How to ensure accessibility (WCAG) on NGO websites: A comprehensive guide for NGOs

Web accessibility is an issue that is gaining increasing importance in the digital world. This is largely due to growing social awareness, legal regulations, or the dynamic development of technology-but above all, due to the needs of users themselves. It is estimated that up to several percent of society may struggle with various disabilities, such as visual, hearing, or motor impairments. When we add elderly people, individuals less skilled with technology, or those experiencing temporary health difficulties, it becomes clear that accessibility is neither a luxury nor an extra - it's a necessity.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often have statutes emphasizing tasks related to equal opportunities, social activation, or helping people excluded for various reasons. An NGO's website is therefore one of the key tools for communicating with the world, acquiring support and volunteers, running social campaigns, or raising funds. If a website isn't accessible to people with disabilities or seniors, it effectively blocks the path for those who may need help most or who want to offer their support but face barriers when using the service.

Imagine a blind person using a screen reader to browse the internet. If an NGO's website lacks proper alternative descriptions for images (so-called alt text), doesn't utilize correct headings, or semantic markers in its code, the screen reader can't properly convey its content. This leads to frustration, abandonment of visits, and ultimately exclusion-occurring in a place that, by definition, should be particularly open and helpful.

This article serves two main purposes. First, it provides comprehensive knowledge about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), version 2.1. Second, it demonstrates step-by-step how NGOs can (and should) implement accessibility principles on their websites, even if they don’t have a large budget or a well-developed IT department. In the article, you'll find both fundamental explanations and definitions (for those beginning their journey with accessibility), as well as concrete tips, tools, and best practices (for those ready to take immediate action).

It's worth emphasizing that the benefits of including accessibility in website design go far beyond a narrow group of users. Improvements related to navigation simplification or language clarity often mean higher quality and readability for everyone. Easier website usage, clearer graphic elements, logical ordering of sections - these are appreciated not only by users with visual impairments but also by those with limited internet experience or those visiting an NGO's website for the very first time.

At the end of this section, it's worth emphasizing that digital accessibility is not a one-time project nor simply checking tasks off a list. It's a process requiring continuous monitoring, updates, and education. Regulations, standards, and trends may change, but the real needs of the people whose lives we aim to improve remain paramount. Sometimes, even a minor change - such as adding subtitles to a charity action video or providing an alt text description for a key image on the homepage - can dramatically transform the experience of a user with a disability.

WCAG basics

Where did WCAG guidelines come from?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), specifically by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), an organization within W3C. The primary goal of WAI is promoting and developing web accessibility standards so that the largest possible number of people can use the web without barriers.

The history of WCAG dates back to the late 1990s, when the rapid growth of the internet revealed significant barriers that individuals with disabilities encountered while browsing websites. The first official version, WCAG 1.0, was published in 1999. Although this initial standard was not yet perfect, it was a groundbreaking initiative that systematically addressed accessibility issues on the web.

The next milestone was WCAG 2.0, released in 2008. This version of the guidelines was more universal and technologically advanced, enabling better adaptation to evolving web standards. In 2018, WCAG 2.1 was introduced, expanded to include criteria related to mobile device accessibility and users with specific types of visual impairments (e.g., limited field of vision). In December 2022, WCAG 2.2 was released, focusing on improving website usability, taking into account the needs of users with cognitive and motor impairments. Currently, work is underway on WCAG 3.0, aiming to create more flexible and future-proof accessibility guidelines. However, at the time of writing this article, WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 form the legal and substantive basis for most web accessibility solutions.

Structure and levels of compliance

The WCAG 2.1 guidelines can be divided into three main elements:

1. Principles - the four pillars of accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust;
2. Guidelines - more detailed instructions based on these four principles;
3. Success Criteria - a specific set of conditions whose fulfillment ensures accessibility at a given level.

Each success criterion is assigned a level: A, AA, or AAA.

• Level A represents a minimal, basic set of requirements necessary for a site to be usable at all by individuals with disabilities.
• Level AA is often the recommended standard, combining relatively easy-to-implement requirements with significant improvements in quality and user experience.
• Level AAA indicates a very high standard of accessibility, although it is not always feasible to implement fully. Achieving AAA can often be challenging due to design constraints, costs, or even the nature of the presented content.

