Accessibility is becoming a critical priority across industries, and the asset management sector is no exception. Embracing inclusive practices is essential for engaging a diverse client base and meeting the growing legal and regulatory accessibility requirements, including accessibility regulations.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, published as a W3C Recommendation on October 5, 2023, are the most current and widely adopted standards for web accessibility.
While WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 remain valid, organizations must adopt WCAG 2.2 to ensure their digital content meets the latest accessibility standards. WCAG 2.1 is particularly important as it outlines specific criteria for making web content accessible, especially for users with disabilities. Various laws and regulations often require this, particularly for government and public sector websites.
This version introduces nine new success criteria, enhancing accessibility features such as keyboard focus, dragging movements, minimum target size, consistent help, data input, and accessible authentication.
This change is designed to address the needs of modern technology and a diverse range of users with disabilities better. However, it’s important to note that WCAG 3.0 is still in the early stages. As a Working Draft, it’s open to feedback and revisions, and it will likely be several years before it’s officially adopted as a W3C Recommendation. It includes only a small portion of the guidelines, with much more expected in the future.
Web Accessibility and Asset Management
Web accessibility extends beyond making websites accessible; it encompasses managing all digital assets to ensure they are usable by everyone. This includes images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content.
Organizations can make their digital assets accessible to users with disabilities by providing alternative text for images, closed captions for videos, and transcripts for audio content.
Implementing accessibility features within these systems ensures that all digital content is accessible, promoting inclusivity and compliance with accessibility regulations.
It’s not just about disabled users being able to access your website — it’s about everyone being able to access your website.
- Trenton Moss, Founder of Webcredible Consultancy Firm (now part of Inviqa)
Understanding Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are recommendations developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG serves as a universal standard for digital accessibility. It aims to ensure that web content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
While WCAG is not a law, it is widely recognized as the benchmark for web accessibility in legislation and court decisions. Organizations aiming to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should adhere to WCAG Level AA standards.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also mandates that federal agencies ensure their electronic and information technology conforms with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. By following these content accessibility guidelines, organizations can create more inclusive digital experiences and meet Level AA success criteria to avoid legal repercussions.
Implementing Accessibility in Asset Management
Accessibility in asset management involves ensuring that all digital assets, including web pages, images, videos, and documents, are accessible to everyone. This can be achieved by adhering to the WCAG guidelines and success criteria.
Testable success criteria are crucial for ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.0. They provide specific, measurable standards for assessing a website's accessibility.
Organizations can implement accessibility in asset management by taking the following steps:
✔️ Providing Alternative Text for Images
All images have descriptive alternative text to convey meaning to users using on screen readers.
✔️ Ensuring Color Contrast and Readability
Use sufficient colour contrast between text and background to make content readable for users with visual impairments.
✔️ Making Navigation and Links Accessible
Ensure that navigation menus and links are accessible via keyboard and screen readers, and provide clear and descriptive link text.
✔️ Providing Closed Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia Content
Offer closed captions for videos and transcripts for audio content to make multimedia accessible to users with hearing impairments.
✔️ Ensuring Interactive Elements are Accessible
Make sure that forms, buttons, and other interactive elements are accessible and usable by all users, including those using assistive technology.
By following these steps, organizations can create accessible websites and digital assets that meet the needs of all users.
Accessibility Guidelines and Success Criteria
WCAG provides comprehensive guidelines and success criteria to make web content more accessible. These guidelines are organized into three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. Level A represents the minimum conformance level, while Level AAA is the highest and most stringent level.
➡️ WCAG 2.2 AA Is Achievable for Most Organisations ⬅️
While A conformance may fall short in addressing significant barriers, and AAA is too complex to implement universally, AA is a practical and effective solution that ensures various user agents, including assistive technologies, can reliably interpret content.
It includes key accessibility challenges while remaining sustainable. For organizations committed to building inclusive digital experiences, WCAG 2.2 AA is the benchmark for creating meaningful and lasting accessibility improvements.
If you're new to implementing WCAG standards and unsure where to start, here’s a straightforward roadmap to help you
1. Learn the Basics
Understand WCAG: Familiarize yourself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Start with the WCAG 2.2 Overview on W3C’s website.
Focus on the AA level, as it’s the most practical and commonly required standard.
2. Conduct an Accessibility Audit
Conduct a thorough audit of your digital platforms (websites, apps, and content).
Automated tools like WAVE or Axe can be used to identify basic issues.
Perform manual testing!
‼️ 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐛 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.
3. Seek Professional Help
4. Build Accessibility into Your Workflow
5. Make Incremental Improvements
6. Partner with Experts for Compliance
7. Stay Committed
Accessibility is an ongoing effort, not a one-time project.
Test your site regularly as new features are added or as guidelines evolve (e.g., WCAG 3.0 is in development).
If you need personalized advice or a step-by-step breakdown for your platform, consider contacting Authentic Digital or leveraging dedicated accessibility tools and services.
It’s okay to start small—every step toward accessibility makes a difference!
The Role of Technology in Accessibility
Technology is a cornerstone in the quest for web accessibility. Web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are fundamental in creating accessible web pages and applications.
These technologies can structure content in a navigable and understandable way for all users. Assistive technologies, such as screen readers, speech recognition software, and braille displays, further enhance accessibility by enabling users with disabilities to interact with web content.
Additionally, mobile app accessibility regulations mandate that apps be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that mobile users also benefit from accessible design. By leveraging these web and assistive technologies, organizations can create web content that is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Legal Standing and Compliance Requirements
Adhering to WCAG guidelines is not just a best practice; it is often a legal requirement. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandates that federal agencies ensure their electronic and information technology conforms to WCAG 2.0 AA standards.
Similarly, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires that public websites and web content published after January 2, 2012, comply with WCAG 2.0 AA. In California, the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Assembly Bill 434 (AB434) require state entities’ websites to meet Level AA Standards and Section 508 requirements.
By complying with these regulations, organizations can ensure that their web content is accessible to everyone, avoid legal risks, and promote inclusivity.
Trends to Watch in Accessibility
The web accessibility landscape continually evolves, with several key trends shaping its future. Artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance accessibility are on the rise, offering new ways to automate and improve accessibility features.
Mobile app accessibility regulations are becoming increasingly important as users access content via mobile devices. Additionally, developing new accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG 2.2, reflects the ongoing efforts to address emerging accessibility challenges.
There is also a growing recognition of the importance of accessibility in the development of web and assistive technologies. By staying informed about these trends, organizations can ensure their web content remains accessible and ahead of the curve.
