Introduction
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What is Web accessibility? Accessibility is about usability. Specifically, accessibility is about usability for users with certain kinds of disabilities. If these users find a webpage to be unusable, they are dependent on other people to gather information from that webpage. Accessibility is about independence. Making webpages accessible means enabling user independence.
Accessibility is also the law, at least in the United States as it pertains to two overlapping, but distinct, groups: public entities that exist at the state and local government level as well as public or private entities that receive federal funding under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The regulations cover web sites and in instructional materials in higher education. The regulations issued under the authority of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and under the authority of Section 504 are identical except for the entities covered and small variations in compliance dates.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is an international technical standard is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that defines how to make webpages accessible. WCAG does not cover every disability, but has good coverage for auditory, motor, or visual disabilities. It is organized by Principles, Guidelines, and Success Criteria. The Principles are general objectives and each of the four Principles can be summarized in a single word: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Each of the 13 Guidelines is a one sentence statement of what needs to be achieved. The Success Criteria provide highly technical and testable criteria by which to measure conformance.
The most recent version of the Guidelines is version 2.2, but version 2.1 is still valid. 50 of the 55 (31 at Level "A" and 24 at Level "AA") Success Criteria in 2.2 are identical to the Success Criteria in 2.1. To conform at the AA level, one must conform to all A and AA Criteria. Version 2.2 adds six new Criteria and deletes one Criterion. As technical standards, WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 are oriented towards information technology professionals.
The W3C Tips and Tutorials are also oriented towards IT professionals, as are the Accessibility Conformance Testing (ACT) Rules. The Rules that directly map to a Criterion are marked as such. The "Other" Rules listed under each entry are related to that Success Criterion but typically more strict than the Criterion. In other words, you can fail to conform to the Rule but still conform to the related Criterion.
W3C provides other, less technical, resources oriented towards policymakers and other end-users. These are not listed with the Pithy Guide entries because the less technical resources do not map well with the Criteria.
Some aspects of websites are managed by IT professionals. Some webpage content depends upon end-users with varying levels of technological knowledge. Successfully implementing web accessibility depends upon both groups successfully implementing the Success Criteria. A Pithy Guide to Web Accessibility Standards exists to bridge that gap, to serve both groups. There is an entry for each Success Criterion. Each entry includes both non-technical and technical explanations.
Certain entries for Success Criteria new to WCAG version 2.2 are incomplete but work continues to complete them. Some entries are still being converted from older layouts to newer layouts but work continues to complete them.
An older set of web accessibility regulations applicable to federal agencies is Section 508. Section 508 incorporates WCAG 2 by reference though the 508 Functional Performance Criteria do not merely duplicate WCAG 2. because they do not duplicate WCAG 2, they are listed separately.
WCAG is not the same thing as the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (UDL). UDL is the product of a nonprofit organization known as CAST. The Pithy Guide does not do a deep dive into UDL for two reasons. First, whether one has properly applied the UDL Guidelines is not an easily quantifiable outcome. Second, the terms of use for UDL are far more restrictive. Nevertheless, there is some overlap of concepts between UDL and WCAG so the Pithy Guide entries will link to the UDL Guidelines where as applicable. While neither CAST nor W3C has (or would) put it quite this way, readers who want to use both sets of Guidelines could think of UDL as guidance for creating their inputs and WCAG as guidance for measuring their outputs. Adding the UDL Guidelines to each Pithy Guide entry is an ongoing process.
Using A Pithy Guide to Web Accessibility Standards
Back to navigational menu Using the Pithy Guide
Because A Pithy Guide to Web Accessibility Standards is only a summary it cannot be used to claim comformance with WCAG 2.2. Guidelines and the Success Criteria numbers, titles and levels are "Copyright © 2023 W3C® (MIT, ERCIM, Keio, Beihang). This web site includes material copied from or derived from WCAG 2.2." Consult the W3C document license for more detailed licensing information about WCAG.
A Pithy Guide to Web Accessibility Standards has two features that distinguish it from other efforts to simplify WCAG 2.2 (e.g., the WebAIM WCAG 2 Checklist). First, it makes no effort to be comprehensive in its listing of exceptions to the Criteria. As such, it is not a replacement for but a complement to the other resources. Instead, it includes only the Criteria exceptions most likely to be encountered by Pithy Guide readers. Second, the demos include fully marked up and scripted examples of non-conformance rather than examples of HTML markup or JavaScript scripting. As a consequence, the non-conformance demos are not fully accessible. In a few cases where the Criteria are very short, the text is quoted rather than summarized. Most but not all summaries have examples of non-conformance (the summary of the Criterion on flashing content is one of the exceptions).
Some Criteria have additional useful links. Nearly everything in web accessibilty has jargon, but the additional links are relatively light. Some information is repeated. This is intentional, so that each entry stands on its own. Readers do not have to read 1.1.1 to see the relevant information for 1.2.1.
W3C links are provided for all Criteria. The Accessibility Conformance Testing rules are the underlying framework. Every third party offering acessibility testing makes some use of these rules in their testing process.