In the context of NGOs, the most realistic goal is typically Level AA. It ensures a balance between reasonable effort and costs and a meaningful increase in accessibility for a large group of users.

Why is WCAG so important?

WCAG is not just dry, technical guidelines. Above all, it represents an ethos and vision in which the internet should be accessible to everyone - regardless of ability, age, or limitations. These guidelines:

• Provide universal principles - independent of technology or device type.
• Minimize the risk of errors - following WCAG helps you avoid many common pitfalls, such as insufficient contrast, confusing forms, or poorly labeled graphic elements.
• Facilitate regulatory compliance - many countries have laws requiring at least partial adherence to WCAG standards (e.g., EU Directive 2016/2102 primarily targets the public sector but provides directions from which NGOs can also draw inspiration).

Key concepts in accessibility

To understand WCAG, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with a few basic terms:

• Alternative text (alt text): a short image description that is read aloud by screen readers for blind users, or displayed if there are issues loading graphics.
• Aria-label / ARIA: a technology based on HTML attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications), used to enrich applications and websites with additional information specifically for screen readers.
• Contrast: the appropriate difference between text color and background, ensuring readability (measured by a contrast ratio; for example, 4.5:1 is the minimum recommended level for basic content at AA compliance).
• HTML semantics: the correct usage of HTML tags (e.g., header, nav, article, section, h1, h2), which helps both search engine robots and screen readers understand the structure of a website.

Understanding these concepts is the first step toward creating websites friendly to everyone. Without this knowledge, it's difficult to speak about implementing WCAG principles effectively.

Do NGOs have to implement WCAG?

Although in many countries accessibility laws primarily apply to public entities like government offices or state institutions, NGOs are increasingly adopting these standards voluntarily. There are several reasons for this:

• alignment with mission - NGOs frequently serve people with disabilities or socially excluded groups. It’s a natural extension of their mission to remove barriers on their own websites;
• credibility - an accessible website builds an organization's image as open, professional, and engaged;
• effectiveness – improved accessibility makes content easier to reach, potentially leading to more volunteers, donors, or partners;
• requirements from funding institutions – increasingly, organizations financing projects (e.g., foundations, international organizations, or EU programs) include WCAG compliance in their criteria. This practice is becoming so common that, in many grant competitions, ensuring digital accessibility can even be a prerequisite for receiving funding. As a result, NGOs aiming for financial support not only should, but effectively must incorporate WCAG into their website creation or modernization plans.

The importance of accessibility for NGOs

Specific characteristics of the NGO sector

Non-governmental organizations operate within a very broad spectrum of fields: from social assistance through culture and education to environmental protection or human rights. However, they are united by one common idea - the desire to improve quality of life and support various social groups. Many of these groups struggle with different types of exclusion: financial, educational, technological, or health-related.

By their very nature, NGOs strive to be inclusive. In the digital age, where information is widely accessible, a website becomes a crucial tool for communicating with beneficiaries, volunteers, and donors. If a website is designed in an exclusionary way - for instance, if it’s incompatible with screen readers, has insufficient contrast, or overly complex navigation - it effectively undermines the core mission of the organization.

NGO target groups and the need for accessibility

Contrary to popular belief, accessibility is not only about people with disabilities (although they are certainly a key group). NGOs frequently also target:

• elderly people - who are more likely to have vision or hearing impairments and may be less confident navigating the digital world;
• people with limited access to high-speed internet or modern devices - in this case, sites overloaded with graphics and scripts can be difficult to use;
• people with low digital literacy - overly complicated navigation can cause potential beneficiaries to give up searching for the information they need;
• people with temporary limitations - such as those recovering from hand injuries, in noisy environments (unable to use audio), or using small smartphone screens.

When NGOs prioritize accessibility, they ensure their mission reaches further and doesn't exclude anyone from their audience.

Benefits of accessibility

Increased reach and effectiveness

An accessible website means that more people can use it. Increased reach translates to more volunteers, donors, or allies in social causes. People with disabilities, who are often natural allies of organizations combating exclusion, can more easily and quickly find materials, fill out forms, or register for events.

Increased credibility and trust

An organization that consciously incorporates accessibility principles demonstrates these are not merely empty slogans. It builds an image of an NGO as a welcoming space for everyone, genuinely embodying its ideals also in the technological realm. Partners and sponsors-especially international institutions-increasingly appreciate (and sometimes require) compliance with WCAG as part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) criteria.

