The ultimate Web Accessibility (ADA) Checklist by QSeed Solution

What Is WCAG?

WCAG is a set of internationally recognized standards designed to make digital content more accessible for people with visual, auditory, physical, neurological, learning, and cognitive disabilities. Most accessibility policies and legal expectations reference WCAG 2.0 or WCAG 2.1 at Level AA as the target for conformance.​

WCAG Conformance Levels

• Level A: Covers basic accessibility requirements and removes the most critical barriers.​
• Level AA: The level most organizations aim to meet, addressing a broader range of accessibility issues.​
• Level AAA: The highest level of conformance, often not required or practical for all content.​

The Four WCAG Principles

WCAG is organized around four core principles—often summarized as POUR—stating that digital content must be:​

• Perceivable: Users can perceive information with at least one of their senses.
• Operable: Users can navigate and interact with the interface.
• Understandable: Content and controls are readable, predictable, and easy to follow.
• Robust: Content works well with current and future assistive technologies.

WCAG Checklist Overview

This checklist highlights key requirements commonly used when evaluating WCAG conformance.​

1. Perceivable

Text alternatives

• All meaningful images include appropriate alternative text.
• Decorative images are marked so assistive technologies can skip them.
• Icons, buttons, and graphics have text or labels describing their purpose.​

Time‑based media

• Videos include synchronized captions.
• Audio‑only content has transcripts.
• Important visual‑only information is available through descriptive audio or an equivalent method.​

Adaptable content

• Content uses proper headings, lists, and semantic HTML.
• Information is not conveyed by color alone.
• Layouts reflow across devices without losing essential content.​

Distinguishable

• Text size can be increased without breaking layout.
• Color contrast between text and background meets accessibility minimums.
• Users can pause, stop, or control motion or flashing content.​

2. Operable

Keyboard accessibility

• All features can be used with a keyboard alone.
• Focus states are visible, consistent, and easy to follow.​

Navigation

• Users can move through pages in a logical order.
• Skip links or landmarks allow users to bypass repeated content.
• Headings and labels clearly identify sections and controls.​

Timing and seizures

• Time limits are adjustable, extendable, or removable where possible.
• No content flashes in a way likely to trigger photosensitive reactions.​

Input modalities

• Interactive elements work with mouse, keyboard, touch, and assistive technologies.​

3. Understandable

Clear, readable content

• The page language is identified in code.
• Jargon and abbreviations are explained when needed.
• Instructions do not rely only on sensory cues such as color or position.​

Predictable behavior

• Navigation and layout remain consistent across pages.
• No unexpected changes in context occur without user action.​

Forms and input

• Form fields have visible, descriptive labels.
• Input errors are clearly identified.
• Users receive suggestions to help correct errors when possible.​

4. Robust

Compatibility

• Pages work reliably with current assistive technologies.
• Semantic HTML ensures screen readers interpret structure correctly.
• ARIA attributes are applied carefully and only when needed.​

How To Use This Checklist

An effective accessibility process usually includes:​

• Regular automated scans for common accessibility issues.
• Manual testing with and without assistive technologies.
• Keyboard‑only testing of critical user flows.
• Real user feedback from people with disabilities.
• Documentation of issues resolved and items scheduled for remediation.

Accessibility is an ongoing practice; every update, new feature, or redesign should be reviewed against WCAG guidelines.​

Common Barriers This Helps Prevent

• Missing alternative text for important images.
• Unlabeled buttons and form fields.
• Low‑contrast text that is difficult to read.
• Forms that cannot be completed using only a keyboard.
• Videos without captions.
• Dynamic content that is not announced to assistive technologies.​

Addressing these issues improves experiences for users of all abilities and supports stronger compliance with accessibility standards.​

WCAG As An Ongoing Practice

WCAG offers a clear, measurable roadmap for digital accessibility. Using this checklist, organizations can systematically review content, prioritize remediation, and embed accessibility into everyday design and development workflows to deliver inclusive experiences over the long term.

‍