The 3 Accessibility Levels: Understanding WCAG Conformance and Compliance

Digital accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a crucial aspect of creating inclusive digital experiences for all users. Yet, the web remains largely inaccessible to millions. According to the 2025 WebAIM Million report, 94.8% of home pages had detectable WCAG 2 failures, underscoring a widespread lack of compliance with accessibility standards. Additionally, a survey revealed that 15% of disabled people say they “never” go online due to the lack of accessible websites.

As businesses increasingly transition to digital platforms, ensuring that web content is accessible to all users, regardless of ability, is not only ethical but also economically advantageous. The global market for digital accessibility is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2032, driven by legal mandates and rising consumer demand for inclusive design.

This blog post will provide a comprehensive breakdown of these accessibility levels, the success criteria for each, the legal implications of non-compliance, and the practical benefits of adopting higher conformance levels. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of what it takes to make your site accessible to the widest audience possible, including people with disabilities, older adults, and those using mobile devices.

What are accessibility levels?

Web accessibility levels are a structured framework designed to help website owners and developers prioritize and implement the necessary changes to make their digital content accessible to everyone. These levels — A, AA, and AAA — reflect varying degrees of compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

At a basic level, these guidelines help address the needs of people with various disabilities, from those who are blind or visually impaired to those with cognitive disabilities, and even those who use assistive technologies. By organizing accessibility into levels, WCAG allows organizations to understand the scope of their obligations and gradually improve the accessibility of their web content.

Below is a quick overview of each level:

• Level A represents the basic level of accessibility, addressing the most critical accessibility barriers that could prevent users from accessing basic content or functionality. Websites that fail to meet Level A guidelines can be considered fundamentally inaccessible.
• Level AA is the recommended standard for compliance. It targets common accessibility barriers that hinder the experience of a significant number of users. Achieving this level ensures that a site is accessible to most users, including those with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities.
• Level AAA is the gold standard, providing the most comprehensive level of accessibility. Sites meeting this level accommodate a wide range of disabilities, offering an exceptional user experience for all. However, reaching Level AAA may not always be feasible or necessary for every type of content or organization.

It’s crucial to understand that WCAG 2.1 (the latest version of the guidelines) introduced new success criteria that better accommodate the needs of people with cognitive disabilities and mobile device users, alongside the traditional focus on visual and auditory disabilities. These updates reflect the ongoing evolution of accessibility needs as technology advances.

The goal is not just to “check the box” but to create web experiences that empower all users to navigate, interact with, and understand digital content.

What is WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of internationally recognized standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). These guidelines aim to make digital content, including web pages, applications, and multimedia, accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

WCAG provides a clear framework for web developers and designers, outlining specific success criteria that must be met to ensure web content is usable by people with a wide range of disabilities. These disabilities can include visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological impairments.

The guidelines are designed to help create websites that are not only compliant with accessibility laws but are also intuitive, functional, and user-friendly for all audiences. By adhering to WCAG, organizations can ensure they are contributing to a more inclusive digital world.

You may be interested in: E-Commerce Accessibility: Making Your Online Store WCAG Compliant.

The 4 core principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust

The four core principles of WCAG form the foundation of the guidelines. These principles are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, commonly known by the acronym POUR. Each principle addresses a different aspect of the user experience, and collectively, they provide a holistic approach to digital accessibility.

1. Perceivable: Web content must be presented in ways that users can perceive. This means that all information should be available in multiple formats (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile) so that users with different abilities can access it. Examples include providing text alternatives for non-text content (such as images or videos) and ensuring that all media content is accessible to people with hearing impairments, such as offering captions or transcripts for videos.
2. Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with the content. This includes ensuring that the content is accessible via a keyboard, that interactive elements (e.g., buttons and links) are easily navigable, and that time-sensitive content can be controlled by users. It also involves removing barriers such as requiring complex mouse gestures or preventing users from making mistakes while navigating.
3. Understandable: Content must be presented in a way that is easy to understand. This means that language should be clear, instructions should be simple, and interfaces should be predictable. For example, using consistent navigation and providing users with error suggestions or corrections can make a significant difference in enhancing web accessibility, especially for those with cognitive and learning disabilities.
4. Robust: Content must be robust enough to work with a wide variety of current and future technologies, including assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices. This principle ensures that the web content remains functional as technology evolves and that it remains accessible to users regardless of the platform or assistive device they use.