Improved search engine rankings

From a technical perspective, many accessibility principles (such as semantic HTML code, correct headings, and alt attributes in images) positively impact SEO (search engine optimization). This enables the site to rank higher in Google or other search engines, again translating into greater visibility and reach for the NGO’s activities.

Better user experience (UX) for everyone

Meeting accessibility criteria not only improves content access for people with disabilities. Clear navigation, readable text, appropriate contrast, and logical website structure all ensure that even fully able-bodied users find necessary information faster. Improving UX can increase conversions (such as filled-in forms), shorten the path to key content, and generally enhance communication effectiveness.

Challenges in implementing accessibility in NGOs

Of course, implementing WCAG standards can involve certain obstacles, especially if the organization lacks sufficient budget or an IT team:

• lack of awareness – some organizations may not even know WCAG exists or mistakenly believe it applies only to public institutions;
• financial constraints – some changes may require hiring specialists, although many adjustments can be implemented independently, especially when using ready-made CMS systems and plugins;
• technical complexity – correctly implementing accessibility can be challenging for individuals without programming skills;
• insufficient staffing – in small NGOs, websites are often managed by volunteers or individuals randomly assigned to this task without specialized support.

Despite these difficulties, implementing even basic accessibility standards (level A and some AA criteria) is typically achievable with relatively modest effort, provided the organization has sufficient awareness and willingness.

The importance of accessibility for NGOs

Digital accessibility for NGOs is not just "another formality" or "extra". It lies at the heart of fulfilling their mission, particularly if the organization operates in the areas of social inclusion, supporting marginalized individuals, or education. WCAG guidelines are universal and can be implemented step by step. Even simple actions - such as adding alt text to images or improving contrast-can make a tremendous difference for users.

The four main principles of WCAG 2.1

The WCAG 2.1 guidelines are built around four fundamental principles:

1. Perceivable
2. Operable
3. Understandable
4. Robust

These four pillars can be remembered with the acronym POUR (from their initial letters in English: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust). Let's examine each principle in detail.

Perceivable

Key idea: Users must be able to perceive information and interface elements. If something is invisible to screen readers, blind or visually impaired users will find it difficult to use. If a video lacks subtitles, a deaf person won’t fully understand it

Alternative text for images

One of the most fundamental yet crucial elements is adding alternative text (alt

• NGO example: A foundation’s website features a photo of volunteers building a house for those in need. Without an alternative description, a blind user won’t know what the image shows. Adding alt="Volunteers building a house for a family in need" solves this problem.

Transcripts and captions for multimedia materials

A promotional video showcasing an NGO’s project might be inspiring, but for deaf individuals, it will be useless without subtitles. Transcripts or sign language translations are additional options.

• NGO example: An organization publishes a video featuring a statement by its president. Adding subtitles or even a text summary ensures no one is excluded.

Color contrast

Good contrast between text and background is one of the key factors influencing readability. WCAG specifies minimum contrast ratios for text:

• Level AA requires a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large headings.
• Level AAA has higher requirements, e.g., 7:1 for standard body text.

NGOs often have their own visual identities, including specific colors and logos. When implementing accessibility, it’s crucial to ensure that key information (like text) doesn't "blend" into the background.

• NGO example: If a foundation’s logo has bright colors and the webpage background is also bright, appropriate shades or shadows must be chosen to ensure readability. There are free tools available for checking contrast, such as the Colour Contrast Analyser.

Operable

Key idea: Every interface element must be operable, regardless of the device or assistive technology used. People with motor impairments or blindness often rely exclusively on the keyboard or alternative input devices.

Keyboard navigation

One of the fundamentals: users should be able to navigate through all links, buttons, and form fields exclusively via the keyboard (usually using keys such as Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Spacebar). The absence of "keyboard traps" (areas you cannot exit or elements you cannot reach) is critical.

• NGO example: A volunteer registration contact form must allow seamless navigation between fields using the Tab key.

Control over timing and automatic changes

People with disabilities often require more time to familiarize themselves with content. If an NGO’s website includes a dynamic banner or slideshow with changing images, it's important that users can pause these animations.

