How to Identify WCAG 2.2 Gaps Using allyWay Audits
Introduction
Achieving a highly accessible digital experience for all users is more than a checkbox exercise—it’s a foundational element of inclusive web design. With the release of WCAG 2.2, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines have advanced to address a broader range of barriers faced by users, particularly those with cognitive disabilities, low vision, and mobility impairments. But as the standards evolve, so does the complexity of identifying and closing conformance gaps.
If you're a business owner, web developer, or digital strategist, you’re likely grappling with tough questions: Where does my website fall short? What specific WCAG 2.2 success criteria are we missing? How can we begin to resolve these issues efficiently without draining internal resources?
Enter allyWay, a business-friendly accessibility platform created to support your efforts toward WCAG alignment. With AI-powered accessibility audits, intelligent diagnostic tools, and over 30 features tailored to improve usability and inclusivity, allyWay provides actionable insights into accessibility gaps—particularly across the new WCAG 2.2 success criteria.
This guide explains how to identify WCAG 2.2 gaps using allyWay audits, highlights the strategic advantages of automating and streamlining your compliance journey, and offers practical tips for organizations aiming to reduce accessibility barriers effectively.
Understanding WCAG 2.2: What’s New and Why It Matters
WCAG 2.2, released by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), builds upon WCAG 2.1 and introduces nine new success criteria. Its purpose? To expand digital access to more users, primarily focusing on:
✓ People with low vision
✓ Users with cognitive and learning disabilities
✓ Mobile users with varying physical or situational challenges
The guidelines aim to ensure that all users can:
- Navigate a website intuitively
- Understand information without undue cognitive effort
- Interact with content regardless of device or assistive technology
Key WCAG 2.2 Criteria Worth Noting
Here’s a sample of new or updated success criteria included in WCAG 2.2:
| Success Criterion | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) | AA | Ensures focus indicators are visible and not hidden behind other content. |
| 2.5.7 Dragging Movements | AA | Alternative input methods must be offered for elements requiring dragging gestures. |
| 3.2.6 Consistent Help | A | Provides consistent access to support elements, like help icons or contact links. |
| 3.3.7 Redundant Entry | A | Avoids requiring users to input the same data multiple times during a session. |
These new requirements can be difficult to detect manually. That's why a purpose-built accessibility tool like allyWay becomes invaluable.
Why Accessibility Audits Are Essential
Even for experienced development teams, accessibility gaps often go unnoticed until a formal audit is conducted. An accessibility audit is a thorough review of a website or web application that identifies conformance issues against standards like WCAG, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), EAA (European Accessibility Act), and EN 301 549 (for EU public sector digital services).
Top 5 Reasons to Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits
- Ensure continuous improvement → Accessibility standards evolve. Audits help align ongoing updates with the latest criteria.
- Prevent costly accessibility debt → Addressing issues now is less expensive than delaying fixes.
- Improve real-world usability → Many audit findings enhance the UX for all users, not just those with disabilities.
- Support inclusive digital practices → Accessibility equals equity in the online world.
- Streamline towards compliance → Regular audits help identify friction points in meeting WCAG, ADA, and EAA standards.
How allyWay Helps You Identify WCAG 2.2 Gaps Effectively
allyWay is more than a compliance checker—it’s a robust digital accessibility optimization platform. When you conduct an allyWay audit, you're not just uncovering issues. You're receiving intelligent guidance for resolution, prioritization, and inclusive design improvements.
Core Capabilities of allyWay Audits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| AI-Powered Accessibility Engine | Automates complex analysis using machine learning to flag WCAG 2.2 violations |
| Real-Time Diagnostic Reports | Instantly identifies barriers for screen readers, keyboard nav, and alternative inputs |
| Manual Testing Recommendations | Complements AI findings with suggestions for assisted evaluations |
| Multi-Language Support | Available in 35+ languages, ideal for multilingual websites and international businesses |
| Profiles for Role-Based Testing | Offers 5 accessibility profiles for visual, cognitive, and motor impairments |
allyWay Audit Workflow in 5 Simple Steps
- Enter Your Website URL → Start the audit right from your dashboard.
