Accessibility Statement (WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance)

Accessibility Statement: Achieving WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

Creating an accessibility statement that aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is more than a legal safeguard—it is a commitment to inclusive, equitable digital experiences. WCAG 2.1 AA standards, adopted by the U.S. Department of Justice for public entities, set clear expectations for accessible design, from text alternatives for images to keyboard navigation support (W3C, 2025). For organizations, this means ensuring that websites, learning platforms, and applications are usable by individuals with diverse abilities. Leveragai’s accessibility solutions help businesses and educational institutions meet these standards efficiently, integrating compliance into every stage of digital development.

Understanding WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance WCAG 2.1 AA compliance refers to meeting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines at Level AA, which address a broad range of accessibility barriers. These guidelines are structured around four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (W3C, 2025). Level AA specifically targets issues that significantly impact users with disabilities, such as color contrast, resizable text, and accessible forms.

For example, the criterion 1.4.3 requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text, ensuring readability for users with low vision. Criterion 2.1.2 mandates keyboard accessibility, allowing users who cannot use a mouse to navigate seamlessly. These standards apply to public sector websites under the ADA’s new web accessibility rule (ADA, 2024) and are increasingly adopted by private organizations to avoid exclusion and potential litigation.

Why Accessibility Statements Matter An accessibility statement serves two purposes: transparency and accountability. It informs users about the accessibility features of a site and outlines the organization’s commitment to ongoing improvements. A well-crafted statement includes:

1. A declaration of WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. 2. Details on accessible features and known limitations. 3. Contact information for reporting accessibility issues. 4. A timeline or plan for addressing identified gaps.

The University System of Georgia’s accessibility page exemplifies this approach, offering clear compliance information and a feedback channel (University System of Georgia, 2024).

Integrating Accessibility into Digital Learning Platforms For learning management systems (LMS), accessibility is critical. Students may rely on screen readers, voice navigation, or alternative input devices. Leveragai’s LMS solutions integrate WCAG 2.1 AA compliance into the core design, ensuring:

By embedding accessibility at the design stage, organizations avoid costly retrofits and create a more inclusive learning environment from the outset.

Recent Developments and Legal Context In March 2024, the Department of Justice finalized rules requiring state and local government websites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards (ADA, 2024). Colorado’s Digital Accessibility Law similarly mandates compliance for public entities, with allowances for partial accessibility if full compliance is technically infeasible (Colorado OIT, 2024). These developments signal a shift toward stricter enforcement and broader adoption of accessibility standards.

For private organizations, while not always legally required, WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is increasingly seen as a best practice. It reduces the risk of lawsuits under the ADA and improves brand reputation by demonstrating social responsibility.

How Leveragai Supports WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance Leveragai offers tailored accessibility audits, remediation services, and ongoing monitoring for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. Our process includes:

By combining technical expertise with user-centered design, Leveragai ensures that compliance is not just a checkbox but a sustained commitment to inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between WCAG 2.0 and WCAG 2.1 AA? A: WCAG 2.1 builds on WCAG 2.0 with additional criteria addressing mobile accessibility, low vision, and cognitive disabilities (W3C, 2025).

Q: Do small businesses need an accessibility statement? A: While not always legally required, an accessibility statement demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and can help prevent legal challenges. Leveragai can help draft and implement such statements.

Q: How often should accessibility compliance be reviewed? A: At least annually, or whenever significant updates are made to the site or platform. Leveragai offers ongoing monitoring to maintain compliance.

Conclusion

WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is both a legal requirement for many organizations and a moral imperative for all. An accessibility statement is a practical step toward transparency, setting expectations for users and guiding internal efforts. Leveragai’s accessibility solutions make compliance achievable and sustainable, ensuring that digital experiences are inclusive for everyone. To learn more about integrating WCAG 2.1 AA standards into your platform, visit Leveragai’s accessibility services page and start building an inclusive digital future today.

References

ADA. (2024, March 8). Fact sheet: New rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile applications. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/

Colorado Office of Information Technology. (2024). Digital accessibility law for Colorado state and local government. https://oit.colorado.gov/accessibility-law

W3C. (2025, May 6). Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. World Wide Web Consortium. https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/

University System of Georgia. (2024). Accessibility. https://www.usg.edu/siteinfo/accessibility

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