Understanding Accessibility
by Vivienne Trulock
Guideline 14. Ensure that documents are clear and simple.
Use clear and simple language - this means that almost everybody will be able to understand your content. Keep page style consistent. There are 3 specific checkpoints in Guideline 14.
| No. | Checkpoint | Priority | How to check | Disability Accommodated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.1 | Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content | .Priority 1 | . Manual check for 14.1 | Cognitive |
| 14.2 | Supplement text with graphic or auditory presentations where they will facilitate comprehension of the page | .Priority 3 | . Manual check for 14.2 | Blind Cognitive Novice |
| 14.3 | Create a style of presentation that is consistent across pages. | .Priority 3 | .Manual check for 14.3 | Blind |
Checkpoint 14.1 - Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content
The purpose of this guideline is to prompt the web author to create text which is readable by everyone. The average reading level of the general population is around the 8th grade. Text which is accessible to individuals with cognitive disabilities should be around the 4th-5th grade level.
How do I do it?
Pages should be written using:
- short rather than long words
- short rather than long sentences
- single syllable rather than multi syllable words
- simple rather than complex terms and phrases
- jargon-free language
- direct rather than indirect writing style
- logical structure
How do I check that it meets the WCAG criteria?
Pages can be assessed using the Readability test tool. Pages which have a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 5th Grade (5.x) or lower will pass the test. Pages with a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level equal to or higher than 6th grade will fail the test.
Checkpoint 14.2 - Supplement text with graphic or auditory presentations where they will facilitate comprehension of the page
Some information is conveyed more easily with the use of graphs, arrows and other graphics. This is particularly important for cognitively disabled individuals who may find the text version incomprehensible.
How do I do it?
Check your pages to see if you have content which can be supplemented naturally with images or sound. If you do, then use sound recording equipment and image editing software to enhance your site.
How do I check that it meets the WCAG criteria?
Pages which do have text which can be supplemented or replaced with graphics will have failed the check. Particular targets include phrases such as ‘go up one level’ where the meaning can be conveyed more effectively with the use of an ‘up’ arrow.
Checkpoint 14.3 - Create a style of presentation that is consistent across pages.
A consistent method of presentation of content, navigational elements (such as navigation bars and search boxes) and style (such as colours and fonts) can help to orient both novice users and those with learning and reading difficulties.
How do I do it?
Use templates and style sheets to help to keep pages consistent across the site. The use of linked style sheets facilitates consistency, whereas embedded or inline styles are less likely to remain consistent after updates.
How do I check that it meets the WCAG criteria?
As with Guideline 13.4, a range of pages should be checked from each site to ensure consistency in presentation. Where any of these pages are distinctly different from the others the site will have failed the check.
