WCAG specification (first version 1.0, now 2.0) is one of my interests for quite a long time. Recently around the theme there are a lot of questions related to the legal provisions concerning data communication systems introduced this year by the European Union. This entry will try to at least partially answer the most important questions.

What is WCAG 2.0?
WCAG 2.0. is an instruction for web designers, developed by the agenda of the United Nations, UNDP. Instruction talking about the availability of web sites for disabled people with various disabilities. This specification can be compared to documents describing the principle of elimination of architectural barriers in offices or schools – describes how to build ramps, wheelchair lifts and other facilities, which make it the object becomes accessible to people with disabilities, but for web pages or information system. Websites in accordance with WCAG 2.0 should correctly read speech synthesisers used by the visually impaired and blind. Contrasts text and fonts must be large enough to be able read to people with poor eyesight. The site must be able to handle not only by the mouse, but the keyboard and other input-output devices. Number 2.0 in name means that this is the second, expanded and revised version of the document. Currently, the specification with attachments has over 1500 pages of recommendations.

Are the web pages that comply with WCAG have to resign from placing multimedia?
Multimedia content can be added in the background or you may put them right in the content, so as not to restrict navigation. If the media are an important part of the information, content must be prepared in an appropriate manner. For example: video, in addition to general release, should be prepared in versions with audio description (lector tells what is happening in the film) for the blind, subtitles or sign language interpreter for the deaf. Standard web multimedia players, like YouTube, must be extended to the ability to control the keyboard with additional software.

Why compliance audits websites to WCAG 2.0 require involving people with disabilities?
Audit of WCAG 2.0 can be performed reliably only with the participation of people with different disabilities. It is the recommendation contained in the specification, resulting from the fact that the technical examination of a page using a variety of tools used by a person without disabilities is sometimes insufficient, because the perception of person with disabilities may be different. Simply – If you have two healthy eyes, you don’t understand a blind person. Thats why website complies with WCAG 2.0 requires testing “on a living organism.”