A review and comparison of selected WCAG-based website digital accessibility assessment methodologies

Abstract

A website accessibility assessment methodology provides a structured process that directs evaluators through a sequence of steps to determine whether a website conforms to established accessibility standards, such as the WCAG guidelines. This article presents a comparative examination of three major web accessibility evaluation frameworks: WCAG-EM (Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology) developed by the W3C,RGAA(Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité), which is mandatory for public institutions in France, and the Polish Web Accessibility Evaluation Methodology created for use within the Polish public sector. Each of these approaches embodies a distinct perspective on evaluating digital accessibility, shaped by differing legal, technical, and organizational environments. The article contrasts these methodologies with respect to their scope structural composition, integration with legal requirements, degree of detail, testing procedures, and practical usability. The findings underscore the strengths and weaknesses of each framework, offering insights into how evaluation practices may be adapted to national conditions while remaining consistent with international accessibility standards. The study concludes with a comparative analysis of selected characteristics across the examined methodologies.