Podcast

Podcast: Future-Proofing with WCAG 3.0

[00:00:02.730] – Jhanvi (Host)
Hey everyone, and welcome to Vantage Viewpoint. I’m your host, Janvi, and today we are diving into a topic that’s crucial for any website owner: accessibility. But this is not your average accessibility chat. We are talking about the future, WCAG 3.0, the upcoming update to the Web Accessibility Guideline. Did you know that over 1 billion people worldwide experience some form of disability? By making our websites accessible, we open doors to a vast and diverse audience. And that’s not just the right thing to do. It’s a good business too. So buckle up as we explore today why you should start thinking about WCAG 3.0 from now itself. Today, I’m joined by Greg, a resident accessibility expert. Hey, Greg. Thanks for being here.

[00:00:53.370] – Greg Suprock
My pleasure, Jhanvi. I’m excited to talk about the topic of WCAG 3.0 and share some insights on how to prepare for this significant change.

[00:01:03.310] – Jhanvi (Host)
Absolutely. For those who may not be familiar, WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and version 3.0 is said to be a game changer in the world of digital accessibility. Greg, why is it so important for organizations to start preparing for WCAG 3.0 now itself?

[00:01:24.120] – Greg Suprock
Well, Jhanvi, WCAG 3.0 is currently a working draft. It introduces a new approach to accessibility guidelines. It’s not just about ticking off success criteria. It’s about truly understanding and catering to diverse functional needs of users with disabilities. By getting ahead of the curve and preparing for WCAG 3.0 now, organizations can future proof their websites and digital products for evolving accessibility standards. This approach will not only improve the user experience for a wide audience with diverse needs, but it will also avoid potential legal issues and reputational damage down the line.

[00:02:11.590] – Jhanvi (Host)
That’s a great point, Greg. Let’s not forget the impact on brand image. By prioritizing inclusive design and accessibility, organizations can position themselves as socially responsible leaders, setting an example for others to follow. Now, just imagine being unable to navigate your favorite website or app simply because it wasn’t designed with accessibility in mind. That’s why preparing for WCAG 3.0 is so, so crucial. It’s about ensuring equal access and opportunity for all.

[00:02:42.910] – Greg Suprock
That’s right, Jhanvi. And Speaking of the new WCAG 3.0 landscape, one of the most significant shifts is the focus on user needs, desired outcomes, and recommended methods to achieve those outcomes. Prior versions of WCAG concentrated more on success criteria. WCAG 3.0 also broadens its scope beyond traditional websites and covers various devices and content types, from desktops and mobiles to wearables and the internet of Things. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the ever-evolving digital landscape and ensures that accessibility remains a priority across multiple platforms. WCAG 3.0 recognizes that accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about understanding and addressing the diverse needs of users with disabilities, ensuring that they can perceive, operate, understand, and engage with digital content effectively.

[00:03:46.890] – Jhanvi (Host)
Wow, those are some fantastic insights, Greg. Now, let’s dive into the practical steps organizations can take to prepare for a smooth transition to WCAG 3.0. What would you recommend as starting point today.

[00:04:02.260] – Greg Suprock
Jhanvi, I always suggest starting with WCAG 2.0 audit. Before diving into WCAG 3.0, it’s essential to understand your current accessibility status. Conduct a thorough audit of the website to identify any issues or gaps based on the existing WCAG 2.2 guidelines. This will provide a solid foundation from which to build on. Next, it’s crucial to build awareness and knowledge within your organization. Train your development and content teams about the principles and approaches of WCAG 3.0. Encourage them to attend webinars, read white papers, and stay up to date with the latest accessibility developments. And speaking from experience, our team had documenta11y ensured that our website was accessible according to WCAG 2.1 guidelines. However, when WCAG 2.2 emerged, we detected a thorough website audit and found we had over 90 issues reported by our tech team that needed to be addressed to comply with the new set of guidelines. This situation highlights the importance of staying updated on evolving accessibility sustainability standards and proactively working towards compliance to avoid rework and ensure a seamless user experience for all. If organizations want to prevent these kinds of situations, they should start by staying informed about developments like WCAG 3.0 and adopt an approach that integrates accessibility from the ground up.

[00:05:33.120] – Greg Suprock
By doing so, they can make their businesses more inclusive, reach a wider audience, and avoid costly rework down the line.

[00:05:49.200] – Jhanvi (Host)
Those are all fantastic recommendations, Greg. As we wrap up, let’s touch on some proactive steps organizations can take to future-proof their digital products for long-term accessibility success.

[00:06:02.380] – Greg Suprock
Sure, Jhanvi. First and foremost, it’s essential to design with accessibility in mind from the very beginning. Incorporate accessibility best practices and principles into your design thinking. Ensure that inclusive design is woven into the fabric of your digital products. Additionally, embrace adaptable and flexible layouts. As WCAG 3.0 expands its scope to various devices and content types. It’s crucial to create websites that can adapt and respond to different user preferences and contexts. Prioritize development with responsive layouts, flexible design that can seamlessly adjust to different screen sizes, input methods, and assistive technologies. Another key aspect is content clarity and structure. Focus on using plain language, logical content organization, and proper semantic markup to ensure your content is easily perceivable and understandable for all users, including those with cognitive or learning disabilities. Lastly, invest in accessible content creation tools. Empower your editorial team with tools and platforms that encourage and facilitate the creation of accessible content. Look for options that support features like alternative text for images, proper heading structures, and accessible media players.

[00:07:39.710] – Jhanvi (Host)
Those are all fantastic proactive steps, Greg. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights with our listeners. As we wrap up today’s episode, let’s recap the key takeaways. WCAG 3.0, Currently a Working Draft, is a significant update that shifts the focus towards user needs, functional outcomes, and inclusive design. Preparing for WCAG 3.0 now will future proof your website, improve user experience, mitigate legal risk, and enhance your brand image as an inclusive organization. Start by auditing your current accessibility status, educating your teams, and integrating accessibility testing tools. Last but not the least, take a proactive approach by designing with accessibility in mind, embracing flexible layouts, prioritizing content clarity, and investing in accessible content creation tools. Remember, accessibility is an ongoing journey, and WCAG 3.0 is just the next step in making the web more inclusive for everyone. Stay informed, stay committed, and together we can build a more accessible digital world. Until next time, keep creating inclusive experiences.