Principle 1 Perceivable
Guideline 1.1 Text Alternatives
Pithy Guide Entry #1: Success Criterion 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)
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Summary: Images need alternative text, subject to certain exceptions. The most relevant exception to readers: mere decorations or logos need no textual equivalent.
Detection: Missing or empty alt attributes can be detected by free accessibility checkers such as AChecker or WAVE. The drawback of the free checkers is that they only do one page at a time. Only manual review can determine whether alternative text is adequately descriptive because AI is not yet capable of consistently creating adequately descriptive text.
Additional Notes: Textual equivalents need only contain necessary information. What image details do you want a reader with normal visual acuity to see?
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Images without alt attributes are effectively invisible to screen readers. The screen reader user thus loses important information communicated by the image unless conformance is maintained.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.1.1, Conformance Demo 1.1.1
Cooresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Alternative Text
Normative W3C link: text of 1.1.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.1.1, How to Meet 1.1.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Write meaningful text alternatives for images, Include alternative text for images, Include image and media alternatives in your design, Images Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Image accessible name is descriptive, Image button has non-empty accessible name, Image has non-empty accessible name.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Image not in the accessibility tree is decorative.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: Element marked as decorative is not exposed.
Guideline 1.2 Time-Based Media
Pithy Guide Entry #2: Success Criterion 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A)
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Summary: Audio-only tracks need a transcript unless the track itself is an alternative for text. Video-only tracks either need audio description or textual description unless the track itself is an alternative for text.
Detection: The audio or video file requires manual review to verify the presence of a transcript or audio description track.
Additional Notes: WAVE cannot measure this Criterion because there is no HTML attribute, element or tag necessary to the presence of an audio descripton or caption track. While an audio description or caption track can be represented in HTML5, they can exist without the HTML markup.
Use of speech recognition software (e.g., Windows Speech Recognition or Dragon Naturally Speaking) can reduce the time necessary to create a transcript if used simultaneously with audio-recording.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Deaf individuals lose all access to audio-only tracks and blind individuals lose all access to video-only tracks.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.2.1, Conformance Demo 1.2.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.4 Without Hearing (specifying at least one non-hearing operation mode), Standard 302.5 With Limited Hearing (specifying at least one limited hearing operational mode).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions
Normative W3C link: text of 1.2.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.2.1, How to Meet 1.2.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Transcripts Tutorial.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Audio element content has text alternative, Video element visual-only content has accessible alternative
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: Audio element content has transcript, Audio element content is media alternative for text, Video element auditory content has captions, Video element visual-only content has audio track alternative, Video element visual-only content has transcript, Video element visual-only content is media alternative for text
Pithy Guide Entry #3: Success Criterion 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A)
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Summary: A video needs captions unless the video itself is an alternative for text.
Detection: The video track requires manual review to verify the presence of an accurate caption file.
Additional Notes: WAVE cannot measure this Criterion because there is no HTML attribute, element or tag necessary to the presence of an audio descripton or caption track. While an audio description or caption track can be represented in HTML5, they can exist without the HTML markup.
Google's auto-captioning for YouTube does not in and of itself meet this criterion. It can, however, be useful. If you uploaded your video to your YouTube account you can correct the auto-captions without downloading them and this saves a considerable amount of time over creating a caption file from scratch. They also can be downloaded, corrected, and re-uploaded.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Deaf individuals lose access to any information that is present only in the audio and cannot be discerned from the visual elements.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance and Conformance Demos for 1.2.2, 1.2.3 and 1.2.5
Cooresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.4 Without Hearing (specifying at least one non-hearing operation mode), Standard 302.5 With Limited Hearing (specifying at least one limited hearing operational mode).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions, YouTube Help for Caption Editing
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.2.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.2.2, How to Meet 1.2.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Create transcripts and captions for multimedia, Captions/Subtitles Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Video element auditory content has accessible alternative
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #4: Success Criterion 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A)
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Summary: Videos need either audio description or transcripts that describe the visual elements communicating information not otherwise present in the audio. Audio description refers to describing the visual elements not present in the dialogue.
Detection: The video track requires manual review to verify the presence of an audio description track or transcript.
Additional Notes: Commercially produced audio description tracks are available for some movies, as in this Frozen trailer. Audio description may be the most challenging task in web accessibility that doesn't involve live video. WAVE cannot measure this Criterion because there is no HTML attribute, element or tag necessary to the presence of an audio descripton or caption track. While an audio description or caption track can be represented in HTML5, they can exist without the HTML markup.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Visual information not present in the audio and not described or presented in screen readable text will be completely lost to the blind or low vision user.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance and Conformance Demos for 1.2.2, 1.2.3 and 1.2.5
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions
Normative W3C link: text of 1.2.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.2.3, How to Meet 1.2.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Create transcripts and captions for multimedia.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : Video element visual content has accessible alternative.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: Video element visual content has audio description, Video element content is media alternative for text.
Pithy Guide Entry #5: Success Criterion 1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA)
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Summary: Live webcasts need to be captioned.
