, browsing the web is still very challenging.

Some websites are difficult to navigate, don’t work with assistive tools, or are not designed with accessibility in mind. That’s where WCAG 2.2 helps.

These new guidelines—created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)—help make websites easier to use for people with:

• Low vision

• Cognitive disabilities

• Mobility impairments

If you want to build a more inclusive, user-friendly web, this guide is for you. We will cover WCAG 2.2, who must comply, how to test your site, and how to implement changes. Let’s break it down.

What is WCAG 2.2?

WCAG 2.2 is the latest version of the web accessibility guidelines designed to help developers, designers, and businesses create barrier-free digital experiences. It builds on the previous versions (WCAG 2.0 and WCAG 2.1) by adding new success criteria that improve usability.

Who Needs to Comply with WCAG 2.2?

The short answer? Everyone who has an online presence.

The long answer? While compliance with organisation requirements in different regions, accessibility should be a priority for businesses, organizations, and public institutions.

1. Legal Compliance

Many countries have laws requiring websites to follow WCAG standards. Some of the most notable include:

• United States: The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) enforces accessibility compliance for public and private entities.

• European Union: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates WCAG compliance for digital services.

• Canada: The AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) requires WCAG-compliant websites.

• United Kingdom: The Equality Act 2010 applies accessibility rules to digital platforms.

2. Businesses and Digital Platforms

If you run an eCommerce store, SaaS platform, or digital agency, accessibility directly impacts user experience and revenue. Excluding disabled users means losing potential customers.

3. Educational Institutions and Public Services

Government websites, universities, and e-learning platforms must be accessible to all users, ensuring that education and public services are equally available.

How to Test a Website for WCAG 2.2 Conformance?

Making a website accessible starts with testing. Here’s how to check whether your site meets WCAG 2.2 standards.

1. Use Automated Accessibility Testing Tools

Several free and paid tools scan websites for common accessibility issues. Some of the best include:

• WAVE: Detects color contrast issues, missing alt text, and keyboard navigation problems.

• Axe Accessibility Checker: A browser extension that highlights WCAG violations.

• Google Lighthouse: Provides accessibility audits alongside performance and SEO insights.

2. Conduct Manual Testing

Automated tools can’t catch everything. Try: 

• Keyboard-only navigation: Check if you can access everything without a mouse.

• Screen reader simulation: Use NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver to test content clarity.

• Real user testing: Ask individuals with disabilities for feedback.

How to Make Your Website WCAG 2.2 Compliant?

Making your website accessible doesn’t mean starting from scratch. 

Small changes can make a big impact. 

Focus on fixing the most important issues first, then refine the details. 

Here’s how you can improve accessibility step by step.

1. Enable Full Keyboard Navigation

Not everyone uses a mouse. Your site should be fully usable with just a keyboard. This means users should be able to navigate menus, buttons, and forms using the Tab, Shift + Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys in a logical order. Then, test it yourself to see if you can move through your site without touching a mouse.

2. Make Focus Indicators Clear

Users should always know where they are on the page. Add a visible outline or highlight around focused elements like links, buttons, and form fields. This helps people with low vision or those using a keyboard to navigate.

3. Improve Forms for Usability

Forms should be easy to understand and fill out. Every field needs a clear label, and error messages should be helpful, not confusing. Don’t rely on placeholder text—it disappears when users start typing. Also, avoid short time limits that might kick users out before they’re done.

4. Add Alt Text for Images

Screen readers rely on alt text to describe images. If an image conveys essential information, describe it clearly. For example, instead of "image of a chart," say "bar chart showing a 50% increase in sales over six months." If an image is decorative, mark it as such so it’s skipped.

5. Improve Text Readability and Contrast

Poor contrast makes text hard to read, especially for people with vision impairments. Follow the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Use larger, easy-to-read fonts, avoid light grey text on white backgrounds and structure content with headings and bullet points for clarity.

6. Provide Different Ways to Interact

Not all users can use a mouse or touchpad. Ensure keyboard shortcuts, voice commands, and adaptive technology work on your site. If you have drag-and-drop features, offer an alternative like a simple "Upload File" button.

7. Add Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia

Videos need captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you have audio content, provide a text transcript so users can read instead of listening. Bonus: Search engines can index transcripts, which helps with SEO.

8. Reduce Motion and Animation

Too much motion can be distracting or even cause discomfort for users with vestibular disorders. Avoid excessive animations, flashing effects, and auto-playing content. If you use animations, give users a way to turn them off.

WCAG 2.2 vs. WCAG 2.1: What’s Changed?

WCAG 2.2 introduces nine new success criteria to improve accessibility. Key changes include:

• Stronger focus indicators: Users should quickly identify focused elements.

• Easier drag-and-drop alternatives: Websites must not force users to rely solely on drug interactions.

• Larger target sizes: Clickable elements should be big enough for users with motor impairments.

• Reduced cognitive load: Clearer navigation, better form usability, and fewer distractions.

These updates help more people access digital content effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

Web accessibility should be a priority, not an afterthought. Whether you are a business owner, developer, or content creator, ensuring that everyone can use your site is both ethical and smart business.

Simple improvements like better contrast, clear navigation, and full keyboard access enhance usability for all users, not just those with disabilities. Start small: test your site, fix key issues, and optimize as you go.

Need expert guidance? AccessifyLabs offers WCAG compliance audits, testing, and accessibility solutions to help you build a truly accessible web experience. The internet should work for everyone.

FAQ’s

Q1. Is WCAG 2.2 compliance mandatory?

In many regions, yes. Countries like the U.S. (ADA compliance), Canada (AODA), the U.K. (Equality Act 2010), and the EU (EAA) have legal requirements enforcing WCAG standards. Failure to comply with this law can lead to lawsuits and fines.

Q2. How do I check my site for accessibility issues?

Automated tools like WAVE, Axe Accessibility Checker, and Google Lighthouse detect common issues. Manually test keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver), and focus indicators to ensure a seamless experience for all users.

Q3. What are the risks of having an inaccessible website?

Besides legal repercussions, an inaccessible website alienates users, reducing engagement and conversions. Poor accessibility can harm SEO rankings and negatively impact brand reputation.

Q4. Can I improve accessibility without coding?

Yes. Start with clear headings, proper color contrast (4.5:1 minimum), alt text for images, and easy-to-use navigation. Implement captions for videos and ensure that interactive elements are keyboard-friendly. These improvements significantly enhance usability without requiring coding expertise.