• NGO example: A slideshow displaying photos from charity events should include a "Pause" or "Stop Slideshow" button, enabling users to comfortably read the image captions at their own pace.

Avoiding flashing elements

Rapidly flashing or intensely changing elements (particularly at frequencies between 3 and 50 Hz) can pose dangers to individuals with epilepsy. According to WCAG, these animations should be limited or provide the option to disable them.

• NGO example: A banner featuring a rapidly flashing "Support Us" message may be effective for marketing purposes, but poses a risk to individuals susceptible to epileptic seizures.

Understandable

Key idea: Content and interface operations must be understandable. It’s not enough for users to simply "perceive" and "operate" the website - they must also know what's happening and clearly understand the information and mechanisms involved.

Language and simplicity

WCAG recommends presenting content in an understandable manner; if specialized terminology is used, it should be explained. Many users (not only those with disabilities, but also people with dyslexia, for example) benefit when texts are written in simple language.

• NGO example: If an organization advocates for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, the published materials should be written clearly, using short sentences and definitions for difficult terms.

Predictable navigation

A website should maintain consistency in how it displays menus, headings, and buttons. For example, if the "Make a donation" button is placed at the top right on one page, it should appear in a similar location on other subpages.

• NGO example: Frequently relocating the "Volunteer registration" button to different places within the website can confuse users.

Form error explanations

When a user incorrectly completes a form (for example, fails to provide an email address or doesn’t check a required consent), the website should clearly indicate the problematic field and explain precisely what needs to be corrected.

• NGO example: In a training registration form - if someone forgets to enter their surname, the message "Please fill out the surname field" should be clear and accessible to screen readers (preferably linked directly to the relevant field).

Robust

Key idea: A website must be built in a way that ensures correct interpretation by various current and future devices and assistive technologies. This involves adhering to W3C standards, semantic coding, and employing ARIA attributes where necessary.

HTML semantics

Many people who design websites, particularly those without an IT background, primarily use HTML tags for visual purposes (such as making text bold or changing its color). However, the proper structure of headings (h1, h2, h3, etc.), lists (ul, ol), paragraphs (p), sections (section), and labels (label) is crucial for screen readers and analytical tools.

• NGO example: An article describing a social campaign-using h1 for the main title, h2 for subtitles, and h3 for subsections allows a screen reader to interpret the text logically.

ARIA attributes

If standard HTML tags are insufficient (for example, in interactive JavaScript elements), ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications), such as aria-label, aria-labelledby, and aria-hidden, can be utilized. These attributes inform the screen reader about the role of specific elements.

• NGO example: A button within a custom calendar widget used to sign up for an event. An attribute such as aria-label="Open calendar" helps a blind user understand the button's purpose.

Compatibility with future technologies

WCAG recommends that website code remain as "clean" and standards-compliant as possible, ensuring ongoing accessibility as assistive technologies evolve

• NGO example: If an organization plans to expand their service with a mobile application, it's advisable during the initial design phase to incorporate standards that will facilitate integration and consistency in the future.

Why are the four accessibility principles so important?

Understanding these four pillars - Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust - is fundamental; without them, it’s difficult to discuss accessibility meaningfully. They establish the general directions and philosophy behind creating user-friendly websites.

Success criteria in practice

Within WCAG 2.1, there are several dozen detailed Success Criteria, categorized into levels A, AA, and AAA. Below we present selected examples frequently encountered in practice, especially within the NGO context. Although not exhaustive, they provide a strong starting point.

Level A Success Criteria

Alternative text (alt text)

• Description: all non-text content (images, charts, videos, etc.) must have a text alternative that serves the same purpose.
• Importance for NGOs: NGOs often use photos documenting events or promotional posters. Without alt text, blind users will not know what the graphic represents.

Example: alt="Volunteers helping in a Caritas kitchen, preparing meals for people in need".

Keyboard

• Description: The website must be fully navigable using only the keyboard.
• Importance for NGOs: Some individuals with motor or visual disabilities rely solely on keyboards (or alternative input devices). They must have access to all features (forms, menus, buttons).

Example: Newsletter subscription form - moving between fields like First Name, Last Name, Email using the Tab key.

