Comparison of PDF Accessibility Standards: WCAG 2.2 vs WCAG 3.0
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a new platform is making waves by prioritizing accessibility in design, a crucial aspect often overlooked in the creative process.
This innovative platform offers a unique approach, enabling designers to make adjustments to enhance accessibility right from the start, rather than as an afterthought. This proactive strategy ensures that digital content is inclusive from the outset.
The platform's mission aligns with the future direction of the accessibility standard, as WCAG 3.0 is expected to replace WCAG 2.2. Adopted as the new standard in October, WCAG 2.2 has already made a significant impact, and WCAG 3.0 promises to build upon these foundations.
One of the key changes in WCAG 3.0 is the move away from compliance criteria A, AA, and AAA towards conformance levels: bronze, silver, and gold. This shift aims to provide a more nuanced approach to accessibility, recognising that different levels of accessibility may be appropriate for different contexts.
The platform supports this new system, offering a library of free ADA and WCAG-compliant templates for quick and accessible design. It also ensures that PDF designs are WCAG 2.2 compliant before exporting as PDF, using the WCAG 2.2 AA checklist. For a more thorough review, the platform provides a PDF accessibility checker.
Recognising the importance of understanding how content appears to users with visual impairments, the platform includes an integrated visual stimulator. This tool helps designers empathise with the challenges faced by those with visual impairments, fostering a more inclusive design process.
The platform also simplifies the process of tagging text elements and setting the logical reading order. This is achieved through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it easier for designers of all skill levels to create accessible content.
Moreover, the platform includes a color contrast checker to test the visual accessibility of selected elements, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards. It also offers customizable accessible templates for various design needs, allowing designers to maintain their creative vision while adhering to accessibility guidelines.
In addition, the platform features an AI-powered alt text generator for images and charts, helping to describe non-text content effectively. This tool is crucial for ensuring that digital content is accessible to all, including those using screen readers or other assistive technologies.
The development of WCAG 3.0 is coordinated by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), specifically through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), with key contributors like Gregg Vanderheiden involved in shaping these accessibility standards.
Following WCAG guidelines to make accessible PDFs is not just a legal requirement, but also crucial for reaching a wider audience and enhancing brand reputation. With 2.2 billion people worldwide living with visual impairments, the need for accessible design has never been more pressing. Embrace this innovative platform and contribute to a more inclusive digital world.
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