Detection: Live captions require live manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Audio information not present in captions will be completely lost to the deaf or low hearing user.
Pithy Guide Examples: No demos for live captioning.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.4 Without Hearing (specifying at least one non-hearing operation mode), Standard 302.5 With Limited Hearing (specifying at least one limited hearing operational mode).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Real-time Captioning
Normative W3C link: text of 1.2.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.2.4, How to Meet 1.2.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Direct Mapping: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Direct Mapping: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #6: Success Criterion 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA)
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Summary: All videos must have audio description tracks available.
Detection: Videos require manual review to verify the presence of an audio description track or transcript.
Additional Notes: Audio description cannot be performed in a "talking head" video in the same sense as it can for a movie. The presenter does not pause often enough to allow audio description during pauses. This Success Criteria is written with movies in mind, where there are often long pauses between dialogue. Nevertheless, it is possible to perform a limited amount of audio description in a presentation as shown in an example below. WAVE cannot measure this Criterion because there is no HTML attribute, element or tag necessary to the presence of an audio descripton or caption track. While an audio description or caption track can be represented in HTML5, they can exist without the HTML markup.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Visual information not present in the audio and not described will be completely lost to the blind or low vision user.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance and Conformance Demos for 1.2.2, 1.2.3 and 1.2.5
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.2.5
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.2.5, How to Meet 1.2.5
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Description of Visual Information Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Video element content is media alternative for text, Video element visual content has strict accessible alternative
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 1.3 Adaptable
Pithy Guide Entry #7: Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)
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Summary: Information cannot be solely conveyed through visual cues such as font size, placement of input boxes, or comparable presentation forms. It must also be made available to assistive technologies such as screen readers (in technical terms, made "programmatically determinable").
Detection: Certain non-conformances regarding form or table elements can be detected by the free WAVE or AChecker accessibility checkers. Other non-conformances require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Information presented exclusively through visual cues is unavailable to screen readers. For example, if there is an input box but the box is unlabeled, the screen reader cannot determine what input is required. Therefore (especially if there are multiple input boxes), the screen reader user may not know what input is required.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.3.1, Conformance Demo 1.3.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Semantic Structure, WebAIM Creating Accessible Tables
Normative W3C link: text of 1.3.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques) : Understanding 1.3.1, How to Meet 1.3.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Use mark-up to convey meaning and structure, Page Structure Tutorial, Tables Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules,Directly Mapped: Headers attribute specified on a cell refers to cells in the same table element
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: ARIA required context role, ARIA required owned elements, Table header cell has assigned cells
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: ARIA attribute is defined in WAI-ARIA, ARIA required ID references exist, ARIA state or property has valid value, Element with role attribute has required states and properties, Heading has non-empty accessible name, Role attribute has valid value
Pithy Guide Entry #8: Success Criterion 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A)
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Summary: If there is one correct reading sequence, assistive technologies such as screen readers must be able to determine proper reading order (in technical terms, the reading order is "programmatically determinable").
Detection: Requires manual review of markup language elements that can affect reading order or use of a free screen reader such as NVDA.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: If a screen reader cannot discern the correct reading order, the result may be out of order to a screen reader user (e.g., using improper table markup to create columns).
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.3.2, Conformance Demo 1.3.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 1.3.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.3.2, How to Meet 1.3.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Reflect the reading order in the code order
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #9: Success Criterion 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A)
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Summary: Instructions must be programmatically determinable by a screen reader and similar assistive technologies. Therefore they cannot solely rely on shape, size, etc.
Detection: Requires manual review for relevant characteristics.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: If a screen reader cannot read all of the instructions, the screen reader user may not be able to read the instructions (e.g., if a graphical symbol alone is used to convey information).
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.3.3, Conformance Demo 1.3.3
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Evaluating Cognitive Web Accessibility.
Normative W3C link: text of 1.3.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.3.3, How to Meet 1.3.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Content has alternative for visual reference
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #10: Success Criterion 1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA)
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Summary: If the user is prevented from changing orientation, the required orientation must be essential.
Detection: Manual detection is necessary because automated accessibility checkers have not been updated to reflect WCAG 2.2 even in cases where automated checking would be possible.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Some users with motor disabilities may use fixed devices whose orientation can conflict with an author imposed orientation. These users could find content shrunk or enlarged beyond readability. The same could also be true for certain users with vision impairments.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.3.4, Conformance Demo 1.3.4
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 1.3.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.3.4, How to Meet 1.3.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Orientation of the page is not restricted using CSS transforms
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #11: Success Criterion 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA)
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Summary: Programmatically determineable information for input fields must include purpose. Including the purpose can reduce the need for manual entry of data.
Detection: Manual detection is necessary because no tested automated accessibility checker caught the error in the non-conformance demo.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: For example, failing to use an auto-complete attribute when the attribute should be used may increase the amount of manual typing required to fill out a form.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.3.5, Conformance Demo 1.3.5
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Creating Accessible Forms: Accessible Form Controls.
