Summary of UAAG 2.0 (User Agent Accessibility Guidelines)

The User Agent Accessibility Guidelines (UAAG) are developed by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Their purpose is to ensure that web browsers, media players, and other "user agents" are accessible to people with disabilities. UAAG 2.0 focuses on making sure that user agents provide accessibility support for rendering, controlling, and interacting with content.

UAAG complements other WAI guidelines:

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

ATAG (Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines)

Outline of UAAG 2.0

1. Principle A: Ensure that the user interface is perceivable

A.1.1 Provide access to alternative content Ensure that text alternatives (e.g. captions, descriptions) are exposed to assistive technologies.

A.1.2 Make audio and video content perceivable Provide controls for captions, volume, and audio descriptions.

A.1.3 Support adaptable presentation Allow users to adjust text size, colors, spacing, etc.

2. Principle B: Ensure that the user interface is operable

B.1.1 Ensure full keyboard access All functions must be accessible via the keyboard.

B.1.2 Provide navigation aids Include features like structured headings and landmarks.

B.1.3 Allow users to control time limits Users should be able to extend or disable timeouts when needed.

B.1.4 Provide consistent user interface Consistency across features improves usability and reduces confusion.

3. Principle C: Ensure that the user interface is understandable

C.1.1 Provide clear labels and instructions Buttons, links, and controls should have descriptive labels.

C.1.2 Support user preferences for language and layout Maintain users' chosen settings throughout the session.

4. Principle D: Ensure that the user interface is robust

D.1.1 Support accessibility APIs Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies.

D.1.2 Document accessibility features Provide clear help for users and developers about accessibility options.

Supporting Documents

UAAG is supported by:

UAAG Reference (UAAG 2.0 Reference): Technical explanations.

UAAG Implementing: Techniques and examples for meeting the guidelines.

UAAG Glossary: Definitions of key terms.

Conformance

UAAG 2.0 provides three levels of conformance:

A (Minimum)

AA (Recommended)

AAA (Optimal)

Each success criterion is marked accordingly, and user agents can conform at a particular level based on their implementation scope.