Level AA

Definition

Level AA is a conformance level defined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) that aims to improve accessibility for users with disabilities. It includes criteria that address common accessibility barriers, ensuring a more inclusive web experience. Meeting Level AA standards means a website provides better usability for individuals who may face challenges due to visual, auditory, or motor impairments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Level AA includes 13 specific success criteria that websites must meet to be considered compliant, addressing issues like color contrast and text resizing.
2. Achieving Level AA conformance is often viewed as a legal requirement in many jurisdictions for public sector websites and services.
3. Unlike Level A, which covers basic accessibility issues, Level AA addresses more complex barriers faced by users with varying disabilities.
4. Meeting Level AA standards helps improve overall user experience and can increase website reach and audience engagement.
5. Organizations often aim for Level AA compliance as a balanced approach to accessibility that benefits both users with disabilities and those without.

Review Questions

• What are the key differences between Level A and Level AA in WCAG?
  • Level A includes the most basic web accessibility requirements, addressing fundamental issues that could hinder access for users with disabilities. In contrast, Level AA builds upon those basics by addressing additional barriers and complexities that users might encounter. This includes criteria like ensuring adequate color contrast and providing captions for audio content. Essentially, while Level A is about minimal accessibility, Level AA aims for a more comprehensive and functional user experience.
• Discuss how achieving Level AA compliance can influence a website's usability and audience reach.
  • Achieving Level AA compliance enhances a website's usability by making it more navigable and understandable for users with disabilities. This compliance means that elements like text size, contrast ratios, and assistive technology compatibility are optimized, allowing users to interact with the site effectively. As a result, organizations may see an expanded audience reach because more people can access and utilize their services, fostering inclusivity and potentially increasing customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate the broader implications of adhering to Level AA standards in web design on societal attitudes towards disability inclusion.
  • Adhering to Level AA standards in web design sends a strong message about valuing inclusivity and accessibility within society. It demonstrates a commitment to removing barriers for individuals with disabilities and encourages a culture of consideration for all users in digital spaces. By normalizing accessibility practices through such compliance, organizations can contribute to changing societal attitudes toward disability inclusion, leading to greater advocacy for equal rights and opportunities across all facets of life.

Related terms

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): A set of international guidelines developed to ensure that web content is accessible to people with disabilities.

Conformance: The degree to which a web page meets the requirements set forth by WCAG, categorized into three levels: A, AA, and AAA.

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities, ensuring they can access and use them effectively.