WCAG BASICS
A quick introduction to the accessibility standards guiding digital content across Grand Valley State University.
At GVSU, this is the accessibility standard we follow for all digital content.
What is WCAG?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines the international standards for web accessibility. These guidelines apply to all digital content at GVSU, including CMS websites and Blackboard courses.
Why it matters
WCAG ensures content is inclusive and helps meet our legal obligations under ADA and Section 508.
The Four Principles of WCAG - POUR
PERCEIVABLE
Your content should be presented in ways people can access
- Provide alt text for meaningful images
- Use captions and transcripts for video and audio
- Avoid using images of text when real text will work
OPERABLE
Your content should be easy to navigate and use.
- All content can be accessed using a keyboard
- Links and buttons have a clear focus state
- Avoid content that flashes
UNDERSTANDABLE
Your content should make sense the first time
- Use straightforward language and clear headings
- Be consistent with language
- Avoid surprising behavior (links should act like links, buttons like buttons)
ROBUST
Your content should work well with different devices and assistive technologies.
- Use proper structure so screen readers can interpret the content
- Save documents and media in accessible formats
- Build content that will remain compatible as technology evolves
What WCAG 2.1 AA Means at GVSU
WCAG 2.1 includes three conformance levels: A, AA, and AAA. Level AA is the standard that public universities are expected to meet, and it’s the level GVSU follows for all digital content.
Meeting WCAG 2.1 AA means the information we publish should be usable, readable, and compatible with assistive technologies. It also means avoiding design choices that create barriers for people with disabilities.
- Using real headings (H1, H2, H3) instead of bold text
- Writing link text that clearly describes the destination
- Providing alt text for meaningful images
- Captioning videos and reviewing captions for accuracy
- Avoiding scanned PDFs or images of text when a text version is possible
- Checking color contrast before publishing
- Making sure pages and documents can be used with a keyboard
- Keeping paragraphs short and readable
Quick Wins for Accessibility
You don't need to know everything about WCAG. These quick wins offer simple suggestions that can make a big difference users.
Descriptive Links
Alt Text to Images
Clear Headings & Structure
Make link text meaningful so users know where the link goes.
- Avoid “click here”
- Don’t use full URLs - a screen reader will say every single letter
- Describe the destination clearly
Include alt text for images that convey information.
- Describe the purpose, not just the image
- Mark decorative images as decorative
- Avoid images of text
Help users navigate your content quickly.
- Use H1, H2, H3 to structure content
- Keep paragraphs short
- Use plain, straightforward language - aim for a 9th grade reading level
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