The Importance of Web Accessibility and Meeting WCAG AA Standards
Web accessibility has become a key priority for organizations aiming to offer an inclusive online experience. Beyond legal requirements and best practices, ensuring that everyone—including people with disabilities—can use your website is both a responsible approach and a boost to your brand reputation. The current recommended guideline is WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) Level AA, and at Vortex Solution, we have the expertise to help you meet this standard.
1. What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility refers to a set of techniques and best practices that make websites usable by as many people as possible, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive constraints. This includes, for example:
- Visual and textual elements designed to be compatible with screen readers
- Color schemes and contrasts suitable for people with low vision or color blindness
- Keyboard-friendly navigation for those who cannot use a mouse
- Properly structured content (headings, paragraphs, lists, etc.) to aid comprehension
2. What Are WCAG AA Standards?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are an international set of recommendations established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). They focus on four key principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
- Level A: The minimal requirements covering the essential aspects of accessibility
- Level AA: The most commonly targeted standard, building on Level A plus additional criteria for stronger accessibility
- Level AAA: The most stringent level, often challenging to meet for all types of content
Striving for WCAG AA compliance offers an ideal balance of practicality and inclusivity for the majority of users.
3. Why Make Your Site Accessible?
- Expand Your Audience
An accessible site does not exclude anyone. This broader reach can increase both traffic and conversions. - Improve the User Experience
Accessibility best practices—such as clear contrast, proper visual hierarchy, and easy navigation—benefit all visitors, not just those with disabilities. - Enhance Your Brand Reputation
Demonstrating inclusivity shows you care about your visitors’ needs, strengthening trust and credibility. - Stay Ahead of Legal Requirements
More and more countries and provinces (including Quebec) are introducing legal mandates for web accessibility. Proactive compliance helps avoid legal repercussions and protects your public image.
4. Steps to Achieve WCAG AA Compliance
- Accessibility Audit: Identify existing barriers on your current site
- Design and Navigation Review: Check contrasts, font sizes, and content organization
- Technical Optimization: Ensure multimedia elements work with screen readers, structure your HTML correctly, and enable keyboard navigation
- Training and Awareness: Involve your internal teams to maintain accessibility in the long term
5. Rely on Vortex Solution
With over 25 years of expertise in web strategy and high-performance website development in Quebec, Vortex Solution offers:
- A thorough knowledge of WCAG standards, along with the tools needed to evaluate and resolve accessibility issues
- Close collaboration to create or update your website to meet WCAG AA compliance
- Ongoing guidance to help you adopt accessibility best practices for the future
Investing in web accessibility is not just a responsible decision—it’s a strategic one that broadens your reach and solidifies your brand credibility. Achieving WCAG AA is a realistic and impactful target to ensure an inclusive experience for all your visitors. If you’re looking to make your site truly accessible and high-performing, Vortex Solution is here to guide you every step of the way.
Have questions about your site’s accessibility? Contact Vortex Solution today to get started on your project!