Introducing dd_wcag

By Jared Lyvers, ldnddev - February 20, 2026

As web developers, making sure our sites are accessible to everyone isn't just best practice—it's increasingly a legal must-have. With updated ADA rules requiring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for public sector websites by April 2026, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) enforcing similar standards, accessibility has never been more essential. Recent WCAG 2.2 updates bring sharper focus on visibility, mobile usability, cognitive support, and streamlined forms. And with WCAG 3.0 on the horizon, we're looking at expanded guidelines for virtual environments and wearables like smartwatches.

In this evolving space, tools that make accessibility testing straightforward are game-changers. That's why I'm thrilled to share dd_wcag, my new open-source project: a terminal-based utility for verifying WCAG color contrast compliance. Crafted in Rust, with Ratatui for the TUI and Crossterm for seamless cross-platform terminal support, dd_wcag delivers robust testing directly in your command line—keeping your workflow uninterrupted.

Why Choose dd_wcag?

Color contrast sits at the heart of WCAG success criteria (like 1.4.3 for minimum AA-level contrast). Low contrast can render text illegible for people with low vision, color blindness, or in high-glare settings. Many tools force you to jump into a browser or desktop app, breaking your flow. dd_wcag stays right in the terminal, ideal for devs who thrive in shell environments.

This aligns perfectly with ldnddev's emphasis on streamlined web development. Whether you're crafting static sites, WordPress themes, or custom Drupal modules, fast contrast checks can prevent costly revisions and ensure your projects meet standards from the start.

Key Features at a Glance

• Versatile Color Inputs: Input foreground and background colors via HEX, RGB/RGBA, or HSL—whatever works for you.
• Instant Conversions: Watch your colors transform in real-time to HEX, RGB, and HSL in a clear side panel.
• WCAG AA Checks: Receive immediate contrast ratios and pass/fail results based on font size and weight.
• Terminal Preview: Visualize colors on sample text within the app, with easy bold toggling.
• Browser Integration: Hit Ctrl+O to create and launch an HTML preview for precise font size views (terminals can't scale fonts perfectly).
• Simple Controls:
  • Tab/Shift+Tab: Navigate fields.
  • Enter: Add new lines in previews.
  • Ctrl+Up/Down: Adjust font sizes (6-120px).
  • Ctrl+B: Toggle bold text.
  • Ctrl+O: Open browser preview.
  • Ctrl+Q: Exit cleanly.

Plus, customize the look with themes in ~/.config/ldnddev/dd_wcag/theme.yml for a setup that feels like yours.

How to Get Started

Check out the repository: https://bitbucket.org/ldnddev/dd_wcag.git

1. Clone the Repository:

   
   git clone https://bitbucket.org/ldnddev/dd_wcag.git
   cd dd_wcag
   

2. Build and Launch:

   cargo run

3. Install the Binary: Run the provided install.sh script:

   ./install.sh

   Now, just type dd_wcag from any directory.

Dive deeper in the README for setup tips and more.

Building for Tomorrow's Standards

As WCAG advances—with 2.2 prioritizing mobile and cognitive accessibility, and 3.0 gearing up for immersive tech—developers need tools that integrate seamlessly. dd_wcag fits into terminal-driven routines, much like other Ratatui-powered apps. In an era of AI-enhanced coding, it ensures accessibility remains a core priority, not a bolt-on.

At ldnddev, we prioritize accessible sites built to last. dd_wcag is MIT-licensed and open-source—feel free to fork, contribute, or weave it into your processes.

What accessibility hurdles have you faced in your work? Drop your thoughts below!

Until next time, Jared Lyvers