According to the CDC, 22% of adults in the United States are living with a disability. Therefore, it’s important that we ensure our web content is accessible and inclusive for everyone. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) has developed a set of guidelines to set the foundation for accessible web content. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), these guidelines have 4 main principles which are Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
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Understanding the 4 Principles of Accessibility, P.O.U.R.
P is for Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- Provide text alternatives for any non-text content.
- Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background.
O is for Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
- Make all functionality available from a keyboard.
- Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are
U is for Understandable
Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
- Make text content readable and understandable.
- Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
R is for Robust
Content must be robust enough that It can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies
- Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.
Need to know more? The WAI has an in depth reference on the 4 principles with success criteria and techniques.
