What Should You Fix First to Meet WCAG Guidelines?

ByLily James

Teams usually panic when they realize they need a WCAG audit.

“Where do we even start?” is a fair question. The WCAG framework is technical and very detailed. Thankfully, you don’t need to fix barriers at once. You just need to fix the right things first.

If you focus on the high-impact accessibility barriers early, you can make the product meaningfully better for users. Focusing on critical areas first even moves you closer to WCAG compliance faster than most teams realize.

Aim for WCAG accessibility for things that block keyboard navigation

Users who can’t access a site with a mouse are locked out immediately. So, here are some keyboard issues you need to fix first:

  • Missing or broken focus states
  • Elements that can’t be tabbed into
  • Pop-ups/modals that trap focus
  • Components that open but can’t be closed with the keyboard

These usability blockers are critical failures as per WCAG guidelines. When you work on correcting the keyboard navigation, a large portion of real-world accessibility complaints are already solved.

The easiest win is to fix the color contrast

Low contrast is the single most common failure found in WCAG testing. It is also the fastest one to fix. WCAG requires the following ratio for colors:

  • 4.5:1 for normal text
  • 3:1 for large text

Contrast issues affect users with low vision or anyone viewing your site in sunlight or on an older screen. Follow the WCAG rules to improve accessibility in hours, not weeks.

Proper Text Alternatives to Non-Text Content

“Just add alt text” is easier said than done. You need meaningful descriptions, not filenames or vague labels.

  • Fix the text for images that convey important information
  • Check if there are any icons without labels
  • Fix charts or infographics with no text equivalent
  • Fix all the image buttons

Your website content is non-compliant if it is inaccessible with a screen reader. Fix this soon because these failures often show up in legal complaints too.

Do we need a full WCAG audit before fixing anything?

Every component on your website does not need fixing at once. However, a full WCAG audit helps you see the problem areas. It gives you a clear list of severe issues and what to fix first.  

Fix the heading structure for quick compliance

Most teams don’t realize how much WCAG depends on clean structure.

  • Proper heading order (H1 → H2 → H3…)
  • Landmarks (main, nav, header, footer)
  • List elements for grouped items
  • Buttons that are actually <button> elements

Fixed heading structure helps users who navigate your website via a screen reader. This easy fix makes the entire product easier to understand.

Fix Form Labels and Error Handling

Forms are usually where accessibility breaks down the hardest. If you need a WCAG certification quickly then you should prioritize form labels.

There should be clear and programmatic labels. Moreover, give instructions and don’t rely on color alone. There should be error messages that are announced to screen readers. Check the form flow it should be logical and predictable.

How do you expect a user to be your customer if they can’t ever complete a form? Hence, inaccessible forms are also a major blocker that needs immediate attention after a WCAG audit. Learn more about the audit and remediation process by connecting with an accessibility specialist. You can also contact ADACP which is a well-known entity offering WCAG compliance services across the US.

Clean Up Interactive Components

There might be a lot of custom components in your information and technology product. For instance, the high risk areas that are found via WCAG testing are dropdowns, carousels, accordions and popups. Focus on these interactive components to achieve compliance quickly.

  • Make all the dropdown lists and popups keyboard-accessible
  • Check all elements and their ARIA roles. They should be correct
  • Prevent screen reader misfires
  • Handle focus before/after interactions

Steer clear of complex UI if you want a quick compliance process. These areas are likely where the bulk of WCAG testing time will go.

Re-Test Everything After Remediation

A lot of teams fix the code but don’t validate it properly. A change is only compliant after re-testing. Check everything after remediation. The most common methods of testing are as follows:

  • A keyboard
  • At least one screen reader (NVDA/VoiceOver)
  • Contrast tools
  • Real user flows

If you don’t want your VPATs to fail during the procurement review then never skip re-testing.

How long does WCAG compliance usually take?

Your product’s size and the number of issues on it decide the timeline. Simple websites can be compliant within a few weeks, while complex platforms may need a few months.  

Final thoughts

WCAG guidelines are vast and can feel devastating. But you can take the fastest path to compliance by simply following the tips shared in this post.

Fix the critical barriers first like the things that block navigation or interaction. Then expand into the rest of the guidelines once the foundation is solid.

If your team needs help prioritizing WCAG issues or you need a clean verifiable accessibility plan then ADACP can help. They are a recognized digital accessibility firm that offers top-notch WCAG audit and remediation services. Schedule a free 30-minute WCAG consult to get a clearer picture of your accessibility roadmap.

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