New accessibility requirements: WCAG 2.2 AA

The digital accessibility standard the University is required to meet has increased. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recently published a new version of its Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), moving to version 2.2 and adding added six criteria the University must satisfy.

The changes include ensuring interface components aren't too close together and that help and contact details appearing on multiple pages are in the same relative place each time.

The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 mean all public sector bodies in the UK must ensure their websites, third-party browser-based products, and some of their mobile apps meet relevant parts of the latest version of WCAG to the AA level.

The changes will have low impact for website editors and those producing digital media and documents. However, website owners, developers, testers, and product owners of browser-based products forming part of the University's digital estate should be aware of the changes, noted on the W3C page 'What's new in WCAG 2.2'. Any previous discussions with suppliers of third-party platforms regarding compliance with the earlier version of WCAG may need to be renewed to establish accessibility against WCAG 2.2.

Colleagues should always be mindful of their responsibilities around digital accessibility. The University's 'Is it accessible?' page explains what's expected of staff across a range of roles, and will navigate to guidance and checklists on the Digital Accessibility site.

If you have questions around the compliance of your digital products, you can log a request via the IT site.