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WCAG 2.1 on Ghost: complete compliance checklist

Implementing WCAG 2.1 compliance on Ghost means addressing the platform's specific failure modes (custom theme variance, inaccessible third-party newsletter integrations) while applying Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 success criteria across content, code, and editorial workflow.

Devansh Bhatia · IAAP CPACC · 5 years accessibility engineer3 min readPublished · Updated

WCAG 2.1 in 60 seconds

WCAG 2.1 is the World Wide Web Consortium's accessibility standard published June 2018, adding 17 success criteria to WCAG 2.0 — primarily addressing mobile, low vision, and cognitive disabilities — and currently referenced as the conformance baseline by the European Accessibility Act and most procurement frameworks.

Ghost accessibility — what you are starting with

Ghost is a publication-focused CMS where editorial discipline is the dominant factor.

WCAG 2.1 setup checklist for Ghost

1. Use Casper or audit your theme: Casper is the reference accessibility-aware theme.

2. Editorial discipline on alt text: Ghost editor supports alt; require it.

Common WCAG 2.1 failures on Ghost

• Custom theme variance

• Inaccessible third-party newsletter integrations

Putting it together

Combine WCAG 2.1's AA requirements with Ghost's native tooling. Bake accessibility into your component library and editorial workflow; instrument axe-core in CI for regression.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.

  • Is Ghost WCAG-compliant out of the box?

    Casper theme and Ghost editor support accessibility. Custom themes vary.

  • What is the easiest path to WCAG 2.1 compliance on Ghost?

    Start with the platform's most-accessible default theme (where applicable), audit each installed plugin/extension/module, train content authors on alt text and heading hierarchy, and instrument axe-core in your CI pipeline.

  • Is Ghost accessible?

    Casper theme and Ghost editor support accessibility. Custom themes vary.

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