What Does WCAG Stand For?
WCAG Meaning
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.
WCAG Quick Facts
Essential information about the global web accessibility standard
Latest Version
Released October 2023
Global Standard
40500:2012 International Standard
Legal Standard
Required by most accessibility laws
POUR Principles
Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
WCAG Version History
WCAG 1.0
LegacyFirst version with 14 guidelines and priorities
WCAG 2.0
CurrentIntroduced POUR principles and three conformance levels
WCAG 2.1
CurrentAdded mobile accessibility and cognitive disability support
WCAG 2.2
LatestEnhanced mobile auth and improved accessibility
WCAG Conformance Levels Explained
WCAG defines three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. Most accessibility laws require Level AA.
Level A
Minimum
Basic accessibility features that don't significantly change website design
Key Requirements:
Level AA
Standard
Standard level required by most laws (ADA, AODA, Section 508)
Key Requirements:
Level AAA
Enhanced
Highest level with stringent requirements, rarely required by law