Implementing WCAG 2.2 Updates

Tutorial 4 of 5

Introduction

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.

Step-by-Step Guide

Let's dive into the main concepts, examples, and best practices for implementing WCAG 2.2 updates.

Accessible Names

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>

Pointer Accessibility

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>

Redundant Entry

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" />

Code Examples

Let's look at some practical code examples implementing these updates.

Example 1: Accessible Names

<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.

Example 2: Pointer Accessibility

<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.

Example 3: Redundant Entry

<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.

Summary

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.

Practice Exercises

  1. Exercise 1: Create a form with accessible names for all fields.
  2. Exercise 2: Create a navigation menu that can be operated with a single pointer.
  3. Exercise 3: Create a multi-step form that populates previously entered values by default.

Remember, practice is the key to mastering any skill. Keep experimenting with different scenarios and ways to improve your website's accessibility. Happy coding!