WCAG 2.2 Criteria

1.3.4 Orientation [AA]

Content does not restrict its view and operation to a single display orientation, such as portrait or landscape, unless a specific display orientation is essential.

1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose [AA]

Input fields that collect certain types of user information have an appropriate autocomplete attribute defined.

1.3.6 Identify Purpose [AAA]

HTML5 regions or ARIA landmarks are used to identify page regions.
ARIA is used, where appropriate, to enhance HTML semantics to better identify the purpose of interface components.

1.4.10 Reflow [AA]

- This is best tested by setting the browser window to 1280 pixels wide and then zooming the page content to 400%

- Content that requires horizontal scrolling, such as data tables, complex images (such as maps and charts), toolbars, etc. are exempted.

1.4.11 Non-text Contrast [AA]

- A contrast ratio of at least 3:1 is present for differentiating graphical objects (such as icons and components of charts or graphs) and author-customized interface components (such as buttons, form controls, and focus indicators/outlines).
- At least 3:1 contrast must be provided in the various states (focus, hover, active, etc.) of author-customized interactive components.

1.4.12 Text Spacing [AA]

- Line height (line spacing) to at least 1.5 times the font size;
- Spacing following paragraphs to at least 2 times the font size;
- Letter spacing (tracking) to at least 0.12 times the font size;
- Word spacing to at least 0.16 times the font size.

1.1.1 Non-text Content [A]

Providing text alternatives to labels, images... etc.

1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) [A]

- A transcript of relevant content is provided for non-live audio-only (audio podcasts, MP3 files, etc.).
- A transcript or audio description of relevant content is provided for non-live video-only, unless the video is decorative.

1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) [A]

Synchronized captions are provided for non-live video (YouTube videos, etc.).

1.2.4 Captions (Live) [AA]

Synchronized captions are provided for live media that contains audio (audio-only broadcasts, web casts, video conferences, etc.)

1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) [AA]

Audio descriptions are provided for non-live video.

1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded) [AAA]

A sign language video is provided for media that contains audio.

1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded) [AAA]

When audio description cannot be added to video due to audio timing (e.g., insufficient pauses in the audio), an alternative version of the video with pauses that allow audio descriptions is provided.

1.2.8 Media Alternative (Prerecorded) [AAA]

A transcript is provided for pre-recorded media that has a video track

1.2.9 Audio-only (Live) [AAA]

A descriptive text transcript (e.g., the script of the live audio) is provided for live content that has audio.

1.3.1 Info and Relationships [A]

- Semantic markup is used to designate headings (<h1>), regions/landmarks, lists (<ul>, <ol>, and <dl>), emphasized or special text (<strong>, <code>, <abbr>, <blockquote>, for example), etc.
- Tables are semantically correct with table headers
- Labels are associated with form input controls

1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence [A]

The reading and navigation order (determined by code order) is logical and intuitive.

1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics [A]

- Instructions do not rely upon shape, size, or visual location (e.g., "Click the square icon to continue" or "Instructions are in the right-hand column").
- Instructions do not rely upon sound (e.g., "A beeping sound indicates you may continue.").

1.4.1 Use of Color [A]

- Color is not used as the sole method of conveying content or distinguishing visual elements.
- Color alone is not used to distinguish links from surrounding text unless the contrast ratio between the link and the surrounding text is at least 3:1 and an additional distinction (e.g., it becomes underlined) is provided when the link is hovered over and receives focus.

1.4.2 Audio Control [A]

A mechanism is provided to stop, pause, mute, or adjust volume for audio that automatically plays on a page for more than 3 seconds.

1.4.3 Contrast (Mininum) [AA]

- Text and images of text have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
- Large text - at least 18 point (typically 24px) or 14 point (typically 18.66px) and bold - has a contrast ratio of at least 3:1.

1.4.4 Resize Text [AA]

The page is readable and functional when the page is zoomed to 200%.

1.4.5 Images of Text [AA]

If the same visual presentation can be made using text alone, an image is not used to present that text.

1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced) [AAA]

- Text and images of text have a contrast ratio of at least 7:1.
- Large text - at least 18 point (typically 24px) or 14 point (typically 18.66px) bold - has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.

