Understandable

Contents

1. Readable
2. Predictable
3. Input assistance

3.1 Readable

3.1.1 Language of page (Level A)

The default human language of each Web page can be programmatically determined.

Ensuring that a screen reader knows which language to read a web page in, is extremely important. Find out how to mark up your code with the language of the page.

3.1.2 Language of parts (Level AA)

The human language of each passage or phrase in the content can be programmatically determined except for proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding text.

Find out how to mark up your code with the language of parts

3.2 Predictable

3.2.1 On focus (Level A)

When any user interface component receives focus, it does not initiate a change of context.

3.2.2 On input (Level A)

Changing the setting of any user interface component does not automatically cause a change of context unless the user has been advised of the behavior before using the component.

3.2.3 Consistent navigation (Level AA)

Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user.

3.2.4 Consistent identification (Level AA)

Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently.

3.2.6 Consistent help (Level A) (new)

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 relative order 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 Input assistance

3.3.1 Error identification (Level A)

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.

If a user is filling in a form and they submit information in an invalid format or they accidently miss a required field, it is important to identify this and let the user know that they have made an error.

Learn how to code error identification messages

3.3.2 Labels or instructions (Level A)

Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.

3.3.3 Error suggestion (Level AA)

If an input error is automatically detected 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.

3.3.4 Error prevention (legal, financial, data) (Level AA)

For Web pages that cause legal commitments or financial transactions for the user to occur, that modify or delete user-controllable data in data storage systems, or that submit user test responses, at least one of the following is true:

Reversible

Submissions are reversible.

Checked

Data entered by the user is checked for input errors and the user is provided an opportunity to correct them.

Confirmed

A mechanism is available for reviewing, confirming, and correcting information before finalizing the submission.

3.3.7 Redundant entry (Level A) (new)

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 (Level AA) (new)

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 website.