What are the WCAG guidelines?
Accessibility isn’t an extra—it’s the foundation of good web design. The WCAG guidelines ensure your website is usable for everyone, and that also benefits your findability.
The standaard for accessible websites
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These are international guidelines that explain how to make digital content accessible for people with disabilities. This includes users who are visually impaired, colorblind, rely on a keyboard instead of a mouse, or have cognitive disabilities. The guidelines are developed by the W3C and are used worldwide as the standard.
Three levels
WCAG works with three conformance levels. Level A covers the most basic accessibility requirements. Level AA is the standard most organizations aim for and is legally required in many countries. Level AAA is the highest level, focused on maximum accessibility. For most websites, AA is the realistic and recommended target.
Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone's potential.
Four pillars to build on
All WCAG guidelines are built around four principles. Perceivable: information must be visible or audible to every user. Operable: all functionality must be usable without a mouse. Understandable: text and navigation must be clear and predictable. Robust: the website must work with assistive technologies such as screen readers. Together, these four principles form the foundation of an accessible website.
Accessibility and SEO
An accessible website is also a better website for search engines. Clear heading structures, descriptive alt text, and meaningful link text are both WCAG requirements and SEO best practices. By taking accessibility seriously, you build a website that is both easier to find and easier to use.
Legal requirements are tightening
Public sector organizations are already required to comply with WCAG 2.1 level AA across Europe. For commercial businesses, that pressure is increasing as well. The European Accessibility Act came into effect in 2025 and introduces stricter requirements for digital products and services. Building accessibility into your website now isn’t just smart—it’s becoming a legal requirement.
How we handle WCAG
At The Dare Company, we build websites with accessibility as a starting point. We test against the most relevant WCAG criteria during both design and development, ensuring your website works well for as many people as possible. Want to know how your current website performs? We’re happy to take a look with you.
Is your website WCAG-ready?
An accessible website is a stronger website. Let’s explore where your opportunities lie together.