Normative W3C link: text of 1.3.5
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.3.5, How to Meet 1.3.5
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Autocomplete attribute has valid value
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 1.4 Distinguishable
Pithy Guide Entry #12: Success Criterion 1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A)
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Summary: Color cannot be the only means of presenting information.
Detection: Requires manual review of color use
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Screen readers cannot distinguish between different elements based on color alone. Any information presented exclusively through color is invisible to the screen reader user. It may be invisible to those suffer from color-blindness as well.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.1, Conformance Demo 1.4.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode) and Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.3 Without Perception of Color (specifying at least one operational mode that does not rely on color).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Contrast and Color Accessibility
Normative W3C link: text of 1.4.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.1, How to Meet 1.4.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Don’t use color alone to convey information, Carousels: Styling, Menus: Styling.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #13: Success Criterion 1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A)
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Summary: Any audio playing for more than three seconds must have a way of being paused or stopped.
Detection: Requires manual review of any audio tracks
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Very annoyed users, especially if the ongoing audio interferes with the user's ability to comprehend the information. Some pages play both an ad and a second video clip. Few users can follow two completely different audio streams.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.2, Conformance Demo 1.4.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.4 Without Hearing (specifying at least one non-hearing operation mode), Standard 302.5 With Limited Hearing (specifying at least one limited hearing operational mode).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 1.4.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.2, How to Meet 1.4.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Provide controls for content that starts automatically
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Audio or video element avoids automatically playing audio
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: Audio or video element that plays automatically has a control mechanism, Audio or video element that plays automatically has no audio that lasts more than 3 seconds
Pithy Guide Entry #14: Success Criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions (logos, large text, and mere decorations), text and images of text must have at least a 4.5 to 1 contrast ratio.
Detection: Contrast ratio can be measured using various online analysis tools, including the WAVE Color Contrast Checker. Images of text must be validated manually by matching the foreground and background colors of the images as closely as possible to hex or RGB color codes and inputting those codes into a color analysis tool such as the one above.
Additional Notes:One extra note regarding the use of WAVE and other accessibility checkers for automated checking. When using the automated WAVE tool rather than manually entering the color values into the contrast checker, Demo 1.4.3 passed a check it should have failed.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Insufficiently contrasting information is invisible to low vision users.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.3, Conformance Demo 1.4.3
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508:: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.3 Without Perception of Color (specifying at least one operational mode that does not rely on color).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Contrast and Color Accessibility
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.3, How to Meet 1.4.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Provide sufficient contrast between foreground and background, Carousels: Styling
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Text has minimum contrast
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #15: Success Criterion 1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions (e.g., images of text), text must be able to be re-sized without loss of content or functionality. That is, the page design must not interfere with the re-sizing of text.
Detection: Review can be accomplished using a browser's zoom function.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Affected text may be unreadable for low vision users.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.4, Conformance Demo 1.4.4
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.4, How to Meet 1.4.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Write code that adapts to the user’s technology
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Meta viewport allows for zoom
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Zoomed text node is not clipped with CSS overflow
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #16: Success Criterion 1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions (customizable images, essential uses such as logos), images of text should not be used if text can achieve the same effect.
Detection: Manual review is required to determine whether images of text are the only means to achieve a particular visual presentation.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Images of text may be unreadable for low vision users.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.5, Conformance Demo 1.4.5
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.5
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.5, How to Meet 1.4.5
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Images of Text
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: HTML images contain no text
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #17: Success Criterion 1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA)
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Summary: Content should reflow to prevent the need for scrolling in two directions.
Detection: Review can be accomplished using a browser's zoom function.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Scrolling in two directions can be challenging or even impossible for readers with motor disabilities.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.10, Conformance Demo 1.4.10
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.10
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.10, How to Meet 1.4.10
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped Meta viewport allows for zoom
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #18: Success Criterion 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (Level AA)
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Summary: Controls (e.g., buttons) and graphics necessary to comprehension should have a 3:1 contrast ratio with adjacent colors.
Detection: Contrast ratio of specific color values can be measured using various online analysis tools, including the WAVE Color Contrast Checker. However, color values of controls and graphics must be validated manually by matching the foreground and background colors of the images as closely as possible to hex or RGB color codes and inputting those codes into a color analysis tool such as the one above.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Insufficiently contrasting information is invisible to low vision users.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.11, Conformance Demo 1.4.11
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.3 Without Perception of Color (specifying at least one operational mode that does not rely on color).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Contrast and Color Accessibility
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.11
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.11, How to Meet 1.4.11
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #19: Success Criterion 1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA)
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Summary: Users should be able to make text spacing adjustments within certain specified limits without loss of content or functionality.
Detection: Detection requires manual review with either specialized settings in the CSS stylesheet set to the relevant values or a browser plug-in that allows you to toggle and/or set those values.
Additional Notes: There is no agreement even among accessibility experts on what is the most accessible font, except that most agree there is not one "most accessible" font. Even so, the following is a useful illustration:
Visual acuity is a comparative measurement and is commonly stated as a fraction. Daniel Porter, patient education coordinator for the American Academy of Ophthalmology writes "A result of 20/40 means you can see at 20 feet what those with normal vision can see from 40 feet away." The article also mentions that a common cause of visual acuity being less than 20/20 is a refractive error that causes blurry vision. The Pithy Guide author's vision fits within these common conditions.
