EN 301 549 Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services - 9. Web
9.0 General (informative)
Requirements in clause 9 apply to web pages (as defined in clause 3.1) including:
- Conformance with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) Level AA is equivalent to conforming with clauses 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.1.3.1 to 9.1.3.3, 9.1.4.1 to 9.1.4.5, 9.2.1.1, 9.2.1.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.3, 9.2.4, 9.3, 9.4.1.1, 9.4.1.2 and the conformance requirements of clause 9.6 of the present document.
- Conformance with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) [5] Level AA is equivalent to conforming with all of clauses 9.1 to 9.4 and the conformance requirements of clause 9.6 of the present document.
- Requirements for non-web documents and non-web software are given in clauses 10 and 11 respectively.
NOTE 1: When evaluating web sites they are evaluated as individual web pages. Web applications, including mobile web applications, are covered under the definition of web page which is quite broad and covers all web content types.
NOTE 2: WCAG 2.0 is identical to ISO/IEC 40500:2012: "Information technology - W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0" [4].
The requirements in clauses 9.1 to 9.4 are written using the concept of satisfying success criteria (defined in clause 3.1). A web page satisfies a WCAG success criterion when the success criterion does not evaluate to false when applied to the web page. This implies that if the success criterion puts conditions on a specific feature and that specific feature does not occur in the web page, then the web page satisfies the success criterion.
NOTE 3: For example, a web page that does not contain pre-recorded audio content in synchronized media will automatically satisfy WCAG success criterion 1.2.2 (captions - pre-recorded) and, in consequence, will also conform to clause 9.1.2.2.
In addition to Level AA success criteria, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines also include success criteria for Level AAA. These are listed in clause 9.5 of the present document. Web authors and procurement accessibility specialists are encouraged to consider whether any of the WCAG Level AAA success criteria offer suggestions that may be applicable and relevant to their project, as well as potentially beneficial to some users.
NOTE 4: The W3C states that "It is not recommended that Level AAA conformance be required as a general policy for entire sites because it is not possible to satisfy all Level AAA Success Criteria for some content".
NOTE 5: "Void" clauses have been inserted in order to maintain alignment with the numbering of WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA Success Criteria.
9.1 Perceivable
9.1.1 Text alternatives
9.1.1.1 Non-text content
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.1.1 Non-text content.
9.1.2 Time-based media
9.1.2.1 Audio-only and video-only (pre-recorded)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded).
9.1.2.2 Captions (pre-recorded)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded).
9.1.2.3 Audio description or media alternative (pre-recorded)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded).
9.1.2.4 Captions (live)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.4 Captions (Live).
9.1.2.5 Audio description (pre-recorded)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded).
9.1.3 Adaptable
9.1.3.1 Info and relationships
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.
9.1.3.2 Meaningful sequence
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence.
9.1.3.3 Sensory characteristics
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics.
9.1.3.4 Orientation
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.4 Orientation.
9.1.3.5 Identify input purpose
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose.
9.1.4 Distinguishable
9.1.4.1 Use of colour
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.1 Use of Color.
9.1.4.2 Audio control
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.2 Audio Control.
9.1.4.3 Contrast (minimum)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).
9.1.4.4 Resize text
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.4 Resize text.
9.1.4.5 Images of text
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.5 Images of Text.
9.1.4.6 Void
9.1.4.7 Void
9.1.4.8 Void
9.1.4.9 Void
9.1.4.10 Reflow
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.10 Reflow.
9.1.4.11 Non-text contrast
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast.
9.1.4.12 Text spacing
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.12 Text spacing.
9.1.4.13 Content on hover or focus
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus.
9.2 Operable
9.2.1 Keyboard accessible
9.2.1.1 Keyboard
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard.
9.2.1.2 No keyboard trap
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap.
9.2.1.3 Void
9.2.1.4 Character key shortcuts
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts.
9.2.2 Enough time
9.2.2.1 Timing adjustable
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable.
9.2.2.2 Pause, stop, hide
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide.
9.2.3 Seizures and physical reactions
9.2.3.1 Three flashes or below threshold
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold.
9.2.4 Navigable
9.2.4.1 Bypass blocks
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks.
9.2.4.2 Page titled
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.2 Page Titled.
9.2.4.3 Focus Order
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.3 Focus Order.
9.2.4.4 Link purpose (in context)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).
9.2.4.5 Multiple ways
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.5 Multiple Ways.
9.2.4.6 Headings and labels
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.6 Headings and Labels.
9.2.4.7 Focus visible
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.7 Focus Visible.
9.2.5 Input modalities
9.2.5.1 Pointer gestures
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures.
9.2.5.2 Pointer cancellation
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation.
9.2.5.3 Label in name
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.5.3 Label in Name.
9.2.5.4 Motion actuation
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.5.4 Motion Actuation.
9.3 Understandable
9.3.1 Readable
9.3.1.1 Language of page
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.1.1 Language of Page.
9.3.1.2 Language of parts
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.1.2 Language of Parts.
9.3.2 Predictable
9.3.2.1 On focus
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.2.1 On Focus.
9.3.2.2 On input
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.2.2 On Input.
9.3.2.3 Consistent navigation
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation.
9.3.2.4 Consistent identification
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.2.4 Consistent Identification.
9.3.3 Input assistance
9.3.3.1 Error identification
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.3.1 Error Identification.
9.3.3.2 Labels or instructions
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions.
9.3.3.3 Error suggestion
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.3.3 Error Suggestion.
9.3.3.4 Error prevention (legal, financial, data)
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data).
9.4 Robust
9.4.1 Compatible
9.4.1.1 Parsing
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 4.1.1 Parsing.
9.4.1.2 Name, role, value
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.
9.4.1.3 Status messages
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 4.1.3 Status Messages.
9.5 WCAG 2.1 AAA Success Criteria
In addition to the Level AA success criteria, included in clauses 9.1 to 9.4, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines include success criteria for Level AAA. These are listed in Table 9.1. Web authors and procurement accessibility specialists are encouraged to consider the WCAG 2.1 Level AAA success criteria that, when it is possible to apply them, may provide access beyond that required in the present document.
NOTE: The W3C states that "It is not recommended that Level AAA conformance be required as a general policy for entire sites because it is not possible to satisfy all Level AAA Success Criteria for some content".
9.6 WCAG conformance requirements
Where ICT is a web page, it shall satisfy all the following five WCAG 2.1 conformance requirements at Level AA [5]:
- Conformance level
- Full pages
- Complete processes
- Only Accessibility-Supported Ways of Using Technologies
- Non-interference
NOTE 1: A Web page that meets all of requirements 9.1 to 9.4, or where a Level AA conforming alternate version (as defined in WCAG 2.1 [5]) is provided, will meet conformance requirement 1.
NOTE 2: According to W3C: "WCAG 2.1 extends Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 [4], which was published as a W3C Recommendation December 2008. Content that conforms to WCAG 2.1 also conforms to WCAG 2.0, and therefore to policies that reference WCAG 2.0" [4].
NOTE 3: Conformance requirement 5 states that all content on the page, including content that is not otherwise relied upon to meet conformance, meets clauses 9.1.4.2, 9.2.1.2, 9.2.2.2 and 9.2.3.1.