Pause, Stop, Hide

• Description: Users should be able to pause or stop moving, blinking, or scrolling content lasting more than 5 seconds.
• Importance for NGOs: Dynamic banners and photo carousels can distract or prevent people with visual or attention difficulties from reading content.

Example: A slideshow featuring banners "Volunteer" and "Shelter Fundraiser" should include a "Pause" button.

Level AA Success Criteria

Contrast (Minimum)

• Description: The minimum contrast ratio between text color and background should be at least 4.5:1 (for standard body text).
• Importance for NGOs: Ensure important information (e.g., emergency phone numbers, links) remains readable even for users with visual impairments.

Example: White text on a light gray background often fails to meet this requirement; it's advisable to verify contrast using measurement tools.

Link Purpose (In Context)

• Description: Every link should be described unambiguously or clearly understandable from its context.
• Importance for NGOs: Organizations frequently use links like "Click here" without context. For screen reader users navigating a list of links, this is unclear.

Example: Instead of "Click here to learn about trainings," it's better to say "Learn more about volunteer trainings."

Reflow (WCAG 2.1)

• Description: The website should be responsive, ensuring no horizontal scrolling occurs on small screens (e.g., smartphones) or when content is magnified up to 400%.
• Importance for NGOs: Many elderly or visually impaired users enlarge website content to read comfortably. It's essential to ensure the page layout doesn't break.

Example: A well-designed CSS layout that automatically adapts to various screen resolutions is much easier to use and more enjoyable to view, helping to portray the NGO as a professional organization.

Level AAA Success Criteria (is it realistic?)

Although some organizations aim for level AAA, it’s often difficult or even impossible to fully achieve. Examples of AAA criteria include very high contrast (7:1), additional language requirements (such as glossaries for difficult terms), or larger font sizes. In practice, aiming for AA level is usually more realistic, while incorporating AAA elements wherever possible.

Moving from theory to practice

Understanding the specific success criteria is the first step toward implementing them. For NGOs, particularly important aspects include:

• Alternative text for images;
• Adequate contrast;
• Responsiveness and scalability;
• Clear and understandable forms;
• Keyboard navigation.

Even if immediate implementation of all requirements isn’t feasible, focusing on these key elements represents significant progress toward accessibility.

The process of implementing WCAG on NGO websites

Knowing the rules and success criteria is just the beginning. Below is an example of an "implementation roadmap" for accessibility in NGOs.

Audit and analysis of the current state

Quick accessibility assessment

Before NGOs embark on comprehensive measures, it's advisable to perform an initial accessibility assessment. Free tools include:

• WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) - available as a website and browser extension.
• AXE - a browser plugin for Chrome and Firefox.
• Accessibility Insights - a tool provided by Microsoft.

These tools automatically detect certain errors, such as missing alt text, poor contrast, or incorrect headings. However, remember that they won't detect every issue.

Manual verification

After the automatic audit, it’s worth manually navigating through the website using only a keyboard. Can you reach every button, link, or form without using a mouse? Is the tab navigation order logical? It's also important to consider the site from the perspective of different users: what will an older person see when enlarging the page to 200%? Do they see all text clearly, or must they scroll horizontally? What about a deaf user watching videos on the website - are subtitles available?

External audit

If you want the best results and certainty that your NGO’s website fully adheres to established accessibility standards, it’s worth considering commissioning an audit from a professional entity, such as a software house. Experts will thoroughly check both externally visible elements and internal structures of the website, providing a detailed accessibility report along with recommendations for improvements.

Planning changes

Prioritization

It’s impossible to fix everything at once - especially with limited budgets and time. Therefore, it's important to set priorities:

1. Basic errors - missing alt text, poor contrast, inaccessible registration forms.
2. Visual elements – banners, videos, animations.
3. Structure and semantics – headings, content hierarchy, responsiveness.
4. Downloadable documents – PDFs, DOCs, and other materials (if crucial to the NGO’s activities).

Budget and timeline

Depending on project scale and available resources (e.g., whether the NGO has programmers, designers, or accessibility specialists), it's necessary to establish a realistic timeline.

• Small organizations: may start with improvements in their WordPress dashboard and accessibility plugins, adding alt texts for images, or enhancing contrast in their graphical themes.
• Larger organizations: might require a comprehensive external audit and implementing corrections across hundreds of subpages.

