Explore the new success criteria in WCAG 2.2 and learn how they enhance digital inclusion beyond WCAG 2.1.
Released in October 2023, WCAG 2.2 builds upon the solid foundation of WCAG 2.1 by adding nine new success criteria. These updates specifically address common accessibility challenges faced by individuals with low vision, cognitive disabilities, and motor impairments, including those using touch-screen devices.
While WCAG 2.1 set a high accessibility standard with 78 success criteria, WCAG 2.2 now contains 86. Importantly, it remains backward-compatible, so conforming at Level AA means you also meet all prior Level A and AA criteria.
Most global accessibility regulations—including the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and standards like EN 301 549—recommend or require Level AA conformance. Focusing on this level is key to achieving compliance and delivering an inclusive user experience.
The Complete WCAG 2.2 Checklist
Here is a comprehensive rundown of the nine new success criteria introduced in WCAG 2.2, combining the new features and their purpose in one place:
- 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Level AA): When a user interface component receives keyboard focus, at least a portion of it must remain visible. This ensures that keyboard-only users can clearly see where they are on the page, even if elements like sticky headers or pop-ups are present.
- 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured – Enhanced (Level AAA): An enhanced version of the above, this criterion requires that none of the focus indicator is hidden by your content, offering stronger guarantees of visibility.
- 2.4.13 Focus Appearance (Level AAA): Focus indicators must have sufficient color contrast and be large enough to be clearly visible, a critical update for users with low vision.
- 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA): If any part of your site requires a dragging motion, you must provide an alternative like tapping or clicking. This is particularly helpful for users with motor impairments who may struggle with precise dragging.
- 2.5.8 Target Size – Minimum (Level AA): All interactive targets must be at least 24×24 CSS pixels. This prevents accidental taps and improves the experience on touchscreen devices, especially for users with motor disabilities.
- 3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A): If you offer help options like a chat link, it must appear in the same relative position on every page, making it easy for users to find assistance when needed.
- 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A): In processes like registration forms, users should not be forced to re-enter information they have already provided, reducing cognitive load and frustration.
- 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication – Minimum (Level AA): Authentication processes that require a cognitive test (like memorizing a password) must provide an alternative. Supporting password managers and allowing users to paste credentials are key ways to meet this.
- 3.3.9 Accessible Authentication – Enhanced (Level AAA): This enhanced criterion forbids cognitive tests like memorization or object recognition puzzles unless an alternative method or help mechanism is provided.
Why Prioritize WCAG 2.2 Conformance?
While some regulations still reference WCAG 2.1, conformance with WCAG 2.2 is rapidly becoming the gold standard. Addressing these new criteria ensures your website removes common barriers and positions your organization ahead of evolving legal requirements globally.
Early adoption helps prevent costly lawsuits, enhances user satisfaction, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion.
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