1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio [AAA]

Audio with speech has no or very low background noise so the speech is easily distinguished.

1.4.8 Visual Presentation [AAA]

- Blocks of text over one sentence in length:
- Are no more than 80 characters wide.
- Are NOT fully justified (aligned to both the left and the right margins).
- Have adequate line spacing (at least 1/2 the height of the text) and paragraph spacing (1.5 times line spacing).
- Have a specified foreground and background color. These can be applied to specific elements or to the entire page using CSS (and thus inherited by all other elements).
- Do NOT require horizontal scrolling when the text size is doubled.

1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) [AAA]

Text is used within an image only for decoration (image does not convey content) OR when the information cannot be presented with text alone.

1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus [AA]

When additional content is presented on hover or keyboard focus:

- The newly revealed content can be dismissed (generally via the Esc key) without moving the pointer or keyboard focus, unless the content presents an input error or does not obscure or interfere with other page content.
- The pointer can be moved to the new content without the content disappearing.
- The new content must remain visible until the pointer or keyboard focus is moved away from the triggering control, the new content is dismissed, or the new content is no longer relevant.

2.1.1 Keyboard Accessible [A]

- All page functionality is available using the keyboard, unless the functionality cannot be accomplished in any known way using a keyboard (e.g., free hand drawing).
- Page-specified shortcut keys and accesskeys (accesskey should typically be avoided) do not conflict with existing browser and screen reader shortcuts.

2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap [A]

Keyboard focus is never locked or trapped at one particular page element. The user can navigate to and from all navigable page elements using only a keyboard.

2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception) [AAA]

All page functionality is available using the keyboard.

2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts [AAA]

If a keyboard shortcut uses printable character keys, then the user must be able to disable the key command, change the defined key to a non-printable key (Ctrl, Alt, etc.), or only activate the shortcut when an associated interface component or button is focused.

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable [A]

If a page or application has a time limit, the user is given options to turn off, adjust, or extend that time limit. This is not a requirement for real-time events (e.g., an auction), where the time limit is absolutely required, or if the time limit is longer than 20 hours.

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide [A]

- Automatically moving, blinking, or scrolling content (such as carousels, marquees, or animations) that lasts longer than 5 seconds can be paused, stopped, or hidden by the user.
- Automatically updating content (e.g., a dynamically-updating news ticker, chat messages, etc.) can be paused, stopped, or hidden by the user or the user can manually control the timing of the updates.

2.2.3 No Timing [AAA]

The content and functionality have no time limits or constraints.

2.2.4 Interruptions [AAA]

Interruptions (alerts, page updates, etc.) can be postponed or suppressed by the user.

2.2.5 Re-authenticating [AAA}

If an authentication session expires, the user can re-authenticate and continue the activity without losing any data from the current page.

2.2.6 Timeouts [AAA]

Users must be warned of any timeout that could result in data loss, unless the data is preserved for longer than 20 hours of user inactivity.

2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold [A]

No page content flashes more than 3 times per second unless that flashing content is sufficiently small and the flashes are of low contrast and do not contain too much red.

2.3.2 Three Flashes [AAA]

No page content flashes more than 3 times per second.

2.3.3 Animation from Interactions [AAA]

Users can disable non-essential animation and movement that is triggered by user interaction.

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks [A]

- A link is provided to skip navigation and other page elements that are repeated across web pages.

2.4.2 Page Titled [A]

The web page has a descriptive and informative page title.

2.4.3 Focus Order [A]

The navigation order of links, form elements, etc. is logical and intuitive.

2.4.4 Link Purpose (in context) [A]

- The purpose of each link (or form image button or image map hotspot) can be determined from the link text alone, or from the link text and its context (e.g., surrounding text, list item, previous heading, or table headers).
- Links (or form image buttons) with the same text that go to different locations are readily distinguishable.

2.4.5 Multiple Ways [AA]

- Multiple ways are available to find other web pages on the site - at least two of: a list of related pages, table of contents, site map, site search, or list of all available web pages.

