W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0

Decorative image is programmatically hidden.

Equivalent text alternative is available for image that conveys content.

Image is programmatically determinable.

The role and importance of the image is programmatically indicated.

The image type (photo, icon, etc.) is indicated.

Auto generated text descriptions are editable by content creator.

Text alternatives follow an organizational style guide.

A transcript is available whenever audio or visual alternatives are used.

Media that has the desired media alternatives (captions, audio description, and descriptive transcripts) can be found.

Equivalent audio alternatives are available in the preferred language.

Media alternatives explain nonverbal cues, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, body gestures, or music with emotional meaning.

Equivalent text alternatives are available for non-text, non-image content that conveys context or meaning.

Text alternatives to the information conveyed by the audio track exist.

Mechanisms exist to help users find text alternatives to the auditory information conveyed by media.

The media player provides a mechanism to turn the captions on and off.

When captions are used as a text alternative for an audio track, they are provided in the target user’s language for the media.

Captions are equivalent and equal in content to that of audio.

Captions are in sync with the visual media.

The captions are presented consistently throughout the media, and across several related productions, unless exceptions are warranted. This includes consistent styling and placement of the captions text and consistent methods for identifying speakers, languages, and sounds.

In visual media, captions are placed on the screen so that they do not obstruct important visual information.

The speaker is identified in the captions. If there is only one speaker in the media, the speaker can be identified in the media description or at the beginning of the closed captioning. If there is more than one speaker in the media, then changes in speaker need to be identified throughout.

When there is more than one language spoken in media, the captions identify the language spoken by each speaker.

Significant sounds, including sound effects and other non-spoken audio, are identified or described in the captions.

The appearance of captions and the language of captions are adaptable.

Captions in a different language than that of the media are available so that the user can choose to view captions in their preferred language.

Enhanced features that allow users to interact with captions are available.

In augmented, virtual, and extended reality environments, captions are available in 360-degree space.

In augmented, virtual, and extended environments, a visual indicator or signal, in addition to audio, is available to direct users toward the source of a sound or to indicate who is the speaker.

The captions are following an organization’s style guide.

• Name of the style guide
• Version (if any)
• Date of release
• Description
• Examples of how core WCAG guidelines are addressed

The organization conducted tests with users who need captions and fixed issues based on findings.

• Types of disabilities each user had
• Number of users (for each type of disability)
• Date of testing
• Examples of fixed issues based on the results

The organization uses a video player that supports captions.The video player supports closed captions in a standard caption format, or an open captions format.

• Name of the video player
• Caption format

During the video production process, the video producer converts the dialogue, along with other important sounds and music, into a caption file format.

• Names of the videos
• File types
• Number/Name of video producer

The organization has selected a video player that provides controls for turning captions on and off. In the video player controls, there must be at least one method to turn captions on or off.

• Name of the video player

The organization uses a video player that allows the user to personalize the appearance and location of closed captions. An individual’s need for modification will vary among people. The organization should allow for adjustment to these styles, including but not limited to: font size, font weight, font style, font color, background color, background transparency, and placement.

• Name of the video player
• Customizable styles

The organization uses a video player that supports captions remaining directly in front of the user in a 360-degree augmented, virtual, or extended environment (AR, VR, or XR). In these spaces, the user feels surrounded by content. As the user moves in this space, any caption provided will appear directly in front of the user regardless of where they are looking.

• Name of the video player

The organization provides captions in one or more alternative languages for the most common languages in their market. Typically called subtitles when in another language, closed captions in multiple languages assists in understanding the content and learning another language.

• Original language for video
• Languages for subtitles

The organization provides visual indicators in extended reality environments to indicate where the speaker is or the direction of a sound when audio is heard from outside the current view. As users move in extended reality environments, the position of the audio may stay the same. Users can personalize the visual indicators by selecting from a set of options.

For live events, the organization has a human captioner providing live captions to the audience using CART.

• Name of the captioner or service provider

As part of the organization’s standard media production procedures, the video producer creates the closed caption files, audio description, and descriptive transcript during the production cycle and then uploads them to their appropriate places during the publishing process.