- AI Analysis Begins → The system reviews your web pages against WCAG 2.2, ADA, and other standards.
- Receive an Accessibility Score → Get a high-level overview with actionable items.
- View Issue Breakdown → Detailed view based on specific success criteria.
- Access Fix Recommendations → Aligned with design and dev best practices.
Real-World Examples: WCAG 2.2 Gaps AllyWay Can Detect
To understand how practical this is, let’s walk through common WCAG 2.2 gaps and how allyWay flags them:
Example 1: Focus Obscuration
Failing Criterion: 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
Common Issue: A modal opens, but the keyboard focus lands behind it or is visually hidden due to overlays.
allyWay Audit Output:
✓ Identifies the component
✓ Tells you when the focus outline is obstructed
✓ Suggests accessible markup orders or styling updates
Example 2: Inaccessible Drag Events
Failing Criterion: 2.5.7 Dragging Movements
Common Issue: Drag-and-drop interfaces that don’t provide alternative keyboard mechanisms.
allyWay Audit Output:
✓ Flags non-compliant drag events
✓ Recommends ARIA practices or alternative UI approaches
Example 3: Redundant Data Entry
Failing Criterion: 3.3.7 Redundant Entry
Common Issue: Checkout forms that require users to input address details multiple times.
allyWay Audit Output:
✓ Highlights repeated fields
✓ Recommends user state management or auto-population solutions
Comparison Table: allyWay vs. Manual Accessibility Testing
| Criteria | allyWay Audit | Manual Accessibility Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of Evaluation | Instant (seconds to minutes) | Takes days or weeks |
| Coverage of WCAG 2.2 | ✓ Extensive | ✓ Possible but requires deep expertise |
| Resource Requirements | Low (automated + clear instructions) | High (dedicated accessibility team) |
| Consistency of Results | AI-driven and standardized | May vary by tester skills |
| Cost Efficiency | Budget-friendly for scaling | Higher long-term costs |
| Assistance with Fixes | ✓ Includes recommended solutions | ✓ But usually separately documented |
Accessibility Best Practices for Reducing WCAG Gaps
Although allyWay does much of the heavy lifting, accessibility is a shared responsibility. It’s important to adopt ongoing practices that support inclusive development.
7 Accessibility Best Practices to Follow
- Design with color contrast in mind
- Use logical heading structures (H1, H2, H3…)
- Label all form fields and include error messages
- Use landmarks and semantic HTML
- Avoid keyboard traps
- Use alt text for images
- Provide consistent navigation and help elements
By integrating these practices and using tools like allyWay, organizations can substantially lower the risk of accessibility-related barriers.
FAQs: WCAG 2.2 and allyWay
Q1: Does allyWay guarantee WCAG 2.2 compliance?
A: No, allyWay does not provide legal guarantees. Instead, it supports your accessibility efforts by identifying and helping you reduce barriers that affect users.
Q2: Can I use allyWay for EN 301 549 or EAA considerations?
A: Yes, allyWay audits are informed by international accessibility standards, including those referenced in EN 301 549 and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Q3: Is allyWay suitable for WordPress or web applications?
A: Absolutely. allyWay is designed for websites and web apps, including platforms like WordPress, Shopify, custom CMSs, and more.
Q4: Is technical knowledge required to use allyWay audits?
A: No. allyWay presents findings in a clear, actionable format, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
Q5: Can allyWay help me track accessibility progress over time?
A: Yes. allyWay allows you to run continuous audits, compare reports, and monitor improvements or regression in accessibility.
Conclusion: Identify, Improve, and Scale Accessibility with allyWay
Digital accessibility isn’t a trend—it’s a right. And with the expansion of WCAG 2.2, there’s a renewed urgency for businesses to evaluate their digital presence for inclusivity. allyWay empowers your organization to bridge accessibility gaps efficiently with AI-powered audits, intelligent suggestions, and robust support for global
