Headings and List Structure

Downloadable page: Lesson on Headings and List Structure Download Lesson on Headings and List Structure

The Standards

Section 508 Standard:

WCAG 2.0 Guideline:

• Guideline 2.4.6 Links to an external site. Headings and Labels: "Headings and labels describe topic or purpose. (Level AA)" (W3C)

What do the Standards Mean?

Using word processing software’s built-in headings and list structure (e.g. Styles block in Microsoft Word) when creating text-based content benefits users of many types of assistive technologies; for example, users of screen readers. Screen readers do not convey headings and lists created with direct formatting (bold, italics, underline, numbering) to users; thus, users cannot distinguish between regular text and headings and lists created with direct formatting. On the other hand, built-in headings and lists are created in a way screen readers are able to interpret and communicate to users. Another example of assistive technology users who benefit are those who use navigation functions in some word processing software; for example, navigation pane (aka document map) in Microsoft Word.

How to Create Accessible Headings and Lists?

Creating accessible headings and lists is straight-forward. When creating a document using word processing software, choose one of the pre-made, built-in styles or layouts. For example, when using Microsoft Word, navigate to the Styles block and choose one of the heading style options listed. Also, select the bulleted list or numbered list button in Microsoft Word to use the pre-made list styles. For detailed information on how to create text-based documents using built-in headings and list structures, review the lesson available in week 6.

How to Verify Headings and Lists are Accessible?

Most word processing software provides a way to verify that a built-in style and/or list structure was used when creating a text-based document; for example, newer versions of Microsoft Word provide an Accessibility Checker that will confirm the use of built-in headings and lists.  Selecting and highlighting the text and then reviewing the setting in the Styles block is another way to confirm headings and lists are accessible. An option in the Styles block will be selected if the highlighted text was formatted with a built-in style.

Resources

Information on this page is from the following resources about headings and list structure:

• Headings and List Structure Links to an external site.. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
• WebAIM is a non-profit organization associated with the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University. It is one of the leading resources for information on accessibility.
• Headings Links to an external site.. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
• This website, w3.org, is the website for The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which is a community of individuals who develop web standards. The guides on this website include extensive recommendations, examples, related resources and other helpful tools.
• United States Access Board Links to an external site.. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
• This page contains the Section 508 standards as of January, 2016. This does not contain the refreshed standards proposed in February 2015.  
• Quick Reference Guide to Section 508 Requirements and Standards Links to an external site.. Section 508.gov. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
• This page contains the Section 508 standards as of January, 2016. This does not contain the refreshed standards proposed in February 2015.  

Estimated time: 10 minutes