2.4.6 Headings and Labels [AA]

Page headings and labels for form and interactive controls are informative. Avoid duplicating heading (e.g., "More Details") or label text (e.g., "First Name") unless the structure provides adequate differentiation between them.

2.4.7 Focus Visible [AA]

It is visually apparent which page element has the current keyboard focus (i.e., as you tab through the page, you can see where you are).

2.4.8 Location [AAA]

If a web page is part of a sequence of pages or within a complex site structure, an indication of the current page location is provided, for example, through breadcrumbs or specifying the current step in a sequence (e.g., "Step 2 of 5 - Shipping Address").

2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) [AAA]

- The purpose of each link (or form image button or image map hotspot) can be determined from the link text alone.
- There are no links (or form image buttons) with the same text that go to different locations.

2.4.10 Section Headings [AAA]

Beyond providing an overall document structure, individual sections of content are designated using headings, where appropriate.

2.5.1 Pointer Gestures [A]

If multipoint or path-based gestures (such as pinching, swiping, or dragging across the screen) are not essential to the functionality, then the functionality can also be performed with a single point activation (such as activating a button).

2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation [A]

To help avoid inadvertent activation of controls, avoid non-essential down-event (e.g., onmousedown) activation when clicking, tapping, or long pressing the screen. Use onclick, onmouseup, or similar instead. If onmouseup (or similar) is used, you must provide a mechanism to abort or undo the action performed.

2.5.3 Label in Name [A]

If an interface component (link, button, etc.) presents text (or images of text), the accessible name (label, alternative text, aria-label, etc.) for that component must include the visible text.

2.5.4 Motion Actuation [A]

Functionality that is triggered by moving the device (such as shaking or panning a mobile device) or by user movement (such as waving to a camera) can be disabled and equivalent functionality is provided via standard controls like buttons.

2.5.5 Target Size [AAA]

Clickable targets are at least 44 by 44 pixels in size unless an alternative target of that size is provided, the target is inline (such as a link within a sentence), the target is not author-modified (such as a default checkbox), or the small target size is essential to the functionality.

2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms [AAA]

Content does not restrict input to a specific modality, such as touch-only or keyboard-only, but must support alternative inputs (such as using a keyboard on a mobile device).

3.1.1 Language of Page [A]

The language of the page is identified using the HTML lang attribute (e.g., <html lang="en">).

3.1.2 Language of Parts [AA]

The language of page content that is in a different language is identified using the lang attribute (e.g., <blockquote lang="es">).

3.1.3 Unusual Words [AAA]

Words that may be ambiguous, unfamiliar, or used in a very specific way are defined through adjacent text, a definition list, a glossary, or other suitable method.

3.1.4 Abbreviations [AAA]

The meaning of an unfamiliar abbreviation is provided by expanding it the first time it is used, using the <abbr> element, or linking to a definition or glossary.

3.1.5 Reading Level [AAA]

A more understandable alternative is provided for content that is more advanced than can be reasonably read by a person with roughly 9 years of primary education.

3.1.6 Pronunciation [AAA]

If the pronunciation of a word is vital to understanding that word, its pronunciation is provided immediately following the word or via a link or glossary.

3.2.1 On Focus [A]

When a page element receives focus, it does not result in a substantial change to the page, the spawning of a pop-up window, an additional change of keyboard focus, or any other change that could confuse or disorient the user.

3.2.2 On Input [A]

When a user inputs information or interacts with a control, it does not result in a substantial change to the page, the spawning of a pop-up window, an additional change of keyboard focus, or any other change that could confuse or disorient the user unless the user is informed of the change ahead of time.

3.2.3 Consistent Navigation [AA]

Navigation links that are repeated on web pages do not change order when navigating through the site.

3.2.4 Consistent Identification [AA]

Elements that have the same functionality across multiple web pages are consistently identified. For example, a search box at the top of the site should always be labeled the same way.

3.2.5 Change on Request [AAA]

Substantial changes to the page, the spawning of pop-up windows, uncontrolled changes of keyboard focus, or any other change that could confuse or disorient the user must be initiated by the user. Alternatively, the user is provided an option to disable such changes.