• Alternatives provided

An audio alternative to the visual information conveyed in visual media exists.

Mechanisms exist to help users find audio alternatives to the visual information conveyed in visual media.

The media player provides a mechanism to turn the audio description on and off.

When audio description is provided as an alternative for visual information, it is provided in the target user’s language for the media.

Information about actions, charts or informative visuals, scene changes, and on-screen text that are important and are not described or spoken in the main soundtrack are included in the audio description.

The audio description is in sync with the visual content.

Audio description is provided during existing pauses in dialogue and does not overlap other important audio.

Mechanisms are available that allow users to control the audio description volume independently from the audio volume of the video and to change the language of the audio description, if multiple languages are provided.

In cases where the existing pauses in a soundtrack are not long enough, the video pauses the visual to extend the audio track and provides an extended audio description to describe all of important visual information.

Audio description in alternative languages to that of the media are available so that the user can choose to listen to the audio description in their preferred language.

The script for the audio description is following an organization’s style guide.

• Name of the style guide
• Version (if any)
• Date of release
• Description
• Example(s) of core guideline(items)

Tests with users who need audio description were conducted and fixed issues based on findings.

• Type of disabilities each user had
• Number of users (for each type)
• Date of testing
• Examples of fixed issues based on the results

The audio description was reviewed by the person who created the video.

• Role of the creator
• Number of creators (for each Role)
• Date (Period) of review
• Examples of fixed issues based on the feedback

For live events, the organization has a human describer providing live audio description to the audience using assistive listening devices.

• Name of the audio describer or service provider

As part of the organization’s standard media production procedures, the video producer creates the closed caption files, audio description, and descriptive transcript during the production cycle and then uploads them to their appropriate places during the publishing process.

• Alternatives provided

Figure captions persist or can be made to persist even if the focus moves away.

Information conveyed by graphical elements does not rely on hue.

Information conveyed with visual depth is also conveyed programmatically and/or through text.

Information conveyed with sound is also conveyed programmatically and/or through text.

Information that is conveyed with spatial audio is also conveyed programmatically and/or through text.

The rendered text against its background meets a maximum contrast ratio test for its text appearance.

The rendered text against its background meets a minimum contrast ratio test for its text appearance.

The rendered text meets a minimum font size and weight.

The rendered text does not use a decorative or cursive font face.

Text content can be converted into speech.

The human language of the view and content within the view is programmatically available.

Meaning conveyed by text appearance is programmatically available.

Content has a meaningful and understandable structure that clearly indicates the purpose of each section.

Content is organized into short paragraphs or “chunks” to help users understand and remember the information.

Sentences are streamlined to avoid unnecessary words or phrases and complex structures such as clauses within clauses that can make it hard for users to focus on the main point.

Common words are used, and definitions are available for uncommon words that the target audience is unlikely to know.

Explanations are available for the first use of abbreviations, acronyms, initialisms, and numeronyms.

Explanations or unambiguous alternatives are available for non-literal language, such as idioms and metaphors.

The verb tense used is easiest to understand in context.

Alternatives are provided for numbers and numerical concepts.

Numerical information includes sufficient context to avoid confusion when presenting dates, temperatures, time, and Roman numerals.

Visual aids are available to supplement and aid understanding of complex ideas in written content, such as processes, workflows, relationships, or chronological information.

A summary is available for documents and articles that have more than 300 words.

For content intended to inform the user, each paragraph begins with a sentence stating the aim or purpose.

For Arabic and Hebrew, where letters or diacritics needed for phonetic reading are often omitted, an alternative version is provided with these missing elements included.

• The organization has a documented process to review content for clear language before publication.
• If the organization uses AI tools to generate or alter content, the organization has a documented process for a human to review and attest that the content is clear and conveys the intended meaning.

