What are the most common challenges faced when implementing WCAG guidelines?

1 Understanding the guidelines

One of the first challenges is to understand what the guidelines mean and how they apply to different types of web content. The guidelines are organized into four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Each principle has a number of success criteria that specify how to meet the accessibility requirements. The success criteria are further classified into three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. However, the guidelines are not always clear or easy to follow, especially for complex or dynamic web content. Therefore, it is important to consult the WCAG documentation, use the available tools and resources, and seek expert advice if needed.

2 Testing the accessibility

Another challenge is to test the accessibility of the web content and ensure that it meets the desired level of conformance. Testing the accessibility involves checking the web content against the success criteria, using different tools and methods, and involving real users with disabilities. However, testing the accessibility can be time-consuming, costly, and incomplete, as not all tools and methods can cover all aspects of accessibility. Therefore, it is important to plan the testing process, use a combination of tools and methods, and prioritize the most critical issues.

3 Maintaining the accessibility

A third challenge is to maintain the accessibility of the web content and ensure that it does not degrade over time. Maintaining the accessibility involves updating the web content according to the changes in the guidelines, the technology, and the user needs. However, maintaining the accessibility can be difficult, as it requires ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of the web content. Therefore, it is important to establish a culture of accessibility, assign roles and responsibilities, and integrate accessibility into the web development lifecycle.

4 Educating the stakeholders

A fourth challenge is to educate the stakeholders about the importance and benefits of accessibility and how to implement the guidelines. The stakeholders include the web developers, designers, content creators, managers, clients, and users. However, educating the stakeholders can be challenging, as they may have different levels of awareness, knowledge, skills, and motivation regarding accessibility. Therefore, it is important to provide appropriate training, guidance, feedback, and incentives for the stakeholders and to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach.

5 Balancing the trade-offs

A fifth challenge is to balance the trade-offs between accessibility and other aspects of web design and development, such as aesthetics, functionality, performance, and security. Sometimes, implementing the guidelines may require compromising or sacrificing some of these aspects, or vice versa. However, balancing the trade-offs can be tricky, as it may involve conflicting or competing demands, preferences, and expectations from different stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to consider the context, the goals, and the impact of each decision and to communicate and justify the trade-offs clearly and transparently.

6 Addressing the limitations

A sixth challenge is to address the limitations and gaps of the guidelines and the technology that support them. The guidelines are not perfect or comprehensive, and they may not cover all the possible scenarios, situations, or issues that affect accessibility. Similarly, the technology that enables accessibility, such as browsers, assistive devices, or software, may not be fully compatible, reliable, or updated. Therefore, it is important to recognize the limitations and gaps of the guidelines and the technology and to seek alternative or complementary solutions if necessary.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?