Principles of Accessibility: Principle 1 - Perceivable

Defining WCAG 2.0 Level AA Guidelines

Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.

Guideline 1.1 - Text Alternatives

  • 1.1.1 - Non-text Content [A]
    All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose.

Guideline 1.2 - Time-based Media

    • 1.2.1 - Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) [A]
      For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such:

      • Prerecorded Audio-only: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
      • Prerecorded Video-only: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.
    • 1.2.2 - Captions (Prerecorded) [A]
      Captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.

    • 1.2.3 - Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) [A]
      An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the prerecorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.

    • 1.2.4 - Captions (Live) [AA]
      Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media.

  • 1.2.5 - Audio Description (Prerecorded) [AA]
    Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.

Guideline 1.3 - Adaptable
Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure.

    • 1.3.1 - Information and Relationships [A]
      Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined or are available in text.

    • 1.3.2 - Meaningful Sequence [A]
      When the sequence in which content is presented affects its meaning, a correct reading sequence can be programmatically determined.

  • 1.3.3 - Sensory Characteristics [A]
    Instructions provided for understanding and operating content do not rely solely on sensory characteristics of components such as shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.

Guideline 1.4 - Distinguishable
Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background.

    • 1.4.1 - Use of Color [A]
      Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

    • 1.4.2 - Audio Control [A]
      If any audio on a Web page plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control audio volume independently from the overall system volume level.

    • 1.4.3 - Contrast (Minimum) [AA]
      The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.

    • 1.4.4 - Resize text [AA]
      Except for captions and images of text, text can be resized without assistive technology up to 200 percent without loss of content or functionality.

  • 1.4.5 - Images of Text [AA]
    If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text.


Keywordsaccessibility, principle, captioning, caption, transcript, audio, video, content, web, website, wcag, 508,   Doc ID66948
OwnerHannah I.GroupUW Parkside
Created2016-09-15 09:13:50Updated2023-09-29 15:24:27
SitesUW Parkside
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