Implementing changes in practice

Technical aspects

• HTML semantics: Ensure your website uses correct HTML tags. If you’re using a CMS system (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Drupal), install a theme and plugins that comply with WCAG or offer accessibility-enhancing features.
• ARIA-labels and attributes: For custom interface elements (e.g., complex menus, carousels, dynamic forms), include ARIA attributes.
• CSS and styling: Verify styling does not compromise readability - for instance, clickable areas shouldn't overlap with other elements.

Visual aspects

• Colors and contrast: Adjust CSS stylesheets to improve text-to-background contrast. Utilize tools such as Colour Contrast Analyser.
• Responsiveness: Test the website on various mobile devices and screen resolutions. Ensure key functions (contact forms, menus) remain accessible.

Content considerations

• Alternative texts: Systematically review all images and add alt text descriptions. If you have hundreds of images in your database, consider involving volunteers to create descriptions following established guidelines.
• Simple language: Analyze key subpages (e.g., "About Us," "Contact," "How to Help?") regarding linguistic readability. Can you simplify, shorten, reorganize, or add explanations for difficult terms?
• Video subtitles: If your NGO publishes event videos, make sure to include captions. You can create these yourself using various software options (for instance, YouTube Studio enables automatic subtitles, though manual corrections afterward are advisable).

Adjusting documents (PDF, DOC)

Many users (e.g., visually impaired people) use screen readers with PDF files as well. If your NGO shares reports, statements, or informational brochures in this format, consider the following:

• Heading structure: In your text editor (e.g., MS Word), use styles such as Heading 1, Heading 2.
• Alt texts for images: Add these in the text editor before exporting to PDF.
• Avoid scanned documents: Documents should not be scanned images of pages but rather machine-readable text.

Testing and improvements

Testing methods

• Automated tests: The tools mentioned earlier (WAVE, AXE, Lighthouse) will help you quickly identify obvious errors.
• Manual tests: These include keyboard navigation tests, contrast checks, readability of content, and correctness of video captions.
• User tests: These are the most valuable - if your NGO has access to blind, deaf, or mobility-impaired individuals, invite them to provide feedback and observe the challenges they encounter.

Iterative process

Accessibility is not a "one-shot" task. After making changes and conducting tests, further adjustments are usually necessary. In practice, it's beneficial to divide the implementation into stages and collect feedback after each phase to continuously improve the quality and usability of the website.

Maintenance and continuous improvement

Regular training

NGOs often experience high volunteer turnover, and new individuals may not know how to properly create accessible content. Regularly organize training sessions or provide online guides (e.g., "How to add alt text to images?", "How to create accessible forms?").

Procedure for new content

Establish an internal procedure: each new publication (article, photo gallery, PDF document) should undergo a brief accessibility review before publishing. This prevents accumulating errors and the need for extensive future revisions.

Software updates

If your NGO uses a CMS (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Drupal), regularly update the core system and plugins. Developers of accessibility plugins frequently release fixes and improvements. Outdated software often leads to incompatibilities and security vulnerabilities.

Implementation as part of the communication strategy

Ultimately, accessibility should become an integral part of the NGO’s communication strategy. Consider mentioning accessibility efforts in reports and informing donors and beneficiaries that the website is accessible and continuously improved. This enhances the organization's prestige, demonstrating professionalism and genuine care for diverse user groups.

Tools and methods for testing accessibility

Accessibility testing can be carried out in various ways - from automated plugins, through manual checks, to tests involving real users. For NGOs, it's essential to know at least basic tools and techniques that allow quickly identifying issues and systematically resolving them.

Automated tools

1. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

• Available as a website (wave.webaim.org) and a browser plugin.
• After running WAVE, it displays error and warning indicators on the webpage, such as missing alt text, insufficient contrast, or incorrect heading structures.
• Note: The tool doesn't detect all problems; for instance, it won’t assess the appropriateness of alternative text but will indicate its absence.

• A plugin for Chrome and Firefox (developed by Deque Systems).
• Generates reports with errors and suggestions.
• Frequently used by developers, but also accessible for less advanced users due to its clear browser interface.

• A tool created by Microsoft, available as a browser plugin.
• Allows for a quick "FastPass" audit as well as more in-depth testing.
• Useful for diagnosing websites and web applications.