Fonts can be divided into two categories: serif and sans serif. Dylan Todd and Madeline DeCotes, in the article "Picking the right font: Serif vs. sans serif" appearing on the Adobe website, write "Serifs are the small lines attached to letters." Sans serif are fonts without those lines.
The following example is meant to be illustrative of a common experience. it is not intended to be either comprehensive or exhaustive.
The Pithy Guide author performed two comparative tests for three fonts: Times New Roman, the serif font that used to be the default font for Microsoft Word, Calibri, the sans serif font that is the current default fault for Microsoft Word, and Verdana, a sans serif font that is widely regarded as accessible. The first test involved taking the capital letters E, D, F, C, Z, P, that commonly appear on the 20/20 line of the eye chart and gradually zooming out until each was unreadable. The second test involved the number zero, the letter L and the letter I. 0OoLlIi (which the author pronounces as zero-ool-i) tests what is more conventionally known as letter similarity or letter imposters.
On the first test, Times New Roman is the first to become unreadable. Specifically, the serifs on the F and the P blur in such a way that they become indistinguishable from each other. As the text becomes ever smaller, Calibri begins to lose its coherence slightly before Verdana does. However, both are still coherent for all six letters at a point at which Times New Roman letters are not reliably distinguishable at all.
In the second test, even at 100%, the small l and capital I are difficult to distinguish with Calibri. Times New Roman easily outperforms Calibri on 0OoLlIi. Times New Roman and Verdana perform very similarly as the text is zoomed out.
Verdana does this because the shapes of its letters fall in between the serifs in Times New Roman and the lack of serifs in Calibri. Middle-of-the-road solutions are often mediocre. Verdana is the happy exception. Because there are many other visual disabilities, one could not proclaim that Verdana is the "most accessible" font. However, one could say that Verdana addresses two known accessibility problems. It is the author's favorite font and the font used on this website unless changed by the reader.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Text may become cut off or otherwise unreadable by the reader.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.12, Conformance Demo 1.4.12
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.12
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 1.4.12, How to Meet 1.4.12
W3C Tips & Tutorials: WebAIM Typefaces and Fonts, WebAIM Text/Typographical Layout.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped, Important word spacing in style attributes is wide enough, Important line height in style attributes is wide enough
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #20: Success Criterion 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA)
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Summary: When hover or focus reveals content; content must be persistent, hoverable, and dismissable without loss of focus.
Detection: Detection requires manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Content may disappear before it can be fully read or the user may not be able to dismiss tip when needed
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 1.4.13, Conformance Demo 1.4.13
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.3 Without Perception of Color (specifying at least one operational mode that does not rely on color).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 1.4.13
Informative W3C links: Understanding 1.4.13, How to Meet 1.4.13
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Principle 2 Operable
Guideline 2.1 Keyboard Accessible
Pithy Guide Entry #21: Success Criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions, all functions must be available through a keyboard (i.e., every function that would normally be performed using a mouse).
Detection: Mouse event handlers not paired with keyboard event handlers can be detected by the free WAVE and other accessibility checkers. Other Non-Conformances require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Some users have sufficient difficulty using a mouse to render mouse-only functions unusable for those users.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.1.1 Conformance Demo 2.1.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: Keyboard Accessibility
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.1.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.1.1, How to Meet 2.1.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard accessible, Carousels Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Scrollable content can be reached with sequential focus navigation, Iframe with interactive elements is not excluded from tab-order.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #22: Success Criterion 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A)
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Summary: The page must not require a mouse to escape any page element.
Detection: Requires manual review using the keyboard to verify the page can be navigated.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users who cannot use a mouse may be unable to move past and/or out of a certain point on a page.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.1.2 Conformance Demo 2.1.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: Keyboard Accessibility
Normative W3C link: text of 2.1.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.1.2, How to Meet 2.1.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials:Ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #23: Success Criterion 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A)
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Summary: Keyboard shortcuts can be turned off, remapped, or made inactive.
Detection: Requires manual review using the keyboard to verify the shortcut can be modified.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users who rely on speech recognition may inadvertently trigger keyboard shortcuts.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.1.4 Conformance Demo 2.1.4
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.1.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.1.4, How to Meet 2.1.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials:None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: No keyboard shortcut uses only printable characters
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 2.2 Enough Time
Pithy Guide Entry #24: Success Criterion 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A)
Summary: Subject to certain exceptions, users must be able to adjust any time limits.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: None at this time.
Detection: The free WAVE and other accessibility checkers can detect an automatic refresh. Other timing issues require manual review of relevant time limits.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: An unadjustable time limit can force unwanted changes in content or context.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.2.1 Conformance Demo 2.2.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.4 Without Hearing (specifying at least one non-hearing operation mode), Standard 302.5 With Limited Hearing (specifying at least one limited hearing operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.2.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.2.1, How to Meet 2.2.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials:None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Meta element has no refresh delay.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #25: Success Criterion 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)
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Summary: For certain information that moves, scrolls, or updates, users must be able to pause, stop, or hide the information.
