WCAG 2.2 explained for small-business websites

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the W3C's technical standard for making websites usable by people with disabilities. Version 2.2 was published in October 2023. Most guidance targets Level AA.

The four principles (POUR)

• Perceivable: text alternatives for images, captions for video, enough colour contrast.
• Operable: everything works with a keyboard, focus is visible, nothing traps the user.
• Understandable: clear labels and error messages, a predictable layout, page language declared.
• Robust: clean code that assistive technology can read (correct names, roles and states).

What's new in 2.2 (AA)

• 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum): sticky headers or cookie banners must not completely hide the element that has keyboard focus.
• 2.5.7 Dragging Movements: anything done by dragging (sliders, reordering) needs a single-click alternative.
• 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum): tap targets at least 24×24 CSS pixels, or spaced so they can't be mis-tapped.
• 3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A): if you offer help such as a phone number or chat, put it in the same place on every page.
• 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (A): don't make people type the same information twice in one process.
• 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum): logins can't rely only on memory puzzles; allow password managers and pasting.

4.1.1 Parsing was removed in 2.2 as obsolete.

The five issues we see most

1. Images without alt text
2. Low-contrast text (under 4.5:1 for body text)
3. Form fields without labels
4. Icon links and buttons with no accessible name
5. Headings that skip levels

Automated vs. manual testing

Tools such as axe-core, WAVE and Lighthouse catch a useful share of problems quickly, but not all of them. They can't tell whether alt text is accurate or whether the focus order makes sense. A good check combines a scan with keyboard and screen-reader testing.

Related guides

• Squarespace accessibility fixes: alt text, contrast, forms and more
• Wix accessibility fixes: a practical checklist
• WordPress accessibility fixes (block editor and themes)
• Shopify accessibility fixes for store owners

All guides

This guide is general technical information, not legal advice. Following it does not certify ADA or any legal compliance. Automated checks find only part of accessibility barriers.