• The organization has a documented style guide that includes guidance on clear language and a policy that requires editors to follow the style guide.
• The style guide includes guidance on clear words as well as clear numbers, such as avoiding or explaining Roman numerals, removing numerical information that is not essential for understanding the content, and providing explanations of essential numerical information to aid users with disabilities that impact cognitive accessibility.

• The organization has documented training material for content editors that includes guidance on clear language and a policy that editors are required to complete the training regularly.

A custom focus indicator is used with sufficient size, change of contrast, adjacent contrast, distinct style and adjacency.

Focusable item uses the user agent default indicator.

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Focus indicators follow an organizational style guide.

There is a visible indicator of pointer focus.

The focus does not move to a position outside the current viewport, unless a mechanism is available to return to the previous focus point.

A user can focus on a content “area,” such as a modal or pop-up, then resume their view of all content using a limited number of steps.

The keyboard focus moves sequentially through content in an order and way that preserves meaning and operability.

When the focus is moved by the content into a temporary change of view (e.g. a modal), the focus is restored to its previous location when returned from the temporary change of view.

The focus order does not include repetitive, hidden, or static elements.

Interactive components with the same functionality behave consistently.

Interactive components with the same functionality have consistent labels.

Interactive components that have similar function and behavior have a consistent visual design.

Interactive components are visually and programmatically located in conventional locations.

Interactive components follow established conventions.

Conventional interactive components are used.

Interactive components retain their position unless a user changes the viewport or moves the component.

Visual information required to identify user interface components and states meet a minimum contrast ratio test, except for inactive components or where the appearance of the component is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.

The importance of interactive components is indicated.

Interactive components have visible labels that identify the purpose of the component.

Changes to interactive components’ names, roles, values or states are visually and programmatically indicated.

Interactive components are visually distinguishable without interaction from static content and include visual cues on how to use them.

Field constraints and conditions (required line length, date format, password format, etc.) are available.

Inputs have visible labels that identify the purpose of the input.

The programmatic name includes the visual label.

Accurate names, roles, values, and states are available for interactive components.

All elements that can be controlled or activated by pointer, audio (voice or other), gesture, camera input, or other means can be controlled or activated from the keyboard interface.

All content that can be accessed by other input modalities can be accessed using keyboard interface only.

It is always possible to move forward and backward at each point using keyboard navigation.

Author generated keyboard commands do not conflict with standard platform keyboard commands or they can be remapped.

If the page / view uses responsive design, the page / view remains fully keyboard navigable.

It is always possible to navigate away from an element after navigating to, entering, or activating the element by using a common keyboard navigation technique, or by using a technique for exiting is described on the page / view or on a page / view earlier in the process where it is used.

When the keyboard focus is moved, one of the following is true:

• The focus was moved under direct user control;
• A new view such as a dialog is introduced and focus is moved to that view;
• The user is informed of the potential keyboard focus move before it happens and given the chance to avoid the move;
• The keyboard focus moves to the next item in keyboard navigation order automatically on completion of some user action.

Except for skip links and other elements that are hidden but specifically added to aid keyboard navigation, tabbing does not move the keyboard focus into content that was not visible before the Tab (or Shift + Tab) key was entered.

The keyboard focus moves through content in an order and way that preserves meaning and operability.

If any keyboard action needed to navigate, perceive, and operate the full content of the page / view is not a common keyboard navigation technique, then it is described in the page / view where it is required or on a page / view earlier in the process where it is used.

When keyboard focus moves from one context to another within a web page, whether automatically or by user request, the keyboard focus is preserved so that, when the user goes back to the previous context, the keyboard focus is restored to its previous location except if that location no longer exists.

Repetitive adjacent links that have the same destination are avoided.

Our user interface design principles include minimizing the difference between the number of input commands required when using the keyboard interface only and the number of commands when using other input modalities.

The method of pointer cancellation is consistent for each type of interaction within or set of views except where it is essential to be different.

For functionality that can be activated using a simple pointer input, at least one of the following is true:

No Down-Event

The down event of the pointer is not used to execute any part of the function;

Abort or Undo

Completion of the function is on the up event, and a mechanism is available to abort the function before completion or to undo the function after completion;

Up Reversal

The up event reverses any outcome of the preceding down event;

Essential

Completing the function on the down-event is essential.

