The future is already here. The new web accessibility guidelines that will govern the coming years, included in the recommendations W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0, are already underway with the publication of the first draft. A document that essentially consists of an update to the WCAG 2.2 regulations, the framework that is expected to be known throughout 2021.
Although it is an initial document promoted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and whose content will be modified until it becomes a definitive version, it is a very important milestone because it allows us to glimpse what the next web accessibility standards will be like.
WCAG 3.0 mainly aims to cover needs that still have no answer, offering a framework that is easier to understand with useful solutions.
The various guidelines, which have been developed over time and especially in recent years, have made important progress. However, the new recommendations have the objective of gaining flexibility, expanding the functionality of the digital universe and therefore improving the experience of users with disabilities.
Accessible content is more attractive and accommodates people with functional diversity.
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All guidelines share a common objective: eliminate digital barriers and equalize opportunities without taking into account the characteristics of each user. However, each regulatory model has its own nuances that are intended to specify certain details.
In this sense, WCAG 3.0 focuses on proposing alternatives regardless of the disability in question, including visual, auditory, motor and cognitive deficiencies.
One of the main novelties of the draft is the structure to evaluate the level of accessibility in three blocks: guidelines, results and methods. Hierarchically, the guidelines are predominant and consist of proposing mechanisms to resolve deficiencies in accessibility. The results are similar to the WCAG 2.1 conformance criteria and the methods represent how to achieve them.
Levels A, AA and AAA can go down in history with WCAG 3.0, since the version defines them as bronze, silver and gold. It could be insignificant if it is a simple change of words, but in this case the modification means that the evaluation is more exhaustive and less rigid.
With current guidelines, a website is either accessible or it is not, there is no middle ground.
On the contrary, this first draft establishes that, when examining a portal, it can be differentiated by type of disability. That is, a page may be suitable for users with visual impairments and not meet the requirements for those with motor impairments.
A new concept of evaluation
Evaluation takes on a new dimension in this framework. Currently the assessment is yes/no, while WCAG 3.0 incorporates a broader system. For this purpose, atomic tests are created with ratings from 0 to 4, from lowest to highest satisfaction. A serious accessibility error or failure to pass at least 50 percent of the tests would obtain a level 0.
To achieve a score of 1 to 4 it is necessary not to make critical errors and pass from 50 to 99 percent of the tests. In any case, they would serve for the bronze level if an overall score of 3.5 out of 4 is reached and in each category at least 3.5 out of 4 is obtained.
On the other hand, holistic tests are based on usability and assistive technologies for people with disabilities. These are the tests necessary to have silver and gold levels.
How to adapt the website to WCAG 3.0?
The main reference that must be followed for a website to be accessible is Royal Decree 1112/2018, the standard approved by the Government of Spain. Likewise, this year the WCAG 2.2 recommendations will be released, a previous version of WCAG 3.0. In all cases it is advisable to have professional advice that analyzes each case individually.
Your accessible website offers a catalog of services so that your portal reaches an optimal level of web accessibility. Guaranteeing the best experience to the user is only possible with the support of experts in the field. It is not a question of preferences or privileges, but of needs.
