Making accessibility standards easy to understand, one success criterion at a time.

theme: Wording

How language, tone, and phrasing impact accessibility.

WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.1.4 Abbreviations

Acronyms and shortened words are avoided; where not that’s possible, a definition are provided on each page they’re used.

Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Content
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.1.5 Reading Level

Writing is kept relatively simple, and is able to be understood by primary school children.

Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Content
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.1.6 Pronunciation

If a word can be pronounced more than one way, and each way has a different meaning, the meaning is clarified to avoid ambiguity.

Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Content
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level A

3.3.1 Error Identification

Errors must be clearly indicated and described to the user.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Code, Design
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AA

3.3.3 Error Suggestion

Helpful suggestions should be provided to help users correct their errors.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Code
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AA

3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)

Important forms like a legal agreement or submitting financial information offer the opportunity to check the information entered before sending.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Code
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.3.5 Help

Where a label can’t provide enough information to understand what’s being asked, there’s hint text or some other kind of explanation alongside.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive
Code, Content, Design
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.3.6 Error Prevention (All)

After entering any information, the user is offered the opportunity to check it before sending.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Physical/Motor
Code, Design