Asd a11y wcag: 1.3.1 info and relationships

Web accessibility ensures that digital platforms are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a set of standards to help make websites more accessible. One important criterion within these guidelines is WCAG 1.3.1: Info and Relationships. This guideline ensures that the information and structure on a web page are clear and can be easily understood by all users, including those using assistive technologies like screen readers.

In this article, we’ll break down WCAG 1.3.1 and explain its importance, how it works, and best practices for implementation.

What Is WCAG 1.3.1: Info and Relationships?

WCAG 1.3.1 falls under the Perceivable principle of WCAG, which focuses on making content available to the senses, such as sight and hearing. Specifically, Info and Relationships ensures that web content has a clear structure, and relationships between elements are communicated in a way that users can understand, whether visually or through assistive technology.

In simple terms, WCAG 1.3.1 requires:

• The logical structure of content must be perceivable.
• Relationships between elements (like headings, lists, and buttons) should be programmatically determinable.

Examples:

• Headings and subheadings should be marked up using the correct HTML tags (e.g., <h1>, <h2>).
• Lists should be created using semantic elements like <ul>, <ol>, or <dl>, not simply styled with CSS.
• Form elements must have proper labels associated with them.

Why Is WCAG 1.3.1 Important?

Many users rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers to navigate websites. For these users, the visual layout of a website is less important than the underlying structure. If a website doesn’t use proper markup to indicate headings, lists, and other structural elements, it becomes difficult for users with disabilities to understand how content is organized and to navigate effectively.

Key benefits include:

• Improved usability for all users: Even people without disabilities benefit from clear structure and organization of content.
• Legal compliance: Many countries have laws requiring web accessibility, and WCAG compliance helps meet those legal obligations.
• Better SEO: Properly structured content is not only more accessible but also ranks better in search engines.

Common Issues Addressed by WCAG 1.3.1

1. Improper use of headings

• Incorrect: Styling text with bold or larger fonts to make it look like a heading without using proper heading tags (<h1>, <h2>, etc.).
• Correct: Using appropriate heading tags to create a clear hierarchy of information.

2. Using tables for layout

• Incorrect: Using HTML tables to control the layout of a webpage.
• Correct: Tables should only be used for tabular data, while CSS should be used for layout.

3. Forms without proper labels

• Incorrect: Form fields that lack associated labels, making it difficult for screen readers to identify them.
• Correct: Ensure every form field has an explicit <label> tag or an accessible name using aria-label.

4. Unclear relationships between elements

• Incorrect: Grouping related content visually but not programmatically.
• Correct: Use <fieldset> and <legend> for related form fields and lists to group items clearly.

Best Practices for WCAG 1.3.1 Compliance

1. Use Semantic HTML

Always use HTML elements for their intended purposes. For example, use <header>, <footer>, <article>, and <section> elements to organize the page structure.

2. Proper Heading Structure

Create a clear heading hierarchy by starting with <h1> for the main heading and descending to <h2>, <h3>, etc., for subheadings. This makes it easier for users (and search engines) to follow the flow of content.

3. Accessible Forms

Make sure all form elements have properly associated labels. If the form layout requires hidden labels, use aria-label or aria-labelledby attributes to ensure the form is still accessible.

4. Label Data Tables

For complex data tables, use appropriate <th> and <td> elements, and associate headers with cells using the scope attribute or headers and id attributes.

5. ARIA Landmarks and Roles

Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks to define different sections of a webpage (e.g., <nav> for navigation, <main> for the main content, and <aside> for complementary content). This helps users with screen readers navigate the page more effectively.

Testing for WCAG 1.3.1 Compliance

To ensure compliance with WCAG 1.3.1, use the following testing methods:

1. Manual Testing

• Use a screen reader to navigate your website and ensure the structure is properly communicated.
• Test forms, ensuring that all inputs have accessible labels and that screen readers announce them properly.

2. Automated Testing Tools

• Use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues related to Info and Relationships.
• These tools will highlight issues like missing headings, unassociated form labels, and improper list markup.