Digital Accessibility Standards & Regulations
Understanding digital accessibility requires distinguishing between objective technical specifications (such as WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA) and statutory legal frameworks (such as the ADA, Section 508, and the European Accessibility Act).
Digital Accessibility Standards & Regulations
Technical Conformance vs. Legal Obligation
Conformance to technical standards (such as WCAG 2.2 Level AA) is the universally recognized technical and judicial benchmark for accessible design. However, technical conformance does not constitute legal immunity. TaggedWorks provides technical engineering, auditing, and remediation services; we do not provide formal legal counsel. Organizations should always review statutory compliance with qualified legal representation.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The globally recognized technical standard for digital accessibility, structured around four foundational principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
WCAG 2.2 Recommendation
The latest evolution of WCAG, introducing 9 new success criteria focused on low vision, cognitive accessibility, and touch screen usability.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Requires federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to develop, procure, maintain, and use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is accessible to people with disabilities.
EN 301 549
The European standard specifying accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services across Europe.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
A landmark EU directive extending mandatory digital accessibility obligations beyond the public sector directly to private commercial businesses.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Digital Accessibility
Civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities, applicable to state and local governments (Title II) and places of public accommodation (Title III).
PDF/Universal Accessibility (PDF/UA)
The definitive international standard defining technical requirements for fully accessible electronic documents in the Portable Document Format (PDF).
VPAT & Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR)
The standardized reporting framework used by software vendors to document their product's accessibility conformance for enterprise and government buyers.
Unsure which accessibility standards apply to your digital products?
We help organizations map their digital portfolios against relevant domestic and international requirements.
Talk to an Accessibility Specialist