Navigating WCAG 2.2: Key Updates, Compliance Strategies, and Testing Approaches

In this talk, we will delve into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, focusing on each rule to understand its importance and practical implications. Each criterion will be discussed in detail, including its purpose, common issues that may arise, and solutions to ensure compliance.

Detailed Outline

1. Introduction to WCAG 2.2
   • Overview of the guidelines and their significance in creating accessible web content.
   • Importance of accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.
2. Explaining Each Criterion
   • For each criterion, like Success Criterion 2.4.11, Focus Not Obscured (Minimum), we will:
   • Define the criterion and its place within WCAG.
   • Explain why it is important for user experience and accessibility.
   • Discuss common issues that can obstruct compliance.
3. Case Study: Success Criterion 2.4.11, Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
   • Definition: Ensures that when a user navigates through a web page using a keyboard or other input devices, the currently focused element must remain at least partially visible.
   • Importance:
     1. User Awareness: Helps users track their position on the page.
     2. Interaction Feedback: Provides visual cues that the input device is correctly interacting with the component.
     3. Accessibility: Essential for users with low vision or motor impairments who rely on keyboard navigation.
   • Common Issues:
     1. Sticky content (headers, footers, banners) overlapping focused elements.
     2. Non-modal dialogs obscuring primary content.
     3. Problems on mobile devices or when the page is magnified.
   • Solutions:
     1. Ensure banners can be closed or do not overlap other content.
     2. Reflow the page or move focus to new components when necessary.
     3. Allow users to move features like chatbot windows as long as the initial position meets accessibility requirements.
4. Preventive Measures
   • Code and design solutions to prevent obstruction of focusable content.
   • Strategies for reflowing pages and managing focus to enhance visibility.
5. Comparison of Levels
   • Discuss the differences between Level AA and Level AAA criteria.
   • Example: Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) vs. Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced).
6. Conclusion
   • Recap the importance of each criterion.
   • Emphasize aiming for maximum visibility and accessibility.
   • Encourage striving for a better, more inclusive internet.

By thoroughly examining each WCAG 2.2 criterion, this talk aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to create more accessible web content. Attendees will gain practical insights into identifying and resolving common accessibility issues, ensuring that all users can interact with web pages effectively and efficiently.

Speaker

Melissa Spiegel

Front End Developer