What’s New in WCAG 2.2? Understanding the Latest Web Accessibility Standards

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard for ensuring digital content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. With WCAG 2.2 set to roll out, businesses and web developers must understand the updates and adapt their digital experiences accordingly.

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s new in WCAG 2.2, why it matters, and how you can stay ahead of compliance requirements.

What is WCAG 2.2?

WCAG 2.2 builds upon WCAG 2.1, refining and adding new success criteria to further enhance accessibility. These updates focus on users with cognitive and learning disabilities, low vision, and limited mobility, ensuring an even more inclusive digital landscape.

The new guidelines will impact websites, applications, and digital tools, making it crucial for businesses to evaluate their current accessibility efforts and prepare for necessary updates.

Key Changes in WCAG 2.2

Here are some of the most notable additions and modifications in WCAG 2.2:

Focus Not Obscured (Minimum & Enhanced) [2.4.11, 2.4.12]

• Ensures that when users navigate with a keyboard, their focus indicator (like a highlight or border) isn’t hidden behind other elements.

• Helps people who rely on keyboard navigation or screen readers.

Dragging Movements [2.5.7]

• Requires an alternative to drag-and-drop functionality, making it easier for users with limited mobility to interact with elements using standard clicks or taps.

Target Size (Minimum) [2.5.8]

• Defines a minimum clickable area for interactive elements to prevent accidental clicks and ensure usability for people with motor impairments.

Consistent Help [3.2.6]

• If a website provides help mechanisms (such as live chat, phone support, or FAQs), they should appear consistently on all relevant pages, reducing navigation confusion.

Redundant Entry [3.3.7]

• Prevents users from having to re-enter previously provided information, improving user experience for individuals with cognitive disabilities or those using screen readers.

Accessible Authentication (Minimum & Enhanced) [3.3.8, 3.3.9]

• Requires that authentication methods do not rely solely on cognitive memory (e.g., complex passwords or CAPTCHAs) and must provide accessible alternatives.

Why WCAG 2.2 Matters for Your Business

Compliance with WCAG 2.2 is not just about meeting legal requirements — it’s about creating a better user experience for everyone. With digital accessibility lawsuits on the rise, ensuring your website is up to standard reduces legal risk and helps you serve a broader audience.

Moreover, accessibility improvements enhance SEO rankings, increase customer retention, and improve usability for all visitors — not just those with disabilities.

Stay Ahead with a Solution That Already Meets WCAG 2.2

Instead of scrambling to retrofit your website when regulations change, why not choose a solution that’s already ahead of the game?

At Accessify Media LLC, we design and implement accessibility solutions that are built with WCAG 2.2 compliance in mind from the start. Our tools and services help businesses seamlessly integrate the latest accessibility standards, ensuring a future-proof, inclusive, and legally compliant digital presence.

Want to see how we can help? Get in touch today and future-proof your digital accessibility!