Compliance Guide
2025 Updated

Complete WCAG 2.2 Compliance Guide 2025

Master website accessibility compliance with our comprehensive guide to WCAG 2.2 AA standards. Learn implementation strategies, testing methods, and cost-effective solutions for European businesses.

Published: January 15, 2025•15 min read•Updated for 2025
Table of Contents

What is WCAG 2.2?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 represent the latest international standard for web accessibility, published by the W3C in October 2023. Building upon WCAG 2.1, this version introduces new success criteria specifically addressing mobile accessibility and cognitive disabilities.

9
New Success Criteria
78
Total AA Criteria
27
EU Countries Adopting

WCAG 2.2 is crucial for businesses operating in Europe, as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires digital accessibility compliance by June 2025. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties and legal action.

Key Changes from WCAG 2.1

New AA Criteria
  • 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum): Ensure focused elements remain visible
  • 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced): Complete focus visibility
  • 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum): 24×24 CSS pixel minimum
  • 3.2.6 Consistent Help: Standardized help mechanisms
  • 3.3.7 Redundant Entry: Avoid re-entering information
Impact Areas
  • Mobile Accessibility: Enhanced touch target requirements
  • Cognitive Disabilities: Improved form handling and consistency
  • User Experience: Better focus management and visibility
  • E-commerce: Streamlined checkout processes

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Understanding Compliance Levels

Level AA
Recommended Standard

Level AA is the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility and is required by most accessibility laws, including the European Accessibility Act and ADA Title III.

Key Requirements:

  • • Color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text
  • • Alternative text for all images
  • • Keyboard navigation support
  • • Proper heading structure
  • • Form labels and error identification

Business Benefits:

  • • Legal compliance protection
  • • Improved SEO rankings
  • • Expanded market reach (+15% users)
  • • Enhanced user experience
  • • Reduced legal risks

Implementation Checklist

Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2)
Phase 2: Color & Contrast (Week 3)
Phase 3: WCAG 2.2 Specific (Week 4)

Testing Methods & Tools

Automated Testing

Automated tools can catch 20-30% of accessibility issues. Essential for initial screening and ongoing monitoring.

  • • WebScan-Audit: WCAG 2.2 compliance scanner
  • • axe-core: Industry-standard accessibility engine
  • • WAVE: Visual accessibility evaluation
  • • Lighthouse: Google's accessibility audit
Manual Testing

Human testing is crucial for comprehensive accessibility evaluation. Covers context and user experience.

  • • Keyboard Navigation: Test all functionality without a mouse
  • • Screen Reader Testing: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver
  • • Color Blindness Testing: Simulate different conditions
  • • User Testing: Real users with disabilities

Recommended Testing Workflow

  1. 1. Run automated scan to identify obvious issues
  2. 2. Fix automated findings (quick wins)
  3. 3. Perform manual keyboard testing
  4. 4. Test with screen reader
  5. 5. Validate with users (if possible)
  6. 6. Document and maintain accessibility statement

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