Standards Library
Library of accessibility standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements. Stay up-to-date with WCAG, EN 301 549, ISO standards, ADA, and EAA.
Understanding Accessibility Standards
Accessibility standards provide the foundation for creating inclusive digital experiences. Understanding which standards apply to your organization and how they relate to each other is critical for compliance and user accessibility.
Our standards library covers:
- WCAG Guidelines - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (2.1, 2.2, and 3.0 draft) that form the technical foundation for most accessibility laws
- European Standards - EN 301 549 and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requirements for EU market
- ISO Standards - Organizational maturity (ISO 30071-1) and software accessibility (ISO 9241-171) guidance
- Regulatory Requirements - ADA Title II (US), Section 508 (US federal), and EAA (EU) legal mandates
Each standard includes detailed documentation, success criteria mapping, implementation guidance, and compliance checklists. Standards are interconnected—most regulatory requirements reference WCAG, while ISO standards provide organizational and process guidance.
Key Insight: Standards Alignment
Most accessibility laws and regulations reference WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA as the technical standard. EN 301 549 aligns with WCAG, while ISO standards provide organizational maturity frameworks. Understanding these relationships helps prioritize compliance efforts.
Standards by Category
Browse standards organized by category to understand their scope and application.
🌐WCAG Standards
WCAG 2.1 AA
CurrentWeb Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA - Current baseline for many accessibility laws including ADA Title II. Includes 50 success criteria across Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust principles.
WCAG 2.2 AA
CurrentWeb Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 Level AA - Latest version with 9 additional success criteria. Builds on WCAG 2.1 with focus on mobile accessibility, low vision, and cognitive accessibility.
WCAG 3 (Draft)
DraftWeb Content Accessibility Guidelines 3.0 - In-progress draft with outcome-based conformance model. Focuses on user outcomes rather than technical requirements. Expected to complement WCAG 2.x.
🇪🇺European Standards
EN 301 549
CurrentEuropean standard for ICT accessibility requirements (v3.2.1). Harmonized standard for EAA compliance. Aligned with WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, covering web, software, hardware, and documents.
📋ISO Standards
ISO 30071-1
CurrentGuidance for embedding accessibility into organizational practice and processes. Provides maturity model for accessibility programs, procurement guidance, and organizational capability assessment.
ISO 9241-171
CurrentSoftware accessibility guidance for user interface design and interaction. Provides detailed requirements for accessible software interfaces, including input methods, output presentation, and user guidance.
⚖️Regulatory Standards
ADA Title II
CurrentAmericans with Disabilities Act Title II web and mobile rule effective June 24, 2024. Requires state and local governments to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 2026-2027 deadlines.
EAA
CurrentEuropean Accessibility Act effective June 28, 2025 for covered products and services. Requires compliance with EN 301 549 v3.2.1 for computers, smartphones, e-commerce, banking, and other covered services.
Section 508
CurrentUS federal accessibility standard requiring federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible. Aligned with WCAG 2.0 Level AA and updated to reference WCAG 2.1.
Standards Relationships and Mapping
Understanding how standards relate to each other helps prioritize compliance efforts and avoid duplicate work.
🔗Technical Standards
WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 form the technical foundation. Most laws and regulations reference WCAG as the technical standard:
- •ADA Title II requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- •EN 301 549 aligns with WCAG 2.1 and 2.2
- •Section 508 references WCAG 2.0/2.1
- •EAA requires EN 301 549 (which aligns with WCAG)
🏢Organizational Standards
ISO standards provide frameworks for embedding accessibility into organizational practice:
- •ISO 30071-1 - Organizational maturity and procurement
- •ISO 9241-171 - Software accessibility guidance
- •Complements technical standards with process guidance
- •Helps build sustainable accessibility programs
Compliance Deadlines and Requirements
Critical compliance deadlines and requirements for major accessibility regulations.
⏰Upcoming Deadlines
- ADA Title II:WCAG 2.1 Level AA required by April 2026-2027 for state and local governments
- EAA:EN 301 549 compliance required by June 28, 2025 for covered products and services
✅Current Requirements
- Section 508:WCAG 2.0/2.1 Level AA required for all federal agencies
- Best Practice:WCAG 2.2 Level AA recommended for new projects and future-proofing
Getting Started with Standards
Not sure which standards apply to your organization? Start here:
Identify Your Jurisdiction
Determine which regulations apply: US federal (Section 508), US state/local (ADA Title II), EU market (EAA), or international (WCAG).
Map to Technical Standards
Most regulations reference WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA. Start with WCAG compliance, then verify regulatory-specific requirements.
Build Organizational Capability
Use ISO 30071-1 guidance to build sustainable accessibility programs that maintain compliance over time.
Need Help Understanding Standards?
Our team can help you identify which standards apply to your organization, map requirements, and build compliance roadmaps. We offer training, consulting, and implementation support.
Contact Us for Standards Guidance