EN 301 549 vs. WCAG 2.1 AA

Attribute	EN 301 549	WCAG 2.1 AA

Introduction

EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA are two sets of guidelines that aim to make digital content more accessible to people with disabilities. While both sets of guidelines have the same goal, they have some key differences in terms of scope, requirements, and implementation. In this article, we will compare the attributes of EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA to help you understand the differences between the two.

Scope

EN 301 549 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for ICT products and services to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It covers a wide range of digital content, including websites, software applications, and electronic documents. On the other hand, WCAG 2.1 AA is an international standard developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that specifically focuses on web content accessibility. While WCAG 2.1 AA is more narrowly focused than EN 301 549, it provides detailed guidelines for making web content accessible to people with disabilities.

Requirements

EN 301 549 includes requirements for a wide range of accessibility features, including text alternatives for non-text content, keyboard accessibility, and compatibility with assistive technologies. It also covers aspects such as color contrast, audio and video content, and user interface design. In comparison, WCAG 2.1 AA provides a set of 50 success criteria that web content must meet to be considered accessible. These criteria are organized into four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Each criterion has specific guidelines and techniques for implementation.

Implementation

EN 301 549 is a mandatory standard for public sector organizations in the European Union, meaning that they are required to comply with its requirements when procuring ICT products and services. Compliance with EN 301 549 is typically assessed through testing and certification processes. On the other hand, WCAG 2.1 AA is a voluntary standard that is widely adopted by organizations around the world to improve the accessibility of their websites. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA is typically assessed through manual testing, automated tools, and user testing.

Flexibility

EN 301 549 provides a more prescriptive approach to accessibility, with specific requirements that must be met to achieve compliance. While this can make it easier for organizations to understand what is expected of them, it can also limit flexibility in terms of implementation. In comparison, WCAG 2.1 AA provides more flexibility in how accessibility requirements can be met, allowing organizations to choose the best approach for their specific context. This flexibility can make it easier for organizations to achieve and maintain accessibility compliance over time.

Updates

EN 301 549 is periodically updated to reflect changes in technology and best practices in accessibility. The most recent version of EN 301 549 was published in 2020, incorporating updates to align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. On the other hand, WCAG 2.1 AA is also periodically updated to address emerging technologies and new accessibility challenges. The latest version of WCAG, version 2.2, was published in 2021, introducing new success criteria and guidelines to improve web content accessibility.

Conclusion

EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA are both important standards for improving the accessibility of digital content for people with disabilities. While EN 301 549 provides a comprehensive set of requirements for ICT products and services, WCAG 2.1 AA focuses specifically on web content accessibility. Organizations can benefit from understanding the differences between these two standards and choosing the one that best fits their needs and goals for accessibility. By implementing the guidelines outlined in EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA, organizations can create digital content that is more inclusive and accessible to all users.