Alongside the four principles guiding the WCAG guidelines, there are also levels that assess adherence to them, which are A, AA, and AAA. Each level includes guidelines that must be met to consider a website accessible to all users. The distinction between criteria levels provides organizations with an organized structure for minimal, acceptable, and optimal accessibility. They also offer more flexibility, so even very complex websites can maintain a minimum criteria level. Here's a breakdown of the grades: Level A: Minimal compliance Level A criteria represent the most basic level of web accessibility. At this level, websites must meet basic accessibility criteria, ensuring that: - The website provide accessible web content that is available and accessible to users with disabilities.. - Keyboard navigation is possible for users who cannot use a mouse. - Clear and consistent navigation and content structure are provided. - Assistive technologies can interact with interactive elements. Level AA: Acceptable compliance Level AA criteria are used in most accessibility rules and regulations around the world. To meet this criteria, the website must be usable and understandable for the majority of people, with or without disabilities, ensuring that: - Color contrast is, in most instances, at least 4.5:1, making text readable for users with visual impairments. - Alt text or similar solutions are used for images that convey meaning, providing equivalent information for users with visual impairments. - Navigation elements are consistent throughout the site, enabling users to easily find what they need. - Form fields have accurate labels, allowing users to understand the purpose of each field. - Status updates can be conveyed through a screen reader, keeping users informed of changes. - Headings are used in logical order, organizing content in a clear and understandable structure. Level AAA: Optimal compliance Level AAA criteria make your site accessible to the maximum number of users and ensure this experience is easy. While this level of criteria would ideally make the web experience truly equal for all users, the Web Accessibility Initiative explains in their compliance documentation “it’s not recommended that Level AAA criteria be required as a general policy for entire sites because it is not possible to satisfy all Level AAA success criteria for some content.”  Some features that could give a website an AAA grading include: - Sign language interpretation is provided for audio or video content, enabling users who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the content. - Color contrast is at least 7:1 in most instances, making text highly readable for users with visual impairments. - Timing is not an essential part of any activity, allowing users with disabilities to complete tasks without time constraints. - Context-sensitive help is available, providing users with additional support and guidance when needed.