WCAG
W3C standard for web content accessibility
ISO 31000
International standard for risk management guidelines
Quick Verdict
WCAG provides testable web accessibility guidelines for disability inclusion, while ISO 31000 offers risk management principles for uncertainty on objectives. Organizations adopt WCAG for legal compliance and UX; ISO 31000 for governance and resilience.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- POUR principles structure comprehensive accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria with A/AA/AAA conformance levels
- Technology-agnostic across all web content and platforms
- Backward-compatible additive evolution preserves policy stability
- Strict conformance for full pages and processes
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Eight principles guiding effective risk management
- Framework embedding risk into governance and operations
- Iterative six-step risk management process
- Leadership commitment and cultural integration emphasis
- Customizable, non-certifiable guidelines for any organization
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, the global technology-agnostic standard for web accessibility. It defines testable success criteria to make content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Scope includes all web content; methodology layers stable normative requirements (principles, guidelines, criteria) with evolvable informative techniques.
Key Components
- **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust as foundation.
- 13 guidelines, 80+ success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
- Supporting docs: Quick Reference, Understanding WCAG, Techniques.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with regulations (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Mitigates litigation risks amid surging lawsuits.
- Delivers business value: expanded market reach, UX/SEO gains, reduced support costs.
- Enables procurement, governance, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: policy setting, gap analysis, remediation via design systems/CI/CD, training, hybrid testing (automated/manual/user), monitoring. Applies universally across sizes/industries; no certification but VPAT/ACR for claims.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard offering non-certifiable guidelines for systematic risk management. It defines risk as the effect of uncertainty on objectives, providing a principles-based framework applicable to any organization, emphasizing value creation and protection through integrated practices.
Key Components
- **Eight principlesintegrated, structured/comprehensive, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best available information, human/cultural factors, continual improvement.
- Framework (Clause 5): leadership/commitment, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement.
- Process (Clause 6): communication/consultation, scope/context/criteria, risk assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting.
- No certification; focuses on guidelines, not requirements.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves decision-making, resilience, and strategic execution.
- Enhances governance, stakeholder trust, and operational efficiency.
- Supports compliance, opportunity realization, and risk reduction.
- Builds competitive advantage via tailored risk intelligence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: leadership alignment, gap analysis, pilot deployment, integration, ongoing monitoring.
- Universal applicability across sizes/sectors; emphasizes culture, training, tools like GRC platforms.
- No mandatory audits; internal assurance via reviews and metrics. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | ISO 31000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Enterprise-wide risk management principles |
| Industry | All web-publishing organizations globally | All organizations/sectors worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary testable guidelines, not certifiable | Voluntary non-certifiable risk guidelines |
| Testing | Automated/manual/AT/user testing, audits | Risk assessment, monitoring, internal reviews |
| Penalties | Litigation/ADA fines, reputational damage | No direct penalties, operational losses |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and ISO 31000
WCAG FAQ
ISO 31000 FAQ
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