Detection: Requires manual review of relevant information.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Some users may find this information distracting and it may interfere with their ability to comprehend the other information on the page.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.2.2 Conformance Demo 2.2.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C:None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.2.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.2.2, How to Meet 2.2.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Carousels Tutorial, Forms Tutorial: Multi-Page Forms
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Text content that changes automatically can be paused, stopped or hidden
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions
Pithy Guide Entry #26: Success Criterion 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A)
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Quoted Text of 2.3.1: "Web pages do not contain anything that flashes more than three times in any one second period, or the flash is below the general flash and red flash thresholds."
Detection: Requires manual review of flashing content.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Can cause seizures.
Pithy Guide Examples: No demos for safety reasons.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: None at this time.
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Seizure and Vestibular Disorders
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.3.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques):Understanding 2.3.1, How to Meet 2.3.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Audio Content and Video Content
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 2.4 Navigable
Pithy Guide Entry #27: Success Criterion 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A)
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Summary: Users must be able to bypass content that repeats itself on multiple pages.
Detection: Requires manual review of repeated content blocks. A common way to address these is to add a "skip to content" link.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Blind or low vision users using screen reading software have more difficulty skipping over repeated content. Without shortcuts to skip such content they may become very frustrated.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.1, Conformance Demo 2.4.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Skip Navigation Links
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.4.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.1, How to Meet 2.4.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Page Structure Tutorial, Menus Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Bypass Blocks of Repeated Content.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: Block of repeated content is collapsible, Document has heading for non-repeated content, Document has an instrument to move focus to non-repeated content.
Pithy Guide Entry #28: Success Criterion 2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)
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Summary: Page titles must be sufficiently descriptive.
Detection: Page titles need to be manually reviewed.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Blind or low vision users using screen reading software are more dependent on page titles to describe content than users with normal vision because blind or low vision users cannot skip over irrelevent content as easily as users with normal vision. Improperly titled pages interfere with the evaluation process.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.2 Conformance Demo 2.4.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508:
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Page Titles
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.2, How to Meet 2.4.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Provide informative, unique page titles, Page Structure Tutorial: Headings
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: HTML page has non-empty title, HTML page title is descriptive
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #29: Success Criterion 2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A)
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Summary: If navigation order affects meaning, the order of focusable objects must preserve proper meaning.
Detection: Review requires use of free screen reading software such as NVDA or manual review using a keyboard.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Screen readers follow focus order. A garbled focus order garbles meaning.
Pithy Guide Example: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.3 Conformance Demo 2.4.3
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508:
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: Keyboard Accessibility
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.3, How to Meet 2.4.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Menus Tutorial.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #30: Success Criterion 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A)
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Summary: A link or its context must be clear unless the link is ambiguous to everyone.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: None at this time.
Detection: Context requires manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Blind or low vision users using screen reading software may not understand where an ambiguous link leads.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.4 Conformance Demo 2.4.4
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Link Text and Appearance
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.4, How to Meet 2.4.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Make link text meaningful
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : Link has non-empty accessible name
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : Link in context is descriptive, Links with identical accessible names and same context serve equivalent purpose
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #31: Success Criterion 2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions, there are multiple ways to locate any given web page within a web site.
Detection: Ensuring multiple paths to webpages requires manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: If there is only one way to access a web page, some users may find access difficult.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.5 Conformance Demo 2.4.5
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: Site Searches, Indexes, and Site Maps.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.5
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.5, How to Meet 2.4.5
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Provide clear and consistent navigation options, Menus Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #32: Success Criterion 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)
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Summary: Headings and/or labels should be sufficiently clear.
Detection : While the free WAVE, AChecker, and other accessibility checkers can detect improper heading markup language, headings and labels should be manually reviewed for clarity.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Bad labels or headings can obscure content.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.6 Conformance Demo 2.4.6
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Headings
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.6
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.6, How to Meet 2.4.6
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Page Structure Tutorial, Forms Tutorial, Carousels Tutorial: Carousels Structure
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Heading is descriptive, Form field label is descriptive
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: Document has heading for non-repeated content
Pithy Guide Entry #33: Success Criterion 2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)
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Summary: The user must have a means of making the focus indicator visible.
Detection: Focus indicators must be manually reviewed with a keyboard.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Low vision users using a keyboard may have difficulty following the focus indicator if it is not visible
Pithy Guide Example: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.7 Conformance Demo 2.4.7
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C : None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.7
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.7, How to Meet 2.4.7
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Ensure that interactive elements are easy to identify, Carousels Tutorial: Styling, Menus Tutorial
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : Element in sequential focus order has visible focus
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #34: Success Criterion 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (Level AA)
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Summary: Author-created content cannot completely obscure a component that has received focus. The component must be partially visible.
