Wcag Accessibility Audit

# WCAG Accessibility Audit

This skill enables AI agents to perform a comprehensive **web accessibility evaluation** using the **Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and 2.2** standards, ensuring digital products are usable by people with disabilities.

WCAG is the international standard for web accessibility. WCAG 2.2 is a W3C Recommendation and was approved as ISO/IEC 40500:2025; WCAG 3 is still a working draft and should not be used as a conformance target.

Use this skill to identify accessibility barriers, ensure legal compliance, reach broader audiences, and build inclusive digital experiences.

Combine with "Nielsen Heuristics Audit" for comprehensive usability evaluation or "Don Norman Principles" for human-centered design assessment.

## When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill when:
- Ensuring legal compliance with accessibility laws (ADA, Section 508, EAA)
- Auditing websites or apps for accessibility barriers
- Planning inclusive design improvements
- Preparing for accessibility certifications
- Evaluating vendor products for procurement
- Training teams on accessibility standards
- Conducting pre-launch accessibility reviews

## Inputs Required

When executing this audit, gather:

- **interface_description**: Detailed description (type: website/web app/mobile app, purpose, target users, key features) [REQUIRED]
- **urls_or_screenshots**: Live URLs (preferred) or screenshots of key pages/screens [OPTIONAL but highly recommended]
- **target_conformance_level**: A, AA (most common), or AAA [OPTIONAL, defaults to AA]
- **specific_concerns**: Known accessibility issues or user complaints [OPTIONAL]
- **assistive_technologies_used**: Screen readers, keyboard-only, voice control, etc. [OPTIONAL]
- **wcag_version**: 2.1 or 2.2 (defaults to 2.2, latest Recommendation) [OPTIONAL]

## The 4 POUR Principles

WCAG is organized around 4 core principles:

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

**Guidelines:**
- 1.1 Text Alternatives
- 1.2 Time-based Media
- 1.3 Adaptable
- 1.4 Distinguishable

### 2. **Operable**
User interface components and navigation must be operable.

**Guidelines:**
- 2.1 Keyboard Accessible
- 2.2 Enough Time
- 2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions
- 2.4 Navigable
- 2.5 Input Modalities

### 3. **Understandable**
Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.

**Guidelines:**
- 3.1 Readable
- 3.2 Predictable
- 3.3 Input Assistance

### 4. **Robust**
Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

**Guidelines:**
- 4.1 Compatible

## Conformance Levels

WCAG defines three levels of conformance:

- **Level A**: Minimum level (essential accessibility features)
- **Level AA**: Target level for most organizations (addresses major barriers) ⭐ **MOST COMMON**
- **Level AAA**: Highest level (enhanced accessibility, not always achievable for all content)

**Legal Requirements**: Many accessibility laws and procurement policies target Level AA, but legal obligations vary by jurisdiction.

## Critical Success Criteria (Level A & AA)

Focus on these high-impact criteria:

### Perceivable (Critical Criteria)

**1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)**
- All images, icons, and graphics have meaningful alt text
- Decorative images have empty alt="" or role="presentation"
- Complex images (charts, diagrams) have extended descriptions

**1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)**
- Semantic HTML (headings, lists, tables, forms)
- Proper heading hierarchy (h1 → h2 → h3)
- Form labels associated with inputs
- Tables have proper headers

**1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (A)**
- Content order makes sense when CSS