ADA Compliance for WordPress : WCAG 2.1 Hub

Making your WordPress site accessible is no longer optional. In 2025, following WCAG 2.1 AA standards is the easiest way to ensure your website is usable by everyone, search-engine friendly, and legally compliant.

WCAG 2.1 2.2 accessibility best practices

Why Accessibility Matters in 2025

This hub is your one-stop Accessibility Resource Center. Each section links to a dedicated, in-depth guide with practical steps, plugins, tools, and checklists you can apply today — no coding required.

  • Legal: ADA lawsuits continue to rise; most businesses are expected to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.

  • SEO: Accessibility improvements (alt text, headings, clear navigation) overlap with Google best practices.
  • User Experience: A more accessible site = lower bounce rates, longer time on page, and happier visitors.

FAQs on WordPress Accessibility

What does WCAG 2.1 AA mean for a WordPress site?

It means your content follows standards for perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust design. In practice: proper headings, alt text, keyboard support, contrast, and readable content.

Not necessarily. With the right theme, plugins, and checklists, most site owners can reach a solid level of compliance DIY. Complex customizations or audits may require professional help.

No. Plugins are helpers, not complete fixes. You still need to structure content correctly and test manually.

Lightweight plugins have minimal impact. Overlays or script-heavy toolbars may add load time — test and choose carefully.

At least quarterly, and after any major redesign or plugin/theme change. Accessibility is an ongoing process, not one-and-done.

The WordPresS Accessibility Series

Explore our step-by-step posts below. Each one targets a specific area of accessibility and includes DIY tips, recommended tools, and SEO benefits.

WCAG WordPress Themes (2025): Best Accessible Picks

Learn what makes a theme accessible, see our top free & paid WCAG-friendly themes for 2025, and get a checklist for choosing the right foundation.

WordPress Accessibility Plugins (2025): Top Free & Paid

The essential plugins to add skip links, focus styles, contrast toggles, and real-time accessibility audits.

ADA Compliance Checklist for WordPress (2025)

Follow our comprehensive, item-by-item checklist to test, fix, and verify ADA compliance.

WCAG 2.1 Basics for WordPress: The DIY Guide

Understand POUR principles, WCAG levels A/AA/AAA, and what a DIY site owner should focus on first.

How to Make a WordPress Site Accessible (Step-by-Step)

Hands-on improvements: alt text, heading hierarchy, keyboard navigation, form labels, and more.

Accessible WordPress Forms: Labels, Errors, and UX

How to choose a form plugin, add proper labels, and design error messages that screen readers understand.

WordPress Color Contrast: Quick Wins for WCAG AA

Fix poor contrast in buttons, menus, and text with tools and theme customizer tricks.

Keyboard Navigation on WordPress: Make It Work

Ensure your site works without a mouse by adding focus styles, skip links, and accessible menus.

Alt Text for WordPress Images: Best Practices

What needs alt text, how to write it well, and tips for fixing missing alts in bulk.

ARIA Landmarks on WordPress: Practical Usage

When to use ARIA roles, how to label regions, and common pitfalls to avoid.

WordPress Accessibility Maintenance: A Simple Plan

Quarterly audit plan, update workflows, and lightweight monitoring tools to keep your site compliant long-term.

Want to learn more about WCAG 2? Visit the WCAG 2 Overview at w3.org