Think your website is good enough? If it’s not accessible, it could be excluding users, hurting your SEO, and putting your business at legal risk.
The WCAG 2.2 guidelines are officially here. If you’re a designer, developer, or business owner, it’s time to understand what’s changed and how it impacts your site. Because building a website isn’t just about design, it’s about access, inclusion, and protection.
In this post, we’ll walk through what WCAG is, what’s new in version 2.2, and how to apply the latest standards without rebuilding your entire site from scratch.
What Is WCAG, and Why Does It Matter?
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these standards are designed to make websites easier to use for people with disabilities, like visual impairments, limited mobility, or cognitive challenges.
WCAG is built on four key principles: your site should be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. In short, content should be easy to see, navigate, comprehend, and function reliably across all devices and user abilities.
And here’s why it matters:
- Accessibility lawsuits are on the rise under the ADA.
- Compliance improves SEO and site usability.
- Inclusive design supports a broader audience and builds trust.
Accessibility isn’t just ethical, it’s strategic.
What’s New in WCAG 2.2?
WCAG 2.2 builds on version 2.1 and adds nine new success criteria, focusing on mobile usability, cognitive accessibility, and user inputs. Here are the most notable updates:
1. Focus Not Obscured
Interactive elements, like buttons or links, must remain fully visible when focused using a keyboard or assistive device. This prevents headers or popups from hiding them.
2. Dragging Movements (Level AA)
If your UI includes drag-and-drop or swipe gestures, you must offer an accessible alternative for users who can’t perform those actions.
3. Target Size (Minimum)
Buttons, icons, and other interactive targets must now be at least 24×24 pixels. This helps users with motor impairments or those browsing on mobile.
4. Accessible Authentication
Sites must provide alternative login methods that don’t require memory-dependent tasks like puzzles or password recall, especially helpful for users with cognitive impairments.
These changes may seem small, but they significantly impact usability and inclusivity.
Why This Matters to Your Business
Making your website WCAG-compliant is more than a legal safeguard, it’s a competitive advantage. Making your website accessible:
- Improves user experience for everyone, not just users with disabilities
- Enhances SEO performance by creating cleaner, structured code
- Demonstrates brand responsibility and commitment to inclusion
With digital access becoming a legal and ethical standard, companies that embrace accessibility now are setting themselves up for long-term growth.
Quick Wins: How to Apply WCAG 2.2 Today
You don’t need a full redesign to make meaningful improvements. Here’s where to start:
- Run an accessibility audit using tools like WAVE or axe DevTools
- Increase touch target sizes on buttons and links
- Review your login process for cognitive accessibility barriers
- Make sure keyboard focus indicators are always visible
- Use plain language and intuitive layouts for better understanding
These updates help you meet compliance standards and deliver a more user-friendly experience, especially on mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions About WCAG 2.2
Do all websites need to comply with WCAG 2.2?
Legally, requirements vary by region, but compliance is recommended for all public-facing sites, especially those in the U.S., Canada, UK, or EU.
Will accessibility improve my SEO?
Yes. Search engines reward clean, structured, and user-friendly content, all core principles of accessibility.
Is WCAG 2.2 a legal requirement?
It’s not law itself, but it’s widely used to measure ADA and Section 508 compliance. Courts often reference WCAG in digital accessibility lawsuits.
Can I use a plugin to become compliant?
Plugins can help, but true compliance requires design and code-level changes. Think of them as supplements, not solutions.
How often should I update my accessibility practices?
Review accessibility at least twice per year, or after major site updates, to stay current with standards like WCAG 2.2.
Conclusion: Make Accessibility a Business Priority
WCAG 2.2 isn’t just a checklist, it’s a step toward building a more inclusive, effective, and future-ready website. By understanding the latest updates and making thoughtful changes, your business can better serve all users, and stay ahead of the curve.
📢 Need help making your website WCAG-compliant and user-friendly? Book a free discovery call and we’ll guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
Citations
- Elementor.com – WCAG 2.2 Explained
- W3C – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview
- WebAIM – Introduction to Web Accessibility
- Bureau of Internet Accessibility – WCAG 2.2 Updates: What’s Changing and Why It Matters