Accessible Version

An accessible version is a copy of a web page that complies with WCAG, offered as a replacement for a page that does not. It must provide the same information and functionality as the original, be kept up to date, and be directly reachable from the non-conforming page.

Your page uses a JavaScript component that screen readers cannot interpret. You provide a link to an accessible version of the same page. Problem solved? Not necessarily.

#What WCAG Really Requires

WCAG 2.1 allows non-conforming pages within an audited scope, under one condition: a "conforming alternate version" must exist. The W3C sets three rules:

1. The accessible version meets the target conformance level (A, AA, or AAA).
2. It provides the same information and functionality.
3. It is as up to date as the non-conforming version.

A link to this version must be present at the beginning of the non-conforming page, and this link itself must be accessible.

#The "Text-Only Version" Trap

Many organizations create a stripped-down version: no images, no layout, no interaction. It's tempting. It's also non-conforming.

If the main version allows filtering a catalog, adding a product to a cart, and paying online, the accessible version must do exactly the same thing. Removing features amounts to creating a second-class site for assistive technology users.

The W3C is explicit: the alternative version must provide all information and all functionality. Not a summary. Not a partial view. Everything.

#When It's Justified, When It's Not

The accessible version is a transition mechanism. You're adopting recent technology that assistive technologies don't yet support? A native HTML version is a good temporary solution.

It is not a permanent substitute for compliance. If your signup form uses a custom <div> component instead of a native <select>, the right approach is to fix the component, not maintain two versions indefinitely.

<!-- Link to accessible version, placed at the beginning of the page -->
<a href="/signup-accessible">
  Accessible version of this page
</a>

#In Summary

An accessible version is valid only if it is complete, up to date, and reachable. It serves as a bridge, not an excuse. The goal remains to make the main version compliant.