This tutorial aims to guide you through the process of implementing the latest updates in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. These updates are designed to enhance web accessibility, especially for users with cognitive disabilities and low vision, as well as mobile users.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll understand how to:
- Implement the new WCAG 2.2 guidelines on your website.
- Improve your website's accessibility for all users.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Let's dive into the main concepts, examples, and best practices for implementing WCAG 2.2 updates.
One of the key updates in WCAG 2.2 is the requirement of Accessible Names for all components. Accessible names provide a text alternative for screen readers to read out, aiding visually impaired users.
<!-- Bad practice -->
<button><img src="save.png" /></button>
<!-- Good practice -->
<button aria-label="Save"><img alt="Save" src="save.png" /></button>
Another significant update is concerned with pointer accessibility. WCAG 2.2 introduces guidelines for ensuring that all functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures can be operated with a single pointer.
<!-- Good practice -->
<button onclick="myFunction()">Click me</button>
WCAG 2.2 updates also emphasize minimizing redundant data entry. When re-entering information is necessary, ensure that the information entered earlier is populated by default.
<!-- Good practice -->
<input type="text" value="Previously entered value" />
Let's look at some practical code examples implementing these updates.
<button aria-label="Save"><img alt="Save" src="save.png" /></button>
This example shows a button with an accessible name. The aria-label
attribute is used to provide the accessible name, and the alt
attribute is used to provide an alternative text for the image.
<button onclick="myFunction()">Click me</button>
This example shows a button that can be operated with a single pointer. The onclick
attribute is used to define the function to be executed when the button is clicked.
<input type="text" value="Previously entered value" />
This example shows an input field with a default value. The value
attribute is used to populate the field with the previously entered value.
This tutorial covered how to implement the WCAG 2.2 updates, focusing on accessible names, pointer accessibility, and minimizing redundant entry. For further learning, consider exploring more about WCAG and how it can improve your website's accessibility.
Remember, practice is the key to mastering any skill. Keep experimenting with different scenarios and ways to improve your website's accessibility. Happy coding!