Accessibility cheat sheet: a complete guide

Digital accessibility means everyone can use your website, app or software, including people with disabilities. Since 28 June 2025 the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires it for many businesses; WCAG 2.1 level AA usually meets the requirements.

This article highlights the importance of accessible websites, apps and software and covers the European Accessibility Act (EAA) as a key legal framework for digital inclusion. Focusing on at least level AA, it lists the main benefits of accessibility, including wider market reach, a better user experience and legal compliance. You’ll also find an extensive cheat sheet with the criteria per conformance level, based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Putting accessibility first is not only a legal obligation but also a sign of social responsibility, so digital products are usable by everyone.

The importance of accessible websites, apps and software

Introduction

In today’s digital age, making websites, applications and software accessible is not just a legal obligation but also a moral duty. Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can use and benefit from digital products. An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability, so the need for inclusive design is great.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is important legislation designed to improve the accessibility of products and services across the European Union. The EAA applies from 28 June 2025 and requires both the public and private sector to make their digital services more accessible.

Key points of the EAA:

• ✓Scope: the EAA applies to a wide range of sectors, including transport, banking and e-commerce, and requires all products and services to meet specific accessibility standards.
• ✓Compliance: organisations must ensure their websites, mobile applications and electronic communications meet the accessibility standards set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
• ✓Enforcement: member states are responsible for monitoring compliance and can impose penalties for violations. That underlines how important it is to meet accessibility standards.

Why accessibility matters

• ✓Inclusivity: accessible products ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, older people and people with temporary impairments, can use and navigate digital platforms.
• ✓Market reach: by making products accessible, businesses reach a wider audience. That can lead to more customer loyalty and potentially higher revenue.
• ✓Legal compliance: as the EAA shows, more and more jurisdictions require compliance with accessibility standards. Non-compliance can have legal consequences, such as fines and lawsuits.
• ✓Better user experience: accessibility features often improve the user experience for all users, not just people with disabilities. Think of better navigation, faster load times and more intuitive interfaces.
• ✓Social responsibility: businesses that put accessibility first show social responsibility and a commitment to equality, which strengthens their brand image.

Creating accessible products

To create accessible websites, apps and software, organisations do well to follow established guidelines such as WCAG 2.1. This framework describes a range of criteria for making digital content accessible.

At Wisefrog we aim for at least level AA for all our digital products, so they are usable by everyone.

Levels of accessibility

According to WCAG 2.1, accessibility can be divided into 3 levels:

• ✓Level A (minimum level) This is the most basic level of web accessibility. If you don’t meet all level A criteria, you don’t meet the accessibility standard.
• ✓Level AA (mid level) Level AA addresses the biggest and most common barriers for people with disabilities. This level generally meets the legal requirements of the EAA.
• ✓Level AAA (highest level) Level AAA is the highest and most complex level of web accessibility. Reaching this level can be challenging, but shows a strong commitment to inclusivity.

Accessibility cheat sheet

Here’s an extensive cheat sheet with the criteria per conformance level:

Level A

Criterion

Key features

Examples

Guideline

Text alternatives

Provide alternative text for non-text content

All images must have a descriptive alt attribute

WCAG 1.1.1

Keyboard accessibility

Make all functionality available from the keyboard

Forms and buttons must be usable without a mouse

WCAG 2.1.1

Content structure

Use semantic HTML for proper structure

Use headings (<h1>, <h2>) and lists (<ul>) correctly

WCAG 1.3.1

Colour contrast

Text must be clearly distinguishable from the background

Ensure sufficient contrast between text colour and background colour (ratio 4.5:1)

WCAG 1.4.3

Error messages

Identify input errors and suggest how to fix them

Show a clear error message when someone enters an invalid email address

WCAG 3.3.1

Accessible forms

Make sure all form elements have an associated label

Use <label> elements with input fields

WCAG 1.3.1

Adjustable time limits

Provide options to extend time limits on timed content

Let users adjust or turn off time limits on quizzes

WCAG 2.2.1

Level AA

Criterion

Key features

Examples

Guideline

Contrast ratios

Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text

Make sure text meets the contrast ratio against its background

WCAG 1.4.3

Resize text

Text must be resizable up to 200% without loss of content

Make sure the layout doesn’t break when zooming in

WCAG 1.4.4

Accessible navigation

Provide clear and consistent navigation

Show a visible focus indicator during keyboard navigation

WCAG 2.4.7

Language of the page

Specify the main language of the document

Use the lang attribute in the <html> tag

WCAG 3.1.1

Live audio content

Provide captions for live audio content

Add live captions to livestreams or webinars

WCAG 1.2.7

Accessible multimedia

Provide alternatives for audio and video content

Videos must have captions and audio description

WCAG 1.2.2, 1.2.3

Level AAA

Criterion

Key features

Examples

Guideline

Sign language

Provide sign language interpretation for audio content

Add sign language as an option for video content

WCAG 1.2.6

Enhanced contrast

Minimum contrast ratio of 7:1 for normal text

Use high contrast for essential information so it’s easy to read

WCAG 1.4.6

No time limits

Users must be able to turn off time limits

Let users extend or turn off timers on tasks

WCAG 2.2.1

Reading level

Make sure content can also be understood at a lower reading level

Use plain language and avoid jargon

WCAG 3.1.5

Adaptable interface

Let users customise the interface

Offer options to adjust font size, colours and layout

WCAG 3.3.2

Non-visual access

Make sure all information is available to users who can’t see

Provide text alternatives for all visual content

WCAG 1.1.1

Conclusion

Putting accessibility first in digital products is essential for an inclusive society. At Wisefrog we aim for at least level AA, so our digital products are usable by everyone. By complying with the European Accessibility Act and following established guidelines, organisations can make sure their websites, apps and software are accessible to all users, improving the user experience and market reach. Investing in accessibility is not only a legal obligation; it also positions businesses as leaders in social responsibility.

You can find the full guidelines in the W3C’s WCAG 2.1 and the legal text in the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882). Curious how your own site scores? See how we design inclusively or ask us for a check.

Frequently asked questions