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Web Accessibility Checklist: WCAG 2.2 Compliance Guide
A practical checklist for making your website accessible to all users, covering WCAG 2.2 guidelines, ARIA, and testing tools.
Web accessibility isn't just the right thing to do — it's a legal requirement in many jurisdictions and a smart business decision that expands your audience.
Why Accessibility Matters
Over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. An inaccessible website excludes potential customers and exposes your business to legal risk. ADA lawsuits against websites have increased dramatically in recent years.
Perceivable
Text Alternatives
- Add alt text to all informative images
- Use empty alt="" for decorative images
- Provide captions for videos
- Add transcripts for audio content
Color and Contrast
- Maintain a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text
- Maintain a 3:1 contrast ratio for large text
- Don't rely on color alone to convey information
- Test with color blindness simulators
Content Structure
- Use proper heading hierarchy (h1 through h6)
- Use semantic HTML elements (nav, main, article, aside)
- Ensure content is readable when zoomed to 200%
Operable
Keyboard Navigation
- All interactive elements must be keyboard accessible
- Visible focus indicators on all focusable elements
- No keyboard traps
- Skip navigation links for screen reader users
Timing
- Allow users to pause, stop, or extend time limits
- Avoid content that flashes more than 3 times per second
- Provide controls for auto-playing media
Understandable
Readable Content
- Use clear, simple language
- Define abbreviations and jargon
- Set the page language in HTML
- Consistent navigation across pages
Forms
- Label all form inputs clearly
- Provide helpful error messages
- Don't rely solely on placeholder text for labels
- Group related fields with fieldset and legend
Robust
Technical Requirements
- Valid HTML that parses correctly
- ARIA attributes used correctly
- Compatible with assistive technologies
- Test with screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver)
Testing Tools
- axe DevTools browser extension
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluator
- Lighthouse accessibility audit
- Screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS)
Quick Wins
- Add alt text to all images
- Ensure sufficient color contrast
- Make all forms keyboard accessible
- Add skip navigation links
- Use semantic HTML elements
Making your website accessible benefits everyone — not just users with disabilities.
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Talk to Our TeamFrequently Asked Questions
What is web accessibility and WCAG?
Web accessibility means designing sites everyone can use, including people with disabilities, and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the international standard for how to do it. WCAG 2.2 defines success criteria across four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
What are the most important accessibility fixes?
High-impact fixes include sufficient color contrast, alt text for images, keyboard navigation, clear focus states, descriptive labels, and proper heading structure. These resolve the most common barriers for users.
Is web accessibility legally required?
In many regions, yes, accessibility is required under laws such as the ADA, Section 508, and the European Accessibility Act, and non-compliance can lead to lawsuits. Meeting WCAG standards is the recognized way to reduce legal risk.
How do I test my website for accessibility?
Combine automated tools like Lighthouse or axe with manual keyboard and screen-reader testing, since automation catches only part of the issues. Testing with real assistive technology gives the most reliable results.