Together, these four principles offer a comprehensive strategy for making web content accessible, ensuring that digital experiences can be used by a wider range of people, regardless of their abilities. Adopting the POUR principles as a guiding framework when designing websites or applications allows businesses to provide inclusive experiences for users with disabilities, as well as improve overall usability for everyone.

Evolution of WCAG: From 2.0 to 2.1 and beyond

The WCAG has evolved over the years to keep pace with changes in technology, user needs, and the digital landscape. These changes ensure that websites and digital content remain accessible as new devices, browsers, and assistive technologies emerge.

WCAG 2.0: Laying the foundation

The initial version, WCAG 2.0, was published in 2008 and laid the groundwork for web accessibility as we know it today. This version introduced 61 success criteria across three conformance levels — A, AA, and AAA requirements — and established the POUR principles as the foundation for accessibility. WCAG 2.0 was a major step forward, providing a standardized framework that all digital content could follow, regardless of the type of content, platform, or technology.

For the first time, WCAG 2.0 made it clear that accessibility should be integrated throughout the entire web design and development process, not just as an afterthought. This shift toward a more holistic approach to accessibility helped raise awareness and standardize practices across the industry.

WCAG 2.1: Expanding the guidelines for mobile and cognitive disabilities

As the use of mobile devices exploded, and more users began to access the web via smartphones and tablets, it became evident that WCAG 2.0 needed to be updated to account for this shift. WCAG 2.1, published in 2018, addressed these gaps by introducing 17 new success criteria, many of which focused on mobile accessibility and cognitive and learning disabilities.

Key changes in WCAG 2.1 included:

• Success criteria related to touchscreen devices and mobile browsers to ensure that interactions on smaller screens are just as accessible as those on traditional desktop devices.
• Enhanced accessibility considerations for cognitive disabilities, which are often overlooked, such as providing a clear layout, easy-to-read text, and simple navigation.
• Criteria for people with low vision, including guidance for resizable text and a minimum contrast ratio for text to ensure readability on mobile screens.

This update represented a significant shift in how we think about web accessibility, emphasizing that mobile accessibility was no longer optional — it was essential. It also acknowledged that people with cognitive and learning disabilities require unique support to effectively engage with web content.

WCAG 2.2: Preparing for the future

After being postponed several times, WCAG 2.2 was officially released in October 2023, and it introduced an additional nine new success criteria aimed at addressing emerging accessibility issues. The focus of this update includes:

• Cognitive and learning disabilities: More success criteria targets issues such as simplified language, content structure, and error recovery, helping users with cognitive disabilities better understand and engage with content.
• Improved mobile accessibility: As mobile browsing continues to dominate, WCAG 2.2 introduced new guidelines to ensure that websites and apps are optimized for smaller screens and touch interfaces.
• Emerging technologies: As technology advances, accessibility needs to evolve with it. WCAG 2.2 also incorporates criteria related to voice user interfaces and augmented reality (AR), preparing web content for the next generation of digital experiences.

The goal of WCAG 2.2 is to keep accessibility guidelines relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape, ensuring that websites and apps remain accessible to all users, regardless of the technology they use.

The future: WCAG 3.0 and beyond

In January 2024, the W3C released the initial public working draft of WCAG 3.0, which will represent a significant overhaul of the guidelines. Unlike previous versions, WCAG 3.0 will focus on a more holistic, outcome-based approach to accessibility, offering broader guidelines for digital content across all platforms, including virtual reality (VR), immersive technologies, and new forms of digital interaction that have yet to be fully realized.

Though it’s not officially in effect, the WCAG 3.0 aims to provide a more user-friendly framework that is less technical and more accessible to a wider range of stakeholders, from developers and designers to content creators and policymakers. By moving away from a rigid, criteria-based model, WCAG 3.0 will seek to create more flexible standards that can be more easily adapted to a diverse range of digital experiences.

