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I use a web app to check my site color contrast. Most of my color (Back/fore ground colors) are OK and I see YES inside textboxes except the one which refers to WCAG 2 AAA. What is it? What is the difference between WCAG 2 AAA Compliant and WCAG 2 AA Compliant?

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The definition is very clear:

Level AA: For Level AA conformance, the Web page satisfies all the Level A and Level AA Success Criteria, or a Level AA conforming alternate version is provided.
Level AAA: For Level AAA conformance, the Web page satisfies all the Level A, Level AA and Level AAA Success Criteria, or a Level AAA conforming alternate version is provided.

Every single rule in the guideline has a level of conformance it belongs to. If you fulfull all requirements marked with AAA, your site has the highest compliance.

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Thanks for the answer. It was helpful. If background and foreground color fail in passing Level AA, does that mean colorblind people can't see it or can see it with difficulties? – UX-Geek Jun 18 '12 at 14:42
That depends on the actual contrast value. They will have at least some difficulties if it's too low, but sometimes the contrast is still enough to be readable but you are not compliant per definition. Test it with actually disabled people, they will give you good feedback whether you have to change it or it is already ok. – Michael Jun 18 '12 at 15:22
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@UX-Geek: good on you for accepting an answer to your question. Did you know you are allowed to upvote as well as accept? – Marjan Venema Jun 18 '12 at 17:00
@MarjanVenema, what do you mean? Do you mean I should mark it as an answer plus upvoting it? Is this what you're saying? – UX-Geek Jun 19 '12 at 12:10
@UX-Geek: that is exactly what I mean. Not that you have to, but I can't imagine why one would want to accept but not upvote an answer. – Marjan Venema Jun 19 '12 at 13:41
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To answer your comment above. The background and foreground colours pass or fail on a specific algorithm, which is different for AA and AAA. An overview is given below:

AA = Contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between background and foreground. 3:1 for large text (over 18 point or 14 point bold)

AAA = Contrast ratio of at least 7:1 between background and foreground. 4.5:1 for large text (over 18 point or 14 point bold)

With regards your question does it mean colour blind people have difficulties, that depends on various factors. Consider checking your site on a colour blind simulator such as http://www.vischeck.com/. Personally I think the WCAG guidelines are too limiting at the lower contrast levels. Also they have no limit for high contrast. Too much contrast can often be an issue for users with dyslexia I believe.

If accessibility is core and you have budget find a way to test with users with various disabilities, as colour contrast is only a small part of accessibility. There are companies that offer these services I believe.

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I've read in the guidlines that it's not recommended to follow the exact requirement of AAA for all of your website elements. I think it would be too difficult to reach to that point, and all of you site will look so bizzare. – UX-Geek Jun 19 '12 at 12:18
+1 for the points. thanks – UX-Geek Jun 19 '12 at 12:18

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