WCAG 2.1 Section 5.2.2: Full Pages
Estimated read time: 4–5 minutes
What Does "Full Pages" Mean in WCAG?
Section 5.2.2 of WCAG 2.1 states that conformance (and conformance level) is for full web page(s) only, and cannot be achieved if part of a web page is excluded.
- Conformance must apply to the entire web page.
- You cannot claim conformance for just a portion of a page.
A "full page" includes each variation of the page that is automatically presented for different screen sizes (such as responsive layouts). All these variations must conform, or have a conforming alternate version, for the page to be considered conformant.
Key Notes from the Specification
- Alternatives: For conformance, alternatives to part of a page's content (like a long description or alternative video presentation) are considered part of the page if they can be obtained directly from the page.
- Third-Party Content: If a page cannot conform due to content outside the author's control, a Statement of Partial Conformance may be considered.
- Responsive Design: Every version of a page (e.g., mobile, tablet, desktop) must conform for the page to be considered accessible.
Why Is This Important?
- Prevents "cherry-picking": You can't claim a page is accessible if only some parts are.
- Ensures a consistent experience: All users, on all devices, get the same level of accessibility.
- Supports legal and ethical claims: Conformance claims must be honest and comprehensive.
Examples
- If your site has a desktop and a mobile version, both must meet the same accessibility requirements.
- If a video has an alternative text transcript available directly from the page, both the video and the transcript are considered part of the page for conformance.
References & Further Reading
Conformance to WCAG means making the entire experience accessible—not just part of it.