The three tiers of WCAG conformance

The WCAG is structured into three conformance levels — Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA — each representing a different degree of accessibility compliance. These levels provide a clear roadmap for web developers, designers, and organizations to follow, ensuring that accessibility is prioritized in stages. Understanding these conformance levels is crucial for implementing accessibility standards effectively, whether for legal compliance, ethical reasons, or user experience improvements.

Level A: The foundation of accessibility

Level A is the base level of accessibility that a website or digital content must meet to be considered accessible. These criteria address the most critical accessibility barriers that could prevent users from accessing essential content or performing basic functions.

Failure to meet Level A success criteria could result in a completely inaccessible website for certain users. These failures often affect a large number of users, particularly those with severe disabilities. For example, websites that lack alternative text for images or have broken links would fail to meet Level A criteria.

Examples of Level A success criteria include:

• Providing alternative text for images ensures that screen readers can describe images for users with visual impairments.
• Ensuring that content is accessible by keyboard, which benefits users with motor disabilities who may not be able to use a mouse.
• Providing proper form labeling to ensure that forms are usable by people with disabilities.

While meeting Level A criteria is essential, it is generally not sufficient to create a fully accessible experience for the majority of users. Therefore, achieving Level A is just the starting point in the journey toward a more inclusive digital experience.

Level AA: The recommended standard for compliance

Level AA is the recommended standard for accessibility compliance. It targets the most common accessibility barriers that affect a larger segment of the population. Meeting AA criteria ensures that a website provides an accessible experience for most users, including those with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities.

In addition to the foundational criteria outlined in Level A, Level AA success criteria focus on creating an accessible environment for a broader audience. This level is often the minimum requirement for legal compliance in many jurisdictions, including under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act.

Examples of Level AA success criteria include:

• Ensuring that text has sufficient contrast with the background, making it easier to read for users with low vision or color blindness.
• Providing options to pause, stop, or adjust the volume of background audio, which benefits users with hearing impairments or those who experience sensory overload.
• Making navigation consistent and predictable, so that users with cognitive disabilities can easily find and understand content.
• Ensuring forms are clearly labeled and error messages are informative helps users complete forms more easily.

Achieving Level AA is typically the most cost-effective and practical option for organizations aiming to provide an accessible experience to the widest possible audience.

Level AAA: The gold standard of accessibility

Level AAA is the highest level of accessibility conformance, representing the gold standard for digital accessibility. Meeting Level AAA ensures that a website is fully inclusive and accessible to as many users as possible, including those with complex or multiple disabilities.

However, achieving Level AAA is not always feasible for every website. Some success criteria in Level AAA may apply only to very specific types of content (such as educational or government websites), making it difficult or impractical to meet all of these criteria on every page. For example, implementing sign language interpretation for all video content may not be realistic for all organizations, but it could be necessary for certain types of content.

Examples of Level AAA success criteria include:

• Providing sign language interpretation for all multimedia content, which would benefit users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Ensuring that content can be presented in multiple ways, such as providing content in both visual and text-based formats, to accommodate users with cognitive or learning disabilities.
• Providing clear navigation that is easy to follow for users with cognitive disabilities, helping them better understand and engage with the content.

While Level AAA represents the pinnacle of accessibility, organizations should carefully evaluate the practical implications of striving for this level. Often, it is best suited for specific contexts, such as educational institutions or government organizations that provide services to individuals with a wide range of disabilities.

How the tiers compare

Legal implications of accessibility levels

As digital accessibility becomes an increasingly important issue for businesses and organizations worldwide, legal implications related to WCAG conformance are becoming more pronounced. Many countries have passed laws and regulations that require websites and digital services to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Failing to comply with these accessibility standards could lead to legal risks, including lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.

How accessibility laws incorporate WCAG conformance

Several laws globally mandate that digital services, including websites and applications, be accessible to people with disabilities. These regulations are often tied to WCAG compliance to ensure that accessibility guidelines are clear, measurable, and enforceable.

In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has become a key point of reference in legal cases related to digital accessibility. While the ADA was originally written with physical spaces in mind, courts have increasingly applied it to digital spaces, interpreting websites as "places of public accommodation" under the law. The ADA does not explicitly reference WCAG, but courts often rely on WCAG guidelines as a benchmark for compliance.