Detection: Focus indicators must be manually reviewed with a keyboard.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Low vision users using a keyboard may have difficulty following the focus indicator if it is obscured
Pithy Guide Example: Non-Conformance Demo 2.4.11 Conformance Demo 2.4.11
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.4.11
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.4.11, How to Meet 2.4.11
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Element in sequential focus order has visible focus
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 2.5 Input Modalities
Pithy Guide Entry #35: Success Criterion 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A)
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Summary: Path based gestures must have non-path based alternatives.
Detection: Requires manual review of gestures.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users with limited motor control may have difficulty performing complicated gestures.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.5.1, Conformance Demo 2.5.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C : None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.5.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.5.1, How to Meet 2.5.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #36: Success Criterion 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A)
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Summary: Pointer actions should be reversible (e.g., an accidental mouse click can be undone).
Detection: Requires manual review of down events (e.g., a mouse click) and up events (e.g., release of the mouse button).
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users with limited motor control may make accidental mouse clicks or key presses they have difficulty undoing.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.5.2, Conformance Demo 2.5.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C : None at this time.
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.5.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.5.2, How to Meet 2.5.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #37: Success Criterion 2.5.3 Name in Label (Level A)
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Summary: In cases where the visible label cannot serve as the accessible name identifying the component to screen readers, it must not present a mismach with the accessible name.
Detection: Requires manual review of labels and accessible names because there are many different ways of coding the accessible name.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Mismatches create uncertainty for screen reader users.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 2.5.3, Conformance Demo 2.5.3
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Decoding Label and Name for Accessibility
Normative W3C link: Text of 2.5.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.5.3, How to Meet 2.5.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : Visible label is part of accessible name.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #38: Success Criterion 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A)
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Summary:Any function triggered by a particular user or device motion (e.g., a user gesture) has an alternate means of activation that does not require that motion. Subject to certain exceptions, function can be disabled to prevent accidental activation.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users subject to limited movements or unintended movements may be unable to activate a function, or may activate the function when not intending to do so.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.5.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.5.4, How to Meet 2.5.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped : Device motion based changes to the content can also be created from the user interface, Device motion based changes to the content can be disabled
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #39: Success Criterion 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA)
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Summary:Subject to certain exceptions, any pointer action that is activated by dragging has an alternate means of activation that does not require dragging.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users subject to limited movements or unintended movements may be unable to activate the pointer action.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.5.7
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.5.7, How to Meet 2.5.7
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #40: Success Criterion 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions, pointer input targets (e.g., buttons) must be at least 24x24 pixels in size.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: None at this time.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users subject to limited movements or unintended movements may be unable to click on very small buttons.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 2.5.8
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 2.5.8, How to Meet 2.5.8
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Principle 3 Understandable
Guideline 3.1 Readable
Pithy Guide Entry #41: Success Criterion 3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A)
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Summary: The language of a web page must be specified in the markup language (i.e., be programmatically determinable).
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: None at this time.
Detection: The free WAVE and other accessibility checkers can detect missing languages in markup language.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: No consequences for an English language page if user's screen reader is reading in English.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 3.1.1, Conformance Demo 3.1.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Document and Content Language
Normative W3C link: text of 3.1.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.1.1, How to Meet 3.1.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: HTML page has lang attribute, HTML page lang attribute has valid language tag
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: HTML page language subtag matches default language
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #42: Success Criterion 3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)
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Summary: With certain exceptions (e.g., technical terms), any change in the language of a web page must be specified in the markup language (i.e., be programmatically determinable).
Detection: Language changes require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Unidentified language changes can result in screen readers mispronouncing said phrases.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 3.1.2, Conformance Demo 3.1.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Document and Content Language.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.1.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.1.2, How to Meet 3.1.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Identify page language and language changes
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: Element lang attribute has valid language tag
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: HTML element page language subtag matches default language
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 3.2 Predictable
Pithy Guide Entry #43: Success Criterion 3.2.1 On Focus (Level A)
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Summary: Focus does not automatically initiate a context change.
Detection: Context changes require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Unexpected context changes can be confusing.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 3.2.1, Conformance Demo 3.2.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.2.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.2.1, How to Meet 3.2.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #44: Success Criterion 3.2.2 On Input (Level A)
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Summary: Inputs do not unexpectedly initiate a context change.
Detection: Context changes require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Unexpected context changes can be confusing.
Pithy Guide Examples: Non-Conformance Demo 3.2.2, Conformance Demo 3.2.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Creating Accessible Forms
Normative W3C link: text of 3.2.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.2.2, How to Meet 3.2.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #45: Success Criterion 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA)
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Summary: Navigational aids should appear in the same relative order unless changed by the user.
Detection: Navigational aids require manual review.
Additional Notes: The menu at the top of the page conforms to this criterion because it always appears in the same relative order even though the specific choices available change.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Unexpected changes in navigational order can be confusing.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: Evaluating Cognitive Web Accessibility: Consistency.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.2.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.2.3, How to Meet 3.2.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: Provide clear and consistent navigation options.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #46: Success Criterion 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA)
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Text of 3.2.4: "Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently."
