What is WCAG?
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
These are international guidelines for digital accessibility.
The guidelines are developed by W3C - World Wide Web Consortium.
The aim is to ensure that digital solutions can be used by everyone.
This includes people with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive challenges.
But in practice, it benefits all users.
Which companies are covered?
In the EU, many organisations are legally obliged to follow the requirements.
This applies to public institutions.
This also applies to a number of private companies under the EU Accessibility Act 2025.
The requirements include, among other things:
E-commerce
Banks and financial services
Transport
Telecommunications
Digital self-service solutions
The rules apply especially to companies with a certain size and turnover.
Why is WCAG important - even for companies that are not directly obligated?
Accessibility reduces barriers.
It increases usability and customer satisfaction.
Clear structures also improve SEO.
Good contrast and clear navigation increases conversion.
An accessible website signals accountability and quality.
It strengthens brand credibility.
WCAG is therefore not just about legislation.
It's all about good digital practice.
What does WCAG mean in practice?
WCAG is based on four principles.
Content should be:
- Understandable
- Useful
- Understandable
- Robust
This means, among other things:
Text must have sufficient contrast.
Content must be usable with a keyboard.
Structure should be logical and clear.
Information should be easy to understand.
The current version is WCAG 2.2.
Legal framework for digital accessibility in the EU and Denmark
- WCAG - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
International guidelines developed by W3C for digital accessibility.
- EN 301 549
European standard for accessibility requirements for digital products and services.
Refers directly to WCAG (currently 2.1 AA with transition towards 2.2).
- EU Directive 2016/2102
Applies to government websites and mobile applications.
- EU Directive 2019/882 - European Accessibility Act
Applies to a range of private businesses and digital services from 28 June 2025.
- Danish law on web accessibility
Implements EU Directive 2016/2102 in Denmark.
- Danish law on accessibility requirements for products and services
Implementing the European Accessibility Act in Denmark.
2025 Maria D'Andrea
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WCAG/SEO - Best Practices Manual
Best Practice Manual - WCAG/SEO and Graphic is a practical and strategic guide on how accessibility, visual structure and SEO can be systematically integrated into digital and graphic projects.
Drawing on concrete professional experience and academic knowledge, the manual presents an operational methodology for implementing WCAG 2.2, optimising readability, strengthening visual identity and developing consistent and performant digital solutions.
It's not just a technical document, but a working tool for designers, marketing teams, developers and organisations that want to turn accessibility into real business value and competitive advantage.
The manual can be requested free of charge via email.
The translated version in English and Italian is available upon request.
Documented Methodology
The manual is based on analysis, testing and practical implementation of WCAG 2.2 in real projects. It combines design principles, technical structure and strategic branding into one coherent working model.
Strategic Use
The content can be used directly in marketing, web development and graphic production. The aim is to create solutions that are accessible, consistent and measurable in their impact.
The manual can be requested by sending an email to info@maria-dandrea.com