WCAG 2.1 Overview

This page contains a brief overview of the new success criteria introduced in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

WCAG 2.x introduction

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) leads the process for creating Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world. WCAG 2 serves as a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.

The WCAG documents explain how to design and build web content so people with disabilities can access and use it. Web content includes information and functionality found on a web page or web application, such as:

• Natural information such as text, images, and sounds.
• Code or markup that defines structure, presentation, and behavior. 

Learn more from W3C’s WCAG 2 Overview web page.

What is WCAG 2.1?

The State of Minnesota’s Digital Accessibility Standard aligns with WCAG 2.1, Level A and Level AA. The 12 new success criteria for these levels addresses gaps in the current standard, focusing on:

• People with disabilities using mobile devices.
• Technology users with cognitive disabilities.
• Technology users with low vision.

WCAG 2.1 role-based approach

We created pages to help employees apply WCAG 2.1 principles in their work. Because this guidance is also valuable to the public, we’ve made it available here. Explore the pages below to learn how to support WCAG 2.1 compliance.

• Adobe PDF
• Business Systems/Business Systems Analysis/UX Design
• Content Authoring
• Data Visualization
• Development
• eLearning
• Maps/GIS
• Quality Assurance

Why WCAG matters for Minnesota?

Accessibility matters. Digital accessibility helps ensure everyone, including people with disabilities, can equally access information, resources and services. It applies to all digital experiences, from electronic documents to websites to kiosks.

For vendors working with state agencies

Accessible procurement matters. We share WCAG 2.1 materials to help vendors working with the State of Minnesota meet accessibility expectations.

For Minnesotans

Minnesotans expect state services and apps to work and be hassle-free. As we roll out the new Standard over the next few years, we expect state apps and services to become more accessible and easier to use.