In the European Union, the European Accessibility Act requires that websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies be accessible, along with key private sector services such as banking and e-commerce. Similar to the ADA, WCAG compliance serves as a guideline for determining whether accessibility obligations are met.

In Canada, accessibility laws are covered under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which mandates that public and private sector organizations make their websites accessible. Similar to the ADA and the EAA, WCAG guidelines are often used as a framework for compliance.

By adhering to WCAG standards, businesses can ensure they meet legal requirements in various regions, reducing the risk of potential litigation and ensuring that their websites are accessible to the largest possible audience.

Potential legal risks of non-compliance

Failure to comply with WCAG standards can expose businesses to significant legal risks. In recent years, there has been a rise in lawsuits against companies with inaccessible websites under the ADA and similar laws worldwide. These lawsuits often result in costly settlements, fines, and reputational damage.

Here are some of the legal risks associated with non-compliance:

1. Lawsuits: Many individuals or organizations have filed lawsuits against businesses for not making their websites accessible. These lawsuits often result in settlements that require companies to make significant changes to their websites and pay legal fees.
2. Fines: Regulatory bodies in the U.S. and EU have imposed fines on organizations that fail to meet accessibility requirements. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has enforced accessibility laws by issuing fines or penalties.
3. Reputational damage: In today’s digital age, brand image is crucial. A lawsuit or public outcry regarding digital inaccessibility can severely damage an organization’s reputation, eroding trust with customers and stakeholders.
4. Loss of business: Consumers with disabilities are an important and growing segment of the market. An inaccessible website can exclude a substantial portion of potential customers, resulting in lost revenue opportunities.

Ensuring that your website meets WCAG compliance levels (particularly Level AA) helps mitigate these legal risks, providing a safeguard against costly lawsuits and fines. More importantly, it positions your brand as inclusive, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and respect for all users.

Benefits of higher accessibility levels

While meeting the minimum Level A criteria is essential, striving for higher WCAG levels — especially Level AA and Level AAA — can provide substantial business benefits, enhance user experience, and expand market reach. Accessibility isn't just about meeting legal requirements; it's about creating a more inclusive web for all users. Investing in higher levels of accessibility can have a significant impact on your brand's reputation, customer satisfaction, and business growth.

Improving user experience for all audiences

At its core, digital accessibility is about creating a web experience that works for as many users as possible, including those with disabilities. By prioritizing higher WCAG levels, businesses improve the overall user experience (UX) for a diverse range of users, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

For example, users with low vision benefit from higher contrast ratios and resizable text, as stipulated in Level AA. Similarly, users with cognitive disabilities may find websites with clear navigation and simple language (outlined in Level AA) much easier to navigate. By ensuring your website is accessible to everyone, you create a more intuitive, enjoyable experience that benefits all users, regardless of ability.

Moreover, assistive technologies and alternative input devices rely on web content being structured according to WCAG standards. Websites that comply with Level AA and Level AAA are generally more compatible with these technologies, making the experience smoother and more seamless for users who rely on them.

Expanding market reach and business benefits

Accessibility is not just a legal or ethical consideration; it's also a business opportunity. By making your website accessible, you tap into a larger market of users, including people with disabilities, aging populations, and those using assistive technologies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, and that number is growing. This group represents a significant market that cannot be ignored.

• Increased customer loyalty: Brands that prioritize digital accessibility show a commitment to inclusivity, which can strengthen relationships with existing customers and attract new ones. Consumers are more likely to support companies that value diversity and inclusion, and they are more likely to return to a website that provides a positive, accessible experience.
• Improved search engine rankings: WCAG compliance often aligns with other SEO best practices. For example, adding alternative text to images and ensuring proper heading structure improves both accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO), potentially boosting your site's ranking on search engines like Google.
• Competitive advantage: As more companies prioritize digital accessibility, those who remain behind in meeting WCAG compliance risk being left behind. Businesses that make their websites accessible to all users are seen as leaders in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and can gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Case studies of organizations prioritizing accessibility

Many organizations have seen tangible benefits from prioritizing higher accessibility levels. Here are some examples:

