Verständnis von WCAG 2.1 AA: Der Standard für barrierefreies Web

 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA is the global benchmark for making websites and digital content accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. Developed by the W3C, the standard outlines success criteria that focus on four key principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

Warum es wichtig ist

Conforming to WCAG 2.1 AA isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about inclusivity. It ensures that users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities can fully engage with your content.

Key Requirements of WCAG 2.1 AA

• Text Alternatives for non-text content (e.g. alt text for images)

• Tastaturnavigation support for users who can’t use a mouse

• Sufficient Color Contrast between foreground and background

• Resizable Text without loss of functionality

• Accessible Forms and Labels for screen reader users

• No Keyboard Traps (users should be able to navigate freely)

What’s New in 2.1?

WCAG 2.1 builds upon 2.0 and adds criteria for:

• Mobile accessibility

• Low vision users

• Cognitive disabilities

Who Needs to Comply?

Many countries—like the US, Germany (via BITV), Canada, and the UK—have laws referencing WCAG 2.1 AA. Businesses, especially in the public sector, are increasingly required to meet these guidelines.

Fazit

Making your website WCAG 2.1 AA compliant isn’t just the right thing to do—it also improves usability, SEO, and your brand’s reputation. Accessibility should be baked into your digital strategy from the ground up.