Detection: Ensuring consistent identification requires manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Inconsistent identification can be confusing.
Pithy Guide Examples: [revision forthcoming] Non-Conformance Demo 3.2.4
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.2.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.2.4, How to Meet 3.2.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #47: Success Criterion 3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A)
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Summary: Help contact information or help suggestions should occur in the same relative order on each page that they occur.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Inconsistent positioning of help information makes it more difficult for users with certain disabilities to find help.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.2.6
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.2.6, How to Meet 3.2.6
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Guideline 3.3 Input Assistance
Pithy Guide Entry #48: Success Criterion 3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A)
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Text of 3.3.1: "If an input error is automatically detected, the item that is in error is identified and the error is described to the user in text."
Detection: Error identification requires manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: If incorrect user inputs do not result in error messages, screen reader users may not realize input errors (as opposed to problems with the form) have occurred.
Pithy Guide Examples: [revision forthcoming] Non-Conformance Demo 3.3.1
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.3 Without Perception of Color (specifying at least one operational mode that does not rely on color)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Creating Accessible Forms
Normative W3C link: text of 3.3.1
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.3.1, How to Meet 3.3.1
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #49: Success Criterion 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A)
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Text of 3.3.2: "Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input."
Detection: Labels and instructions require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Incorrect labels or instructions may result in neccessary form inputs not being correctly identified.
Pithy Guide Examples: [revision forthcoming] Non-Conformance Demo 3.3.2
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: WebAIM Creating Accessible Forms
Normative W3C link: text of 3.3.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques):How to Meet 3.3.2, Understanding 3.3.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #50: Success Criterion 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA)
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Summary: Corrections are offered unless contrary to security or purpose (e.g., a test).
Detection: Corrections require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: If no suggestions are offered for error correction, additional errors may be more likely than in the absence of suggestions.
Pithy Guide Examples: [revision forthcoming] Non-Conformance Demo 3.3.3
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C:
Normative W3C link: text of 3.3.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques):How to Meet 3.3.3, Understanding 3.3.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #51: Success Criterion 3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA)
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Summary: Legal, financial or stored data needs to be reversable, checkable, or confirmable.
Detection: These forms require manual review.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users with disabilities may find it more challeging to avoid mistakes.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508:
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of Section 508: 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1194, App. C, Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.3 Without Perception of Color (specifying at least one operational mode that does not rely on color), Standard 302.4 Without Hearing (specifying at least one non-hearing operation mode), Standard 302.5 With Limited Hearing (specifying at least one limited hearing operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth), Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C:
Normative W3C link: text of 3.3.4
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques):How to Meet 3.3.4, Understanding 3.3.4
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #52: Success Criterion 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions, information that the user is required to reenter is either auto-populated or available for the user to accept.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: For users with certain disabilities, repeating physical motions or requiring cognitive recall of previously entered information can because the user to enter the information incorrectly or fail to reenter the information at all.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.3.7
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 3.3.7, How to Meet 3.3.7
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #53: Success Criterion 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (Level AA)
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Summary: Subject to certain exceptions, authentication does not require a cognitive test.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: None at this time.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: For users with certain disabilities, requiring a cognitive test for authentication may make it very difficult or impossible for the users to authenticate themselves.
Pithy Guide Example: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities (requiring simplification).
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time.
Normative W3C link: text of 3.3.8
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques):Understanding 3.3.8, How to Meet 3.3.8
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Principle 4 Robust
Guideline 4.1 Compatible
Success Criterion 4.1.1 Parsing (Level A)
Parsing is obsolete and has been removed from WCAG 2.2.
Pithy Guide Entry #54: Success Criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)
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Summary: User agents can fully interact with properly structured user interface components.
Detection: While the W3C Validator can do some automated review, manual review is also necessary.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Using non-conforming custom controls can degrade the user experience.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode), Standard 302.7 With Limited Manipulation (specifying at least one operation mode that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations), Standard 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength (specifying at least one operation mode that allows for limited reach and stregth)
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: None at this time
Normative W3C link: text of 4.1.2
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques):Understanding 4.1.2, How to Meet 4.1.2
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.
Pithy Guide Entry #55: Success Criterion 4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA)
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Summary: Screen reader users and users of other assistive technologies must be able to receive status messages without placing focus on those messages.
Detection: Manual.
Additional Notes: None at this time.
Consequence of Non-Conformance: Users with certain disabilities may be unable to receive status messages.
Pithy Guide Examples: Forthcoming.
Corresponding Functional Performance Criteria of section 508: Standard 302.1 Without Vision (specifying at least one non-visual operation mode), Standard 302.2 Limited Vision (specifying at least one limited vision operational mode),
Non-W3C Links with Less Jargon than W3C: Carousels Tutorial
Normative W3C link: text of 4.1.3
Informative W3C links (explanations and techniques): Understanding 4.1.3, How to Meet 4.1.3
W3C Tips & Tutorials: None at this time.
W3C Approved Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Proposed Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Directly Mapped: None at this time.
W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules, Overlapping: None at this time.