WCAG 2.1 AA Standards: What is WCAG?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international standard for digital accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).
WCAG 2.1 is the specific version referenced by the new ADA Title II rule. SRJC must conform to Level AA of this standard by April 26, 2027.
| Key Terms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) | The international standard for digital accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) |
| Level AA | The conformance level required by ADA Title II. Addresses the most common accessibility barriers. |
| Screen reader | Software that reads digital content aloud for blind or low-vision users (examples: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver) |
| Assistive technology | Any device or software that helps people with disabilities access digital content |
| Alt text | Short text descriptions of images, read by screen readers when an image can't be seen |
| Semantic structure | Using proper HTML or document styles to convey meaning and hierarchy, not just visual appearance |
| VPAT / ACR | Voluntary Product Accessibility Template / Accessibility Conformance Report — a document from vendors describing how accessible their product is |
What Level AA Requires (Plain Language)
Here are the key requirements at Level AA that most directly affect faculty and staff:
- Text alternatives: All meaningful images—meaning images that convey information—need alt text. Decorative images should be marked as decorative.
- Captions: All synchronized media (video) needs accurate, synchronized captions
- Contrast ratios: Normal text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background; large text at least 3:1
- Resizable text: Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality
- Headings and labels: Descriptive headings and labels help users navigate and understand content
- Consistent navigation: Navigation mechanisms that are repeated across pages occur in the same relative order
- Error identification: Form errors are clearly identified and described to the user in text
- No keyboard traps: If content can be accessed with a keyboard, users must be able to exit using the keyboard (this is an evaluation criterion when purchasing software or a web service or SaaS subscription)
- Language of content: The language of the page or document is programmatically set in the metadata