New Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
WCAG 2.0 has now become a proposed recommendation, which means that we’re likely to see the current draft as becoming standard. The new revised document includes several hundred amendments and changes from the 1.0 specifications, many of them expanding current definitions to provide clearer guidance.
You can read the Comparison of WCAG 1.0 and 2.0 to get an idea of the scope of the changes, but put the kettle on first as it’s a big document!
Naturally with a change of this magnitude it will take some time for web designers to remember all the revisions, at least all the ones that affect common tasks, but the recommendation is that developers start implementing them right now.
A few noticable new requirements
1.2.6 Sign Language: Sign language interpretation is provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media. (Level AAA)
1.2.8 Media Alternative: An alternative for time-based media is provided for all prerecorded synchronized media and for all prerecorded video-only media. (Level AAA)
1.4.2 Audio Control: If any audio on a Web page plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control audio volume independently from the overall system volume level. (Level A)
2.4.2 Page Titled: Web pages have titles that describe topic or purpose. (Level A)
2.4.6 Headings and Labels: Headings and labels describe topic or purpose. (Level AA)
3.1.3 Unusual Words: A mechanism is available for identifying specific definitions of words or phrases used in an unusual or restricted way, including idioms and jargon. (Level AAA)
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions: Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input. (Level A)
The new guidelines provide some significant changes that will enhance accessibility.
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