Why Was WCAG 2.2 Introduced?

Graphic picture of WCAG 2.2 guidelines
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have been evolving over the years to keep up with changes in technology and how people interact with the web. The first version, WCAG 1.0, came out in 1999. Nearly a decade later, WCAG 2.0 was introduced in 2008, followed by WCAG 2.1 in 2018.
Each update has been necessary because digital platforms are constantly changing. New technologies bring new challenges, and earlier guidelines may not fully address the needs of all users, especially those with disabilities. WCAG 2.1 set strong standards for web accessibility, but as digital tools, mobile browsing, and user expectations evolved, gaps became more noticeable.
That’s where WCAG 2.2 comes in. It builds on the previous guidelines while focusing more on improving accessibility for people with cognitive and learning disabilities, low vision, and those using mobile devices. Since mobile usage has grown significantly, WCAG 2.2 includes updates that ensure websites and applications are more user-friendly across different devices.
This latest version helps websites and online tools stay accessible to a broader audience, making sure no one is left out as digital spaces continue to expand.

WCAG 2.2 Checklist

  1. How to Meet the WCAG 2.4.11 Guideline?

    When an item is selected using the keyboard, the focus should always be at least partially visible. This helps users navigate your content easily without losing track of where they are.

    One way to achieve this is by using CSS to control focus styles. Adjust properties like outline, border, or box-shadow to make sure the focused element stands out. If you have elements like sticky headers or pop-ups, ensure they don’t cover the focused item. As a general rule, try to avoid overlapping content whenever possible to prevent accessibility issues.

  2. How to Meet the WCAG 2.4.12 Guideline?

    When an element receives keyboard focus, it should remain fully visible. No part of it should be hidden behind sticky headers, pop-ups, toolbars, or any other on-screen elements.

    To prevent this issue, use CSS properties like scroll-padding and scroll-margin to adjust how content moves into view when focused. Proper use of z-index can also help ensure that focusable elements remain in clear sight. Test your interface with keyboard navigation to check that nothing is being blocked or hidden.

  3. How to Meet the WCAG 2.4.13 Guideline?

    The best way to meet WCAG 2.4.13 guideline is by having a clear and visible focus indicator. A simple method is adding an outline around the focused element that is at least 2 CSS pixels thick and has enough contrast to stand out from the background.

    If your site uses different focus styles—like changing colors, adding underlines, or modifying borders—you need to make sure these changes are strong enough to be noticeable. The contrast between the focused and non-focused state should be clear, and the area of change should be large enough so users can easily see where the focus is.

  4. How to Meet the WCAG 2.5.7 Guideline?

    Users should always have an alternative to dragging movements. Not everyone can perform drag-and-drop actions easily, so it’s important to provide a simpler way to achieve the same result.

    For drag-and-drop interfaces, allow users to click/tap on an item to "pick it up" and then click/tap again to "drop" it. This eliminates the need for continuous dragging.

    For interactive maps, add clear directional buttons that allow users to pan the view without dragging.

    For carousels, include previous/next buttons or small navigation dots so users can move between slides easily.

    For sliders, let users click or tap directly on the slider track to move to a specific position, instead of forcing them to drag the handle.

  5. How to Meet the WCAG 2.5.8 Guideline?

    To follow this guideline, make sure interactive elements like buttons, links, and icons are at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels in size. If resizing them isn't an option, ensure they have enough space around them so users don’t accidentally tap the wrong target.

    A simple way to check this is by imagining a 24-pixel circular area centered on each target. No other target should overlap this space. While the guideline technically allows very small targets, keeping them too close together can cause users to tap the wrong one by mistake. Spacing them properly improves accuracy and makes navigation easier, especially for those using touchscreens or assistive devices.

  6. How to Meet the WCAG 3.2.6 Guideline?

    If your website or app includes a help feature, keep it in the same order across all pages. This means that whether it’s a help button, a chat option, or a support link, its focus order should always stay the same relative to other elements.

    This rule is about how users navigate through the page using a keyboard or assistive technology. The visual placement of the help feature doesn’t have to be identical, but it’s a good practice to keep it consistent. When help options appear in a predictable place, users can find them more easily without having to search every time.

  7. How to Meet the WCAG 3.3.7 Guideline?

    To meet these guidelines, you must avoid making users enter the same information multiple times in a process. If they’ve already provided certain details—like their shipping address on an e-commerce site—there should be an option to reuse that information instead of typing it again.

    For example, when asking for a billing address, provide a simple "Same as shipping address" checkbox. If users do need to enter the same details again, prefill the fields based on what they entered earlier. This saves time and reduces errors, making forms much easier to complete.

  8. How to Meet the WCAG 3.3.8 Guideline?

    The best way to meet this guideline is to avoid cognitive function tests in authentication. This means users shouldn't have to solve puzzles, remember complex passwords, or complete CAPTCHA challenges just to log in.

    If a cognitive test is part of the authentication process, offer an alternative. Some options include:

    • Biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition)
    • OAuth authentication (signing in through Google, Apple, etc.)
    • Physical security keys or dongles
    • App-based verification (approving login requests through a separate app)

    Providing these alternatives makes it easier for all users—especially those with cognitive or learning disabilities—to log in securely.

