As developers strive to create seamless app user experiences, it's crucial to consider the accessibility of your app for users with disabilities. Fortunately, international standards provide a roadmap for ensuring your app is inclusive and accessible to everyone. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) serve as the foundation for digital accessibility, and its principles apply not only to websites but also to apps.
Getting Started
To begin your journey in creating an accessible app, start by familiarizing yourself with WCAG's Beginner's Guide. This comprehensive resource provides a solid foundation for understanding the guidelines. Next, test your app's accessibility using the Beginners' Guide to Accessibility Testing. This hands-on approach will help you identify and resolve any accessibility issues. For a more in-depth look at app accessibility principles, consult our App Accessibility Handbook.
International Standards
The WCAG has been incorporated into legislation globally, with varying levels of implementation. In Europe, EN 301 549 sets the standard for accessible apps, outlining requirements that apps must meet to be considered accessible. In the United States, Section 508 requires federal agencies to make their apps accessible to everyone.
WCAG Overview
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define how to create content that is accessible to people with disabilities. This comprehensive framework provides a set of guidelines for creating an inclusive app user experience. To ensure your app meets these standards, consider using the Appt Evaluation Methodology (Appt-EM), which offers a uniform and reproducible approach to evaluating app accessibility.
By following these international standards and guidelines, you can create an exceptional app user experience that is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. With a focus on inclusivity, you'll not only improve the lives of users with disabilities but also enhance your app's overall reputation and appeal.