WCAG terminology

There is a lot of terminology when it comes to WCAG and accessibility in general. Here are some explanations for common terms:

Focus indicator: A visible outline showing where you are on a page when using keyboard navigation.
Contrast ratio: A measure of how clearly text stands out from its background (more contrast = easier to read).
Alt text: Short for alternative text. A short description added to an image so screen readers can explain the image.
Caption / subtitles: Text displayed on videos that shows spoken words and sound descriptions.
Keyboard navigation: Using only the keyboard (no mouse) to move around a website.
Screen reader: Software that reads text aloud and helps typing/navigation for people who can’t see well.
WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Guidelines that explain how to make web content easier to use for people with disabilities.
WAI: The Web Accessibility Initiative. The part of W3C focused on accessibility standards and support.
W3C: The World Wide Web Consortium. The group that creates web standards, including accessibility guidelines.
Normative: Rules that must be followed to meet an accessibility standard.
Non-normative: Guidance or advice that helps but is not required to meet accessibility rules.
Assistive technology: Tools that help people with disabilities use computers or websites, for example, screen readers, speech-to-text, or braille displays.
ARIA: WAI-ARIA refers to the Web Accessibility Initiative - Accessible Rich Internet Applications. Extra code added to web pages that helps assistive tools like screen readers understand custom web features.