  9. How to Meet the WCAG 3.3.9 Guideline?

    Make sure users can log in without relying on memory-based tasks like recalling passwords or solving CAPTCHAs. Instead, offer options that simplify authentication, such as:

    • Password managers that auto-fill login details
    • Biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition)
    • Copy-paste support for entering credentials
    • Passkeys or security keys for a hassle-free login experience

Benefits of Implementing WCAG 2.2 Web Accessibility

  1. Reaching More Users

    A website that follows accessibility guidelines makes it easier for people with different disabilities to browse, shop, learn, or interact. This means more visitors, more engagement, and a better experience for everyone. A site that works well for all users, including those using assistive technologies, naturally attracts a larger audience.

  2. Meeting Legal Requirements

    Many countries now have laws that require digital accessibility. Websites that don’t meet these standards risk legal trouble, which can lead to penalties and lawsuits. WCAG 2.2 provides clear guidelines to help businesses stay compliant with accessibility laws. Beyond avoiding legal risks, making a website accessible shows a commitment to inclusion, which builds a positive reputation.

  3. Better Experience for Everyone

    Accessibility features don’t just help people with disabilities—they make websites easier to use for all visitors. Clearer navigation, readable fonts, and structured content improve the experience for every user, leading to better engagement and satisfaction. When a website is easy to use, people are more likely to stay longer, return, and even convert into customers.

  4. Higher Search Rankings

    Search engines prefer websites that are well-structured and easy to navigate. Many accessibility features, such as proper headings, alt text for images, and clear navigation, also help with search engine optimization (SEO). A website that follows WCAG 2.2 is more likely to rank higher in search results, bringing in more organic traffic.

How Does WCAG 2.2 Influence Global Accessibility Laws and Standards?

WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) plays a big role in shaping accessibility laws and standards across different countries. These guidelines provide a structured way to make websites and digital content easier to use for people with disabilities. Many governments and organizations rely on WCAG to set legal requirements and best practices for digital accessibility.
In countries like the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act align closely with WCAG standards. Businesses and public institutions are expected to follow these guidelines to ensure their websites and digital platforms are accessible to everyone. Similarly, in Europe, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires websites, mobile apps, and digital services to meet accessibility standards based on WCAG recommendations.
Other regions, including Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia, have also adopted WCAG as a reference for their digital accessibility laws. This means organizations operating internationally need to follow these guidelines to stay compliant with multiple legal systems.
By influencing laws worldwide, WCAG 2.2 helps create a more inclusive digital space, making sure that people with disabilities can access information and services without barriers.

Challenges Businesses Face While Implementing WCAG 2.2

  1. Limited Resources

    Making a website fully accessible under WCAG 2.2 requires both time and money. Businesses often need to invest in accessibility audits, software tools, and staff training. Developers and designers must also dedicate time to fixing accessibility issues, which can be a challenge for companies with tight budgets or small teams.

  2. Dealing with Older Websites and Code

    If a website was built years ago using outdated technology, updating it for WCAG 2.2 can be difficult. Some websites may need a complete overhaul, while others might require time-consuming fixes to adjust existing code. This can make the process more expensive and complex, especially for businesses relying on legacy systems.

  3. Lack of Awareness

    Many businesses don’t fully understand what WCAG 2.2 is or why it matters. Without proper awareness, accessibility often gets overlooked until it becomes a legal issue. This can lead to unintentional mistakes, such as missing alt text for images, poor keyboard navigation, or hard-to-read text, which make the website difficult to use for people with disabilities.

  4. Ongoing Maintenance and Testing

    Meeting accessibility guidelines isn’t a one-time fix. Websites constantly update with new content, features, and design changes, meaning accessibility must be checked regularly. Businesses need to keep testing their sites and making improvements to stay compliant, which adds to long-term costs and requires dedicated effort.

  5. Challenges with CMS and Third-Party Tools

    Many businesses rely on content management systems (CMS) and third-party tools for website design, forms, and other features. If these tools don’t support accessibility, businesses may struggle to make their websites fully compliant. Some platforms require extra customization to meet WCAG 2.2 standards, which can take additional time and resources.

Achieve WCAG 2.2 Compliance with Continual Engine Accessibility Solutions

Making your digital content accessible doesn’t have to be complicated. With Continual Engine’s AI-powered solutions, achieving WCAG 2.2 compliance becomes easier and more efficient. Our PREP – AI PDF Remediation Tool ensures documents like PDFs, Word files, and PowerPoints are properly tagged for smooth screen reader navigation, correct reading order, and accessible tables.
Alt text generation makes images meaningful for visually impaired users, while automated captions and transcripts enhance video accessibility for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. If your website needs accessibility improvements, our web testing and remediation services help fix WCAG violations, ensuring smooth keyboard navigation, clear focus indicators, and an excellent experience for all users. Whether it’s documents, images, videos, or websites, our AI-driven tools take the guesswork out of accessibility, making your content inclusive for everyone.

Editors:

Debangku Sarma

Digital Marketing Associate
Continual Engine

Vijayshree Vethantham

Senior Vice-President, Growth & Strategy
Continual Engine US LLC

Do You Need Some Help? Don't Worry, We've Got You!

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 3

What is your goal?*