Specific pointer pressure is not the only way of achieving any functionality, except where specific pressure is essential to the functionality.

Specific pointer speed is not the only way of achieving any functionality, except where specific pointer speed is essential to the functionality.

Any functionality that uses pointer input other than simple pointer input can also be operated by a simple pointer input or a sequence of simple pointer inputs that do not require timing.

Speech input is not the only way of achieving any functionality except where a speech input is essential to the functionality.

Wherever there is real-time bidirectional voice communication, a real-time text option is available.

If content interferes with pointer or keyboard focus behavior of the user agent, then selecting anything on the view with a pointer moves the keyboard focus to that interactive element, even if the user drags off the element (so as to not activate it).

When receiving and then removing pointer hover or keyboard focus triggers additional content to become visible and then hidden, and the visual presentation of the additional content is controlled by the author and not by the user agent, all of the following are true:

Dismissible

A mechanism is available to dismiss the additional content without moving pointer hover or keyboard focus, unless the additional content does not obscure or replace other content;

Hoverable

If pointer hover can trigger the additional content, then the pointer can be moved over the additional content without the additional content disappearing;

Persistent

The additional content remains visible until the hover or keyboard focus trigger is removed, the user dismisses it, or its information is no longer valid.

Gestures are not the only way of achieving any functionality, except where a gesture is essential to the functionality.

Where functionality, including input or navigation, are achievable using different input methods, users have the option to switch between those input methods at any time.

Full or gross body movement is not the only way of achieving any functionality, except where full or gross body movement is essential to the functionality.

Use of a biometric is not the only way to identify or authenticate.

Voice is not the only way to identify or authenticate.

Error notifications are programmatically associated with the error source so that users can access the error information while focused on the source of the error.

When an error occurs that results from a user interaction with an interactive element or component (aka a cause), the element or component is visually and programmatically associated with the trigger.

When an error occurs that results from an interactive element or component (aka a cause), an indicator of the trigger is included in the error notification. If the interactive element or component is located in a different part of a process, then the page or step in the process is included in the error notification.

Errors are visually identifiable without relying on only text, only color, or only symbols.

When an error notification is not adjacent to the item in error, a link to the error is provided.

Error notifications are visually collocated with the item in error within the viewport, or provide a link to the source of the error which, when activated, moves the focus to the error.

Error notifications include text with at least two of the following:

• Error notifications are identified with an error icon in text.
• Error notifications use a color that differentiates the error from other content.
• Error notifications are labeled with text that indicates its an error.

Errors that can be automatically detected are identified and described to the user.

Error notifications persist until the user dismisses them or the error is resolved.

When an error occurs and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.

Use a culturally relevant and familiar error symbol, color, and text to indicate errors.

When users submit information as part of a process, users are notified that submission was completed and what information was provided.

During data entry, ensure data validation occurs after the user enters data.

When completing a multi-step process, validation for errors is completed before the user moves to the next step in the process.

Techniques could include in line error handling as well as step by step validation.

Audio shifting designed to create a perception of motion is avoided, or can be paused or prevented.

Flashing or strobing beyond thresholds defined by safety standards are avoided, or can be paused or prevented.

Visual motion and pseudo-motion that lasts longer than 5 seconds is avoided, or can be paused or prevented.

Visual motion and pseudo-motion triggered by interaction is avoided or can be prevented, unless the animation is essential to the functionality or the information being conveyed.

The relationships between parts of the content is clearly indicated.

The starting point or home is visually and programmatically labeled.

Relationships that convey meaning between pieces of content are programmatically determinable. Note: Examples of relationships include items positioned next to each other, arranged in a hierarchy, or visually grouped.

Sections are visually and programmatically distinguishable.

The relative order of content and interactions remain consistent throughout a workflow. Note: Relative order means that content can be added or removed, but repeated items are in the same order relative to each other.