• Target: In 2006, Target faced a lawsuit regarding the accessibility of its website. Since then, the company has worked to significantly improve the accessibility of its digital content. As a result, Target has built a reputation for being inclusive and has expanded its customer base, particularly among users with disabilities.
• Microsoft: Microsoft has committed to digital accessibility by meeting WCAG 2.1 standards across its products and services, including websites and applications. This commitment has led to a broader user base, including people with disabilities, and helped Microsoft remain at the forefront of accessibility in the tech industry.
• BBC: The BBC has long been a leader in web accessibility and has consistently met Level AA criteria. Its accessible design has not only benefited users with disabilities but also helped the organization reach wider audiences, including people with different learning styles and those using a variety of devices.

By prioritizing accessibility and striving for higher levels of WCAG conformance, these companies have gained increased customer loyalty, improved user experiences, and expanded their reach in global markets.

Challenges of meeting accessibility levels

While striving for higher WCAG levels can offer significant benefits, it also presents several challenges. Implementing accessibility standards at Level AA and especially Level AAA requires more time, effort, and resources. For many organizations, the path to achieving these higher levels of conformance can feel daunting. Understanding the common barriers to accessibility implementation can help businesses proactively address these challenges.

Common barriers to accessibility implementation

1. Lack of expertise and training

Many development teams lack a comprehensive understanding of WCAG guidelines, resulting in inaccessible websites despite good intentions. Accessibility involves more than just adding alt text to images; it requires a deep understanding of how people with disabilities interact with digital content.

Solution:

• Invest in accessibility training for developers, designers, and content creators.
• Partner with accessibility consultants to conduct audits and provide guidance on implementing WCAG criteria effectively.
• Utilize online resources, webinars, and certifications to stay updated on the latest accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.2 and the upcoming WCAG 3.0.

2. Complexity of retrofitting existing websites

Upgrading an existing website to meet Level AA or AAA conformance can be a complex and resource-intensive process, particularly for websites built without accessibility in mind. Legacy systems, outdated code, and inaccessible design elements can make achieving higher levels of compliance especially challenging.

Solution:

• Conduct an accessibility audit to identify specific areas where the website falls short of WCAG standards.
• Develop a phased approach, starting with critical areas such as navigation, forms, and multimedia content, before tackling more complex elements.
• Implement automated testing tools that can identify WCAG violations, such as missing alt text, improper heading structure, or insufficient contrast ratios.

3. Budget constraints

Implementing advanced accessibility features at Level AA or AAA can be costly, particularly for small businesses or startups. For instance, providing sign language interpretation for all multimedia content, a Level AAA criterion, may not be feasible for every organization.

Solution:

• Prioritize Level AA compliance, as it addresses the most common accessibility barriers while balancing cost and effort.
• Allocate budget for key accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility, alternative text for images, and form error handling.
• Leverage free or low-cost accessibility tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse to identify common issues without a substantial financial investment.

4. Resistance to change

Some organizations may resist implementing accessibility standards, perceiving them as unnecessary or too complex. This resistance often stems from a lack of understanding of the business benefits of accessibility and a failure to recognize its impact on user experience and legal compliance.

Solution:

• Present case studies and real-world examples of organizations that have successfully improved site accessibility and reaped tangible benefits, such as increased traffic, customer loyalty, and positive brand perception.
• Demonstrate how improving site accessibility can boost SEO, enhance user experience, and reduce legal risks.
• Position accessibility as an ongoing initiative, not a one-time project. Encourage continuous testing and feedback to maintain conformance as new content is added.

5. Balancing design and accessibility

Some designers fear that implementing WCAG guidelines will limit creative design choices, resulting in a bland or generic website. However, accessible design does not mean compromising on aesthetics; it means ensuring that all users can access and engage with content effectively.

You may be interested in: Accessible UX: Design Techniques for Compliance and Inclusion.

Solution:

• Adopt the principles of inclusive design, which aim to create visually appealing and highly functional websites while maintaining accessibility standards.
• Use tools like Adobe XD’s accessibility plugins or Stark to test color contrast, text legibility, and other design elements against WCAG criteria.
• Involve users with disabilities in usability testing to gain real-world insights into how they navigate the site and where potential barriers exist.

