WCAG
Global standard for accessible web content for disabilities
ISO 19600
Guidelines for compliance management systems
Quick Verdict
WCAG provides testable web accessibility guidelines for all digital content creators globally, while ISO 19600 offers CMS guidance for any organization. Companies adopt WCAG for legal defense and inclusion; ISO 19600 for systematic compliance governance.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- Four POUR principles organize comprehensive accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA conformance levels
- Technology-agnostic for all web content and platforms
- Backward-compatible versions preserve policy and tool continuity
- Strict conformance rules cover full pages and processes
ISO 19600
ISO 19600:2014 Compliance management systems — Guidelines
Key Features
- Risk-based compliance management framework
- Principles of good governance and proportionality
- PDCA cycle for continuous improvement
- Integration with existing management systems
- Scalable guidelines for all organization sizes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is a W3C recommendation, a technology-agnostic framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Its primary purpose is to provide testable success criteria under POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), ensuring equal access across visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive needs.
Key Components
- Four POUR principles with 13 guidelines and ~80 success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
- Normative success criteria separate from informative techniques.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal benchmarks (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk amid rising lawsuits.
- Improves UX, conversion rates, SEO, market reach.
- Builds stakeholder trust via procurement compliance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD integration, audits.
- Applies to all web publishers; AA most common target.
- No formal certification; uses VPAT/ACR, self-audits, techniques for evaluation.
ISO 19600 Details
What It Is
ISO 19600:2014 is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guideline (Type B guidance document) for establishing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). It applies to all organizations, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL structure.
Key Components
- 10 clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Core principles: good governance, proportionality, transparency, sustainability.
- No mandatory requirements; focuses on risk assessment, obligations identification, controls, training, monitoring.
- Non-certifiable; benchmark for internal use, predecessor to certifiable ISO 37301.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates legal, regulatory, reputational risks; reduces penalties and disruptions.
- Enhances decision-making, efficiency (10-20% cost savings), market access, culture.
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge via structured CMS.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: leadership commitment, gap analysis, design, rollout, continuous improvement.
- Scalable for SMEs to multinationals, all sectors/geographies.
- No formal certification; self-assessment, internal audits (ISO 19011).
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | ISO 19600 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Compliance management systems guidelines |
| Industry | All industries, global web content creators | All sectors, any organization size globally |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, technology-agnostic | Non-certifiable ISO guidance, withdrawn 2021 |
| Testing | Automated/manual/AT testing, audits | Internal audits, management reviews, monitoring |
| Penalties | Litigation, regulatory non-compliance fines | No direct penalties, governance risk exposure |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and ISO 19600
WCAG FAQ
ISO 19600 FAQ
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