What is WCAG and what is digital accessibility?

Authors:

  • Milena Konieczna
    Milena Konieczna
Co to jest WCAG i na czym polega dostępność cyfrowa

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Digital accessibility is a topic that has been gaining enormous importance for several years not only in the public sector, but also in private business. More and more companies are asking themselves: what is WCAG and why do I need to care about it?

In this article, we explain what you need to know about the WCAG standard, digital accessibility and upcoming legal obligations.

What is WCAG?

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is an international set of guidelines describing how to design websites and applications in such a way that they are accessible to as many users as possible – including people with various types of disabilities:

  • blind and visually impaired people
  • deaf or hard of hearing people
  • people with mobility disabilities
  • people with cognitive, neurological limitations or learning difficulties

There are over 4 million people with various forms of disabilities in Poland.

Source: WebAIM Million, Central Statistical Office, WHO.

Digital accessibility isn’t just about “meeting standards” – its purpose is to ensure that all users can fully use the content and functionality of the website or application.

Version 2.2 brings accessibility much closer to everyday usability for everyone.

These aren’t just disability provisions – most users will benefit from better navigation, clearer forms, and more intuitive interactions.

Piotr Rompca

owner of evostudio.pl

Where do digital accessibility requirements come from?

Accessibility requirements are the result of international efforts to combat digital exclusion. The WCAG standard was developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) as part of the WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative).

In Poland, the following apply:

  • Act on digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public entities
  • European Accessibility Act (EAA) – coming into force in June 2025, covering, among others: 
e-commerce, banks, transport, fintechs and other digital services.

Also check out the article

Who is bound by WCAG and EAA?
Does my company have to comply with the new regulations?

Read more

What are WCAG levels: 2.0, 2.1, 2.2?

Subsequent versions of WCAG respond to the dynamic development of the Internet and technology. Each update takes into account new user needs and technological advances in digital interactions.

The WCAG standard is constantly developed and updated. The current version is WCAG 2.2, which extends the previous versions 2.0 and 2.1.

The main differences between WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2:

Minimum size of clickable elements (24x24 px)

Visibility of focus on active elements

Drag & Drop Limitation

Simpler login mechanisms (without CAPTCHA)

Do you need a comprehensive implementation of digital accessibility?

Check out our WCAG implementation offer

Go to the implementation offer

What are the POUR rules in WCAG?

The POUR principles are the foundation of the entire digital accessibility philosophy. Every website should meet them simultaneously to truly support users with various limitations.

Perceivable

  • alternative text for images
  • subtitles and transcriptions for audio and video materials
  • color contrasts for visually impaired people

Functionality (Operable)

  • keyboard navigation
  • predictable behavior of menus and buttons
  • elimination of keyboard traps

Understandability

  • clear language and instructions
  • predictable navigation structure
  • clear error messages in forms

Robustness (Robust)

  • correct HTML and ARIA code
  • compatibility with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)

Do you want to check if your website meets the requirements?

View our WCAG 2.2 and EAA audit service

Go to the follow-up audit

WCAG is not only about compliance with the law - it is also about real business benefits

Digital accessibility is not only about meeting formal requirements. It is also a competitive advantage and a way to increase the quality of experience for users of all ages and abilities.

  • improving SEO and website visibility in search engines
  • better usability and accessibility on mobile devices
  • increasing the target group to include people with disabilities (over 4 million people in Poland)
  • building the image of a responsible and modern brand

Summary

The WCAG standard is now a mandatory element of every modern digital project.

In the perspective of the upcoming EAA 2025 regulations – also in the private sector – lack of compliance may mean serious legal and image problems.

Evostudio will carry out full analysis and implementation in accordance with current WCAG and EAA regulations.

Authors

  • Milena Konieczna
    Milena Konieczna

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