6. Maintaining compliance over time

Achieving Level AA or AAA conformance is not a one-time effort. As websites are updated with new content, features, and functionality, ensuring ongoing WCAG compliance can become increasingly complex.

Solution:

• Develop an accessibility maintenance plan that includes regular testing and monitoring of new content and features.
• Integrate accessibility checks into the development workflow, ensuring that new content meets WCAG guidelines before being published.
• Use automated testing tools to catch common WCAG violations quickly and efficiently, allowing for timely fixes.

By identifying these common challenges and implementing targeted solutions, organizations can better position themselves to achieve and maintain higher levels of WCAG compliance. This proactive approach not only minimizes accessibility barriers but also fosters a more inclusive digital experience for all users.

You may be interested in: How to Conduct Accessibility Audits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between ADA and WCAG?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including in digital spaces. While the ADA does not specifically reference WCAG, U.S. courts and regulatory bodies often use WCAG guidelines as a standard for digital accessibility to assess ADA compliance.

WCAG, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), provides specific criteria for making digital content accessible to people with disabilities. It outlines three conformance levels (A, AA, AAA), with each level building upon the previous one to increase accessibility.

In summary:

• ADA is a legal framework in the U.S. that mandates accessibility but does not specify technical requirements.
• WCAG provides detailed, globally recognized technical standards for implementing accessibility in digital content.

2. Is Level AA compliance sufficient for most websites?

Yes, achieving Level AA compliance is generally considered sufficient for most websites. It addresses the most common accessibility barriers that impact a wide range of users, including those with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities.

Level AA criteria cover essential areas such as:

• Contrast ratios for text and images.
• Keyboard accessibility for navigation.
• Error identification and suggestions in forms.
• Consistent navigation and layout.

For many organizations, meeting Level AA conformance ensures that the majority of users can effectively access and interact with digital content. However, certain industries — such as government, education, and healthcare — may need to aim for Level AAA to meet specific legal or regulatory requirements.

3. Is it realistic to achieve Level AAA compliance?

Achieving Level AAA can be extremely challenging and, in some cases, unrealistic for every web page. Level AAA criteria are designed to provide a highly inclusive experience, but are often difficult to implement universally. For example:

• Providing sign language interpretation for all multimedia content is a Level AAA requirement, but it may not be practical for every organization.
• Ensuring that no content flashes more than three times per second, to prevent seizures in users with photosensitive epilepsy, can be restrictive for certain types of multimedia.

While it is not mandatory for most websites to achieve Level AAA, specific pages or content targeting users with significant disabilities may benefit from meeting these higher standards. Most organizations aim for Level AA conformance as a baseline, implementing Level AAA criteria where feasible, especially in critical or high-traffic content areas.

Final thoughts

Meeting AAA criteria represents the pinnacle of web accessibility, ensuring that digital content is accessible to the broadest range of users, including those with complex or multiple disabilities. However, it is not always practical or feasible for every organization to reach this level across its entire website.

For most businesses, aiming for AA is a more realistic and impactful goal. It addresses the most common accessibility barriers, enhances user experience, and helps organizations comply with legal requirements such as the ADA, European Accessibility Act, and AODA. By focusing on Level AA, businesses can significantly improve their website’s accessibility without overextending resources.

However, there are situations where striving for Level AAA is justified:

1. Government and public sector websites: These sites often serve people with severe disabilities and must adhere to the highest accessibility standards.
2. Educational platforms: Ensuring that educational content is fully accessible can provide a more inclusive learning experience.
3. Healthcare services: Access to critical health information must be universally accessible, making level AAA a more pressing goal.

Ultimately, accessibility is not a one-time effort. Websites must be continually monitored and updated to maintain compliance as new content is added and WCAG guidelines evolve. Even if Level AAA is not attainable for the entire site, implementing select AAA criteria where possible can further enhance accessibility and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.

By embracing a proactive approach to accessibility, businesses not only reduce legal risks but also create a more inclusive digital environment, reaching more users and providing a better overall experience for everyone.

Is your website or digital platform AA-compliant? Contact us and learn more about our accessibility audits and testing services, and how we can help you create the inclusive experience your users deserve.