About This Resource
This resource was built on a core belief: the web should be usable by everyone, regardless of ability. WCAG 2.2 AA is the globally recognised standard - and meeting it is both a legal requirement and a matter of basic human dignity.
Our Goal - Inclusivity
Digital accessibility ensures that people with visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, or speech disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with digital services. Over 1 billion people worldwide live with a disability. Accessible design benefits everyone - including users on mobile devices, in bright sunlight, or with temporary impairments.
What is WCAG 2.2?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, published by the W3C, are organised around four principles - Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Level AA is the internationally recognised compliance target for most public-facing digital services and is required by legislation in AU, UK, US, and EU.
How to Use the Checklist
The interactive checklist below groups all WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria by principle and guideline. Each item shows what to test, how to test it, and which tools to use. Tick each criterion as you work through your audit. Green-highlighted rows mark criteria new in WCAG 2.2. Your progress is tracked at the top.
WCAG 2.2 - What's New?
WCAG 2.2 (published October 2023) added six new Level AA criteria: Focus Not Obscured (2.4.11), Dragging Movements (2.5.7), Target Size Minimum (2.5.8), Consistent Help (3.2.6), Redundant Entry (3.3.7), and Accessible Authentication (3.3.8). Criterion 4.1.1 Parsing was removed as obsolete. New criteria are marked with NEW 2.2 throughout this resource.
Accessibility Legislation
Accessibility is not optional in most jurisdictions. Non-compliance exposes organisations to significant legal risk. The following laws apply in the key markets this resource covers.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)
The DDA prohibits discrimination against people with disability in access to goods, services, and facilities - including websites and digital services. The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has confirmed that websites are covered.
- Standard: WCAG 2.0 AA (government), WCAG 2.2 AA recommended
- Applies to: All goods & service providers, government
- Enforcement: AHRC complaint mechanism; Federal Court
- Key guidance: WCAG 2.0 in Australian Government Digital Service Standard
Equality Act 2010 & Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018
The Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments for disabled people. The Public Sector Bodies Regulations explicitly require WCAG 2.1 AA for public sector websites and mobile apps, with annual accessibility statements.
- Standard: WCAG 2.1 AA mandatory (public sector); WCAG 2.2 AA recommended
- Applies to: Public sector; private sector via Equality Act duty
- Enforcement: Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC); GDS monitoring
- Required: Accessibility statement on each website/app
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Section 508
The ADA (Titles II & III) prohibits disability discrimination in public accommodations, including websites. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates federal agencies to make ICT accessible. The DOJ issued final rules referencing WCAG 2.1 AA in 2024.
- Standard: WCAG 2.1 AA (DOJ/Section 508 rule, 2024); WCAG 2.2 AA recommended
- Applies to: Federal agencies (S.508); state/local govt and public accommodations (ADA)
- Enforcement: DOJ; private right of action; OCR complaints
- Note: High volume of ADA web accessibility lawsuits filed annually
European Accessibility Act (EAA) & Web Accessibility Directive
The Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) requires WCAG 2.1 AA for public sector websites and apps across all EU member states. The European Accessibility Act (2019/882) extends requirements to many private sector products and services from June 2025.
- Standard: EN 301 549 (harmonised standard referencing WCAG 2.1 AA)
- Applies to: Public sector (Directive); broad private sector from June 2025 (EAA)
- EAA scope: E-commerce, banking, transport, media, e-books, telecoms
- Enforcement: National market surveillance authorities per member state
WCAG 2.2 AA Checklist
All 56 success criteria required for WCAG 2.2 AA compliance. Grouped by the four POUR principles. Green rows are new in WCAG 2.2. Tick each criterion as you audit your site.
1.1 Text Alternatives
1.2 Time-based Media
1.3 Adaptable
1.4 Distinguishable
2.1 Keyboard Accessible
2.2 Enough Time
2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions
2.4 Navigable
2.5 Input Modalities
3.1 Readable
3.2 Predictable
3.3 Input Assistance
4.1 Compatible
Testing Tools & Resources
Use a combination of automated tools and manual testing methods. No single tool catches all accessibility issues - automated tools typically detect around 30-40% of WCAG failures. Always combine with screen reader testing and keyboard-only navigation.
Download Audit Resources
Download the full Excel checklist workbook for use in your accessibility audit. It includes the complete WCAG 2.2 AA checklist, a tools reference sheet, a defect log template, and a summary dashboard.