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). Why It Matters 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) Keyboard Navigation 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. Conclusion 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.