The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has published WCAG Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) 2.0 as a W3C Group Note, providing updated guidance on evaluating how well digital products conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.
WCAG-EM 2.0 builds on the original WCAG-EM 1.0 methodology and describes a technology-agnostic, step-by-step process for evaluating accessibility. The methodology guides evaluators through defining the evaluation scope, exploring the target digital product, selecting a representative sample, evaluating that sample against WCAG 2, and reporting the findings.
According to the W3C, the methodology provides a common framework for accessibility evaluations, helping evaluators apply good practice, avoid common mistakes and achieve more comparable results. It is suitable for a range of evaluation contexts, including self-assessments and independent third-party evaluations.
The specification notes that accessibility evaluations can be carried out in a variety of situations, including before a digital product is released, when it is being redesigned or procured, and as part of ongoing accessibility monitoring.
Importantly, WCAG-EM 2.0 does not introduce additional WCAG requirements or replace the WCAG 2 standard. Instead, it provides guidance on how to carry out accessibility evaluations against the existing guidelines.
For those new to the methodology, the W3C has also published a WCAG-EM Overview, which introduces the evaluation process and explains how the methodology can be applied in practice.
Following the publication of WCAG-EM 2.0, Centre for Accessibility Australia (CFA Australia) has updated its auditing processes to follow the WCAG-EM 2.0 methodology.
The W3C also thanked the editors and contributors who helped develop the updated methodology, acknowledging everyone involved in the publication of WCAG-EM 2.0.
For more information, please read the W3C’s announcement on the WCAG Evaluation Methodology 2.0 update.