3.3.1 Error Identification [A]

- Required form elements or form elements that require a specific format, value, or length provide this information within the element's label.
- Form validation errors are efficient, intuitive, and accessible. The error is clearly identified, quick access to the problematic element is provided, and the user can easily fix the error and resubmit the form.

3.3.2 Labels or Instructions [A]

Sufficient labels, cues, and instructions for required interactive elements are provided via instructions, examples, properly positioned form labels, and/or fieldsets/legends.

3.3.3 Error Suggestion [AA]

If an input error is detected (via client-side or server-side validation), suggestions are provided for fixing the input in a timely and accessible manner.

3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) [AA]

If the user can change or delete legal, financial, or test data, the changes/deletions can be reversed, verified, or confirmed.

3.3.5 Help [AAA]

Instructions and cues are provided in context to help in form completion and submission.

3.3.6 Error Prevention (All) [AAA]

If the user can submit information, the submission is reversible, verified, or confirmed.

4.1.1 Parsing [A]

Significant HTML/XHTML validation/parsing errors are avoided. Check at http://validator.w3.org/

4.1.2 Name, Role, Value [A]

- Markup is used in a way that facilitates accessibility. This includes following the HTML/XHTML specifications and using forms, form labels, frame titles, etc. appropriately.
- ARIA is used appropriately to enhance accessibility when HTML is not sufficient.

4.1.3 Status Messages [AA]

If an important status message is presented and focus is not set to that message, the message must be announced to screen reader users, typically via an ARIA alert or live region.

2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) [AA]

When a user interface component receives keyboard focus, the component is not entirely hidden due to author-created content.

2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) [AAA]

When a user interface component receives keyboard focus, no part of the component is hidden by author-created content.

2.4.13 Focus Appearance [AAA]

When the keyboard focus indicator is visible, an area of the focus indicator meets all the following:

- is at least as large as the area of a 2 CSS pixel thick perimeter of the unfocused component or sub-component, and

- has a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 between the same pixels in the focused and unfocused states.

Exceptions:

- The focus indicator is determined by the user agent and cannot be adjusted by the author, or

- The focus indicator and the indicator's background color are not modified by the author.

2.5.7 Dragging Movements [AA]

All functionality that uses a dragging movement for operation can be achieved by a single pointer without dragging, unless dragging is essential or the functionality is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.

2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) [AA]

The size of the target for pointer inputs is at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels, except where:

- Spacing: Undersized targets (those less than 24 by 24 CSS pixels) are positioned so that if a 24 CSS pixel diameter circle is centered on the bounding box of each, the circles do not intersect another target or the circle for another undersized target;

- Equivalent: The function can be achieved through a different control on the same page that meets this criterion;

- Inline: The target is in a sentence or its size is otherwise constrained by the line-height of non-target text;

- User agent control: The size of the target is determined by the user agent and is not modified by the author;

- Essential: A particular presentation of the target is essential or is legally required for the information being conveyed.

3.2.6 Consistent Help [A]

If a Web page contains any of the following help mechanisms, and those mechanisms are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages, they occur in the same order relative to other page content, unless a change is initiated by the user:
- Human contact details;
- Human contact mechanism;
- Self-help option;
- A fully automated contact mechanism.

3.3.7 Redundant Entry [A]

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.

Except when:

- re-entering the information is essential,

- the information is required to ensure the security of the content, or

- previously entered information is no longer valid.

3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) [AA]

A cognitive function test (such as remembering a password or solving a puzzle) is not required for any step in an authentication process unless that step provides at least one of the following:

- Alternative: Another authentication method that does not rely on a cognitive function test.

- Mechanism: A mechanism is available to assist the user in completing the cognitive function test.

- Object Recognition: The cognitive function test is to recognize objects.

- Personal Content: The cognitive function test is to identify non-text content the user provided to the Web site.

3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced) [AAA]

A cognitive function test (such as remembering a password or solving a puzzle) is not required for any step in an authentication process unless that step provides at least one of the following:

- Alternative: Another authentication method that does not rely on a cognitive function test.

- Mechanism: A mechanism is available to assist the user in completing the cognitive function test.