WCAG Principles: Making Web Content Accessible

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 in Law & Jurisprudence

Web Accessibility Fundamentals (WCAG)

This document discusses why web accessibility is important and how to make your website more accessible. Many people ignore accessibility, but it is a legal requirement in many places and it helps everyone, including people with disabilities. We will look at the main principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

The Four Core Principles of WCAG

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It has four main principles, often remembered by the acronym POUR:

  • P: Perceivable
  • O: Operable
  • U: Understandable
  • R: Robust

P is for Perceivable

Content must be presented in ways users can perceive. This means providing text alternatives for non-text content, like images (known as alt text). Also, ensuring content can be presented in different ways without losing information, such as resizing text or changing colors. Providing captions for videos is also a crucial part of this principle.

O is for Operable

Users must be able to operate the interface successfully. This includes:

  • Making all functionality available from a keyboard.
  • Giving users enough time to read and use the content.
  • Avoiding content that causes seizures (e.g., rapid flashing).
  • Providing ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine their location on the page.

U is for Understandable

Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. Key requirements include:

  • Text should be readable and understandable.
  • Making web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
  • Helping users avoid and correct mistakes when filling out forms or interacting with the site.

R is for Robust

Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means using proper, semantic HTML markup and ensuring compatibility with current and future technologies.

Quick Tips for Improving Accessibility

To quickly enhance your site’s accessibility, focus on these practical steps:

  • Use semantic HTML correctly.
  • Check color contrast ratios rigorously.
  • Ensure full keyboard navigation functionality.
  • Write clear and descriptive link text.
  • Test your site using screen readers.

Remember, accessibility is not a feature; it is a fundamental requirement for good web design and ensures equal access for all users.