I don't know what you think about the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG). I know what I think of them and I've read what quite a few others have said about them.
They don't make for an interesting read. It's document that's dry, dense and packed with technical language that could put even the most caffeinated developer to sleep. They're written more like a legal document than something designed to spark joy or creativity.
They're not easy to read. The language is too complex for people that don't breathe standards instead of air.
Understandable at first glance? Not for me. I had to read it a few times and with a strong cup of coffee in hand before I could make sense of the intricate guidelines.
They're not:
- quick to implement
- simple or straightforward
- user friendly in their presentation
- a one-size-fits-all solution
The fact is, the WCAG is about as exciting as listening to my accountant explain depreciation methods. It's guaranteed to make me question my life choices (trust me on this one, I had to sit through such a session).
But they are essential to avoiding penalties and getting things right.
Yes, it may be mind-numbingly boring, but the WCAG is crucial if you want to help everyone, regardless of their abilities, access and interact with your content. So while reading it might feel like a punishment, its purpose is incredibly important.