• Built into Google Chrome (under the "Audit" or "Lighthouse" tab in developer tools).
• Tests various aspects of the site, including performance, SEO, and accessibility.
• The "Accessibility" score in Lighthouse is a useful indicator but still doesn't cover the entire scope of WCAG.

Manual testing

1. Keyboard navigation

• The simplest yet very important test - disconnect your mouse and try navigating through the entire website using only the Tab, Enter, Spacebar, and Esc keys.
• Check whether it's clear where the current "focus" is (usually indicated visually, e.g., a border around the selected element).
• Make sure there aren't any areas that can't be reached using the keyboard.

• Download a tool like Colour Contrast Analyser (for example, from The Paciello Group).
• Measure the contrast between text and background colors in critical areas (headings, body text, links, buttons).
• If results fall below 4.5:1 (or 3:1 for large text), color adjustments are necessary.

• Enlarge the webpage in your browser (Ctrl + plus on Windows, Cmd + plus on Mac) to 200% or even 400%.
• Check whether the site remains readable, elements don't overlap, and ensure there is no horizontal scrolling.

• You can use a browser plugin that displays heading structures (e.g., HeadingsMap in Firefox).
• Check whether headings appear in a logical hierarchy (H1, H2, H3...), and ensure they aren't used solely for stylistic purposes (such as multiple H1 tags on a single page).

User testing

1. Inviting users with disabilities

• If your organization or beneficiaries include blind, visually impaired, deaf, or mobility-impaired individuals, invite them to provide feedback.
• Observe which elements cause difficulties (e.g., unclear buttons, poorly described images, overly small fonts).
• This is the most valuable method - real feedback from your target users.

• You can also request usability or accessibility experts to navigate your website and assess key elements.
• You’ll receive a list of recommendations and advice on improving UX and accessibility.

Documenting test results

Good practices involve creating brief reports or at least checklists from tests. This helps organizations monitor progress and avoid repeating the same errors. For larger websites, it's beneficial to maintain a registry of detected issues and track when they've been resolved.

How often should testing occur?

• During significant changes (e.g., website rebuild, theme changes, adding new features) - ideally, testing should occur at every stage to promptly identify issues.
• Periodically - for example, once a quarter or semi-annually, conduct a simplified audit using automated tools and keyboard tests.
• Before important events (fundraisers, campaigns, online conferences) - ensure key pages are definitely accessible.

Summary and next steps

Web accessibility according to WCAG guidelines is not merely a formal requirement but, above all, an expression of respect and care for the diverse needs of users. In the context of non-governmental organizations, accessibility holds special significance: NGOs often support marginalized and vulnerable groups, yet they themselves might unintentionally exclude some users from accessing information, offers, or online activities if their websites aren’t appropriately designed.

In this article, we have examined the most critical aspects of accessibility - from the history and structure of WCAG, through the four core principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), up to specific success criteria and practical implementation processes.

What's next?

• If your organization is just starting its accessibility journey, begin with an audit and simple improvements, such as adding alt text to images, improving contrast, or clarifying links.
• Establish procedures – every new publication (article, photo, video) should be created according to accessibility principles.
• Educate your team and volunteers – even short training sessions or internal guidelines can prevent many future errors and corrections.
• Regularly test – (both automatically and manually), and whenever possible, involve users with disabilities in testing.
• Document and share results – NGOs can exchange experiences, form coalitions for accessibility, and collaboratively solve technical issues.

Implementing accessibility is continuous work, yet it brings numerous benefits: enhancing communication effectiveness, elevating organizational credibility and prestige, and above all - providing real support to all users, regardless of their limitations and individual needs. In doing so, NGOs become promoters of social values not only in theory but also in practice, demonstrating that the digital world can (and should) be open to everyone.

We hope this guide helps clarify key issues and provides inspiration for further action. Each step toward accessibility - even a small one - has real significance for people who need support and information. After all, this is what NGO activities are all about: people and equal opportunities for everyone.

By implementing WCAG principles, NGOs show their mission and values extend beyond mere declarations. Accessibility is a bridge to better communication, stronger social engagement, and more effective assistance for those who need it most.

If you need help implementing WCAG, we invite you to use our services, which will make your website friendly to all users. Contact us today so that together we can ensure your mission and values are fully realized in the digital space as well.

Good luck with your future efforts - every step counts!