Conventional layouts are available.

Information required to understand options is visually and programmatically associated with the options.

Related information is grouped together within a visual and programmatic structure.

The current location within the view, multi-step process, and product is visually and programmatically indicated.

Context is provided to orient the user in a site or multi-step process.

Contextual information is provided to help the user orient within the product.

Major sections of content have within them well structured, understandable visual and programmatic headings.

Content is organized into short sections of related content.

The purpose of each section of the content is clearly indicated.

The number of concepts within a segment of text is minimized.

For text intended to inform the user, each paragraph of text begins with a topic sentence stating the aim or purpose.

Whitespace separates chunks of content.

Content has a title or high-level description.

Three or more items of related data are presented as bulleted or numbered lists.

Steps in a multi-step process are numbered.

Content that is essential for a user’s task or understanding is not permanently covered by non-dismissible or non-movable elements.

When content temporarily overlays other content, it must be clearly dismissible or movable via standard interaction methods and its presence does not disrupt critical screen reader announcements or keyboard focus

If a control is disabled, then information explaining why it is disabled and what actions the user needs to take to enable it is provided visually nad programmatically.

Content does not shift or reflow in a way that causes users to lose their place or makes previously visible content inaccessible without explicit user action.

If elements are designed to be persistent (e.g., sticky headers/footers), their position is predictable and do not overlap with primary content in a way that makes it unreadable or unusable.

The design should avoid scenarios where disabling a control implicitly suggests a false pathway or intentionally hides the correct one.

Content does not include infinite scrolling.

Navigation elements remain consistent across views within the product.

The product provides at least two ways of navigating and finding information (Search, Scan, Site Map, Menu Structure, Breadcrumbs, contextual links, etc.).

Navigation features are available regardless of screen size and magnification (responsive design).

Automated input from user agents, third-party tools, or copy-and-paste is not prevented.

Processes, including authentication, can be completed without puzzles, calculations, or other cognitive tests (essential exceptions would apply).

Processes can be completed without memorizing and recalling information from previous stages of the process.

For each process with a time limit, a mechanism exists to disable or extend the limit before the time limit starts.

For each process with a time limit, a mechanism exists to disable or extend the time limit at timeout.

For each process with a time limit, a mechanism exists to disable the limit.

Processes can be completed without being forced to read or understand unnecessary content.

Processes can be completed without entering unnecessary information.

A user is notified before any change in terms of agreement to a continuing process, service, or task, and is given the opportunity to provide consent to continue.

Controls do not include double negatives, false statements, or other misleading wording.

Process completion does not include artificial time limits

Note: Implying to a user that they will lose a benefit if they don’t act immediately is an artificial time limit.

Processes can be completed without navigating misinformation.

During process completion, preselected options that impact finance, privacy or safety are visibly and programmatically available to the user by default, exept when the user selected these options previously in the process.

A mechanism is available to alert users they are exiting the site. Users are notified before they exit a site.

When completing a process, all financial, privacy or safety related information and choices that are provided to the user.

Systems do not threaten individuals or restate decisions in a degrading way.

Systems do not draw users attention away from information that impacts finances, privacy or safety by visually emphasizing other information.

Once a user declines a request, the system does not ask again.

Usability testing has been conducted with people with cognitive and mental health related disabilities to assure the process does not cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.

In a multi-step process, the interface supports stepping backwards in a process and returning to the current point without data loss.

Information previously entered by or provided to the user that is required to be entered again in the same process is either auto-populated, or available for the user to select.

Data entry and other task completion processes allow saving and resuming from the current step in the task.

In a process, the interface indicates when user input or action is required to proceed to the next step.

Information needed to complete a multi-step process is provided at the start of the process, including:

• number of steps it might take (if known in advance),
• details of any resources needed to perform the task, and
• overview of the process and next step.

The steps and instructions needed to complete a multi-step process are available.

The author or source of the primary content is visually and programmatically indicated.

Third-party content (AI, Advertising, etc.) is visually and programmatically indicated.

