WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These are international standards developed by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) that define how to make web content accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG is referenced by accessibility laws worldwide including ADA, AODA, and Section 508.
Essential information about the global web accessibility standard
Released October 2023
40500:2012 International Standard
Required by most accessibility laws
Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
First version with 14 guidelines and priorities
Introduced POUR principles and three conformance levels
Added mobile accessibility and cognitive disability support
Enhanced mobile auth and improved accessibility
WCAG defines three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. Most accessibility laws require Level AA.
Minimum
Basic accessibility features that don't significantly change website design
Standard
Standard level required by most laws (ADA, AODA, Section 508)
Enhanced
Highest level with stringent requirements, rarely required by law