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Understanding WCAG 2.2: What's New and How to Prepare

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is set to become the new standard for web accessibility. This update brings several new success criteria and changes to existing ones, aiming to address the evolving landscape of web technologies and user needs.

Key Changes in WCAG 2.2

  • 2.4.11 Focus Appearance (Minimum) (AA): Ensures that keyboard focus indicators are clearly visible and meet minimum contrast requirements.
  • 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (AA): Requires that all functionality that uses dragging movements can be operated by single pointer without dragging, unless dragging is essential.
  • 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (AA): Specifies that interactive targets should be at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels, with some exceptions.
  • 3.2.6 Consistent Help (A): Mandates that help mechanisms (like contact information or human assistance) are provided consistently across a set of web pages.
  • 3.3.7 Accessible Authentication (A): Aims to make user authentication processes more accessible, especially for users with cognitive disabilities.
  • 3.3.8 Redundant Entry (A): Requires websites to remember information that users have already entered to avoid unnecessary repetition.

How to Prepare for WCAG 2.2

  1. Audit Your Current Site: Use A11yHelper's accessibility checker to identify areas that may not comply with the new guidelines.
  2. Focus on New Criteria: Pay special attention to the new success criteria, particularly those at Level A and AA.
  3. Update Design Systems: Ensure your design systems and component libraries are updated to meet the new requirements, especially for focus indicators and target sizes.
  4. Enhance Authentication Processes: Review and update your authentication methods to ensure they're accessible and comply with the new guidelines.
  5. Test with Users: Conduct usability testing with people with disabilities to ensure your implementations are effective.

By staying ahead of these changes and implementing them proactively, you can ensure that your websites remain accessible to all users and compliant with the latest standards.

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