Private or sensitive information is available to the person to which it applies (e.g., logging in to personal information, clearance for access to information, downloadable version, persistent way to access information via an icon or button). (e.g. personal medical records/information, account information, etc.)

When the amount of information shared can be adjusted, the method of adjusting the amount of information causes a minimal cognitive burden.

When private or sensitive disability information will be disclosed or used by third parties or algorithms (including AI), the user is notified and must acknowledge the notification to proceed.

When information about assistive technology use or disability related settings or patterns of behavior are captured, a way is provided for users to turn off the collection or manage the resulting data.

Disability related vulnerability information is not disclosed to or used by third parties and algorithms (including AI, “user navigation trackers” for UX folks to see how people use the page and possibly give AT information to UX teams). This should include implied disability, such as noticing difficulties with numbers, or use of language suggest mental health disability or vulnerability.

Privacy settings from the operating system, user agent, and application are honored.

When private or sensitive information is displayed, notify the user and provide a mechanism to hide the information.

Content that may be inappropriate or cause harm as identified by an existing standard, policy, or regulation OR identified through user testing is programmatically (and visually?) indicated and a mechanism to avoid it is provided.

Private and sensitive information is handled according to [named security procedures] and reviews are conducted.

The interface provides a mechanism to support decision making while enabling user autonomy.

The interface indicates the legal, financial, privacy or security related consequences, before a user enters a legal, financial, privacy, or security related agreement.

When people with disabilities are required to use alternative or additional processes or content not used by people without disabilities, use of the alternative does not expose them to additional risk.

The interface states the benefits, risks and potential consequences of choices.

Data sets have been trained using representative and unbiased disability related information that is proportional to the general population.

User testing and ethics reviews have been conducted to minimize the possibility that algorithms cause harm to people with disabilities.

Help is labeled consistently and available in a consistent visual and programmatic location.

Contextual help is available.

Conversational support allowing both text and verbal modes is available.

Help is available to understand and use data visualizations.

When interfaces dramatically change (due to redesign), a mechanism to learn the new interface or revert to the older design is available.

Help is adaptable and personalizable.

Instructions and help do not rely on sensory characteristics.

Accessible support is available during data entry, task completion and search.

Text or visual alternatives are available for numerical concepts.

Visual illustrations, pictures, and images are available to help explain complex ideas, events, and processes.

A mechanism is available to provide feedback to authors.

Text and background colors can be customized.

Patterns, designs, or images placed behind text are avoided or can be removed by the user.

When font size conveys visual meaning (such as headings), the text maintains its meaning and purpose when text is resized.

Users can change the text style (like font and size) and the layout (such as spacing and single column) to fit their needs.

Content orientation allows the user to read the language presented without changing head or body position.

Content can be viewed in multiple viewport sizes, orientations, and zoom levels — without loss of content, functionality, meaningful relationships, and with scrolling only occurring in one direction.

Complex information or instructions for complex processes are available in multiple presentation formats.

Role and priority of content is programmatically determinable.

Access to a plain-language summary, abstract, or executive summaries is available.

Content can be transformed to make its purpose clearer.

The position and formatting of captions can be changed.

Audio can be turned off, while still playing the video, and without affecting the system sound.

Alternatives for audio include the ability to search and look up terms.

Captions and audio descriptions can be turned on and off.

Media can be navigated by chapters.

The timing and positioning of notifications and other interruptions can be changed, suppressed or saved, except interruptions involving an emergency.

Warnings are available about content that may be emotionally disturbing, and the disturbing content can be hidden.

Haptic feedback can be reduced or turned off.

Warnings are available about triggering content, and the warnings and triggering content can be hidden.

Overwhelming wordiness can be reduced or turned off.

Visual stimulation from combinations of density, color, movement, etc. can be reduced or turned off.

Content can be controlled using assistive and adaptive technology.

Printing respects user’s content presentation preferences.

User settings are honored.

Assistive technologies can access content and interactions when using mechanisms that convey alternative points of regard or focus (i.e. virtual cursor).