WCAG 2.1 Exceptions to WCAG 2.1

The following are exceptions that are stated within the WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria. Further exceptions may be present within techniques that correspond to the success criteria. Search How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference) if you believe an exception may be applicable to your situation, but it is not shown below. You will need to search through the techniques.

If a text version of audio would defeat the purpose of the activity, do I have to include a text version?

No. If you are giving an assessment that would be invalid if presented in text, then you do not need to provide a full text version. For example, if you are giving a spelling test, then the text alternative would defeat the purpose of the text. Instead, you can provide a text alternative that describes the word, provide an image of the thing, or find an alternative way for the student to complete the activity.

The same would be true in the case of languages, where the purpose of the assessment is to see if a student can understand when French is spoken. In this case, you would need to work with the ADS to come up with an accommodation for the student.

Success Criterion 1.1.1

If a text version of an image would defeat the purpose of the activity, do I have to include a text version?

No. Similar to audio, if you are giving an assessment that would be invalid if presented in text, then you do not need to provide a full text version. For example, in an art course, if students are asked to describe the colors used in a painting or are asked to create a color wheel then a text version wouldn't make much sense. A brief description of the painting could be provided or students may be asked to describe the importance of a color wheel, but in the end, it may be better to work with the ADS to provide a reasonable accommodation.

Success Criterion 1.1.1

If I create a video or audio alternative for a written document, do I need a transcript for that audio or captions for that video?

No. This would be a circular creation. You only need to clearly label the video or audio as an alternative to reading the document.

Success Criterion 1.2.1

Success Criterion 1.2.2

Success Criterion 1.2.3

The text or image is not meant to be read by anyone. It's just decorative or part of the background. Does it really need to meet color contrast requirements?

No. Text or images of text that are pure decoration, not visible to anyone, or part of the background of a picture, have no contrast requirement.

Success Criterion 1.4.3

Are logos or brand names subject to color contrast standards?

No. Text that is part of a logo or brand name has no contrast requirement.

Success Criterion 1.4.3

Do captions and images of text need to be resizable?

No. If captions or images of text do not resize, that can be okay. Although, you should consider if the image of text really needs to be an image.

Success Criterion 1.4.4

If I change my image of text, it won't have the same effect. Do I really have to change it?

There are three instances in which it is okay to keep your text as an image of text:

Logo: If the text is part of a logo, you may keep it as an image of text.
Customizable: If the image of text can be visually customized to the user's requirements then it can remain as an image of text. This means that students must be able to make the text larger, smaller, larger space between words or characters, change the font, etc. This instructional designer doesn't know how to make that happen in an image, but if you do, go ahead (also, please let me know).
Essential: If a particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed it may stay as an image. For example, an image of the Declaration of Independence so that everyone can see John Hancock’s signature would be considered essential.

Success Criterion 1.4.5

My table/image/video does not reflow on a smaller screen like text does. Do I have to change it?

No. Parts of the content which require two-dimensional layout for usage or meaning are not subject to reflow standards (ex. Tables, images, videos).

Success Criterion 1.4.10

What if slight color differences is essential to message of the graphic? Do I still have to follow color contrast standards?

No. If a particular presentation of graphics is essential to the information being conveyed, then contrast standards do not need to be met. For example, the color wheel may not meet color contrast standards because the purpose of it is to change color very slightly all the way around. This is fine.

Success Criterion 1.4.11

Are there any exceptions for time limits?

Real-time Exception: The time limit is a required part of a real-time event (for example, an auction), and no alternative to the time limit is possible; or

Essential Exception: The time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity; or

20 Hour Exception: The time limit is longer than 20 hours.

Success Criterion 2.2.1

Moving, blinking, and/or scrolling are essential elements of what I teach. Can I really not include GIFs that cannot be paused, stopped, or hidden?

If the movement, blinking, or scrolling is part of an activity where it is essential, then GIFs do not need to meet the pause, stop, hide criterion. For example, an animation course may include longer gifs because that is essential to the content.

Success Criterion 2.2.2

I want the link text to be ambiguous for all users. That's the point. Can I do that?

If the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general, the link does not need specific descriptive text.

Success Criterion 2.4.4

I use common phrases that are technically from other languages (ex. déjà vu, karaoke, algebra). Do I need to tag them as other languages?

No. The language criterion does not apply to proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding text.

Success Criterion 3.1.2