Making Headings Accessible

You’re most likely here because you need to make sure the headings you use in your web content are accessible to people with disabilities.

You might have a specific problem, like:

how to set the order of headings correctly
whether there are accessibility issues when nesting headings
whether to capitalize headings
how background colors on headings affect accessibility
whether to use headings at all

Perhaps you need a comprehensive list of likely issues with the accessibility of headings in web content – and how to address them. Or maybe you just want to ask a direct question and get a clear, expert response.

You’re in the right place.

OzWiki will tell you what you need to know to use headings in an accessible way. The Headings section details 14 accessibility problems and how to address them, demonstrating compliance with 12 WCAG Level A success criteria, and 2 WCAG Level AA success criteria.

As a subscriber, you’ll also be able to request further or more detailed information relating to your specific situation.

See an example

Some headings have no content.

Some headings contain no content

Category	Headings
Topic	Content
WCAG SC 2.4.6: Headings and Labels	http://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/navigation-mechanisms-descriptive.html See more errors for this SC
Level	AA
Technique(s)	G130: Providing descriptive headings
Impact	Medium

Error

In a number of pages there are headings with no content.

Incorrect Example(s)

Example 1

Under the main 'Births deaths marriages' heading is a heading 'You might also be interested in:' which has no content. It is directly followed by the heading 'Want to know more'

2. Uber app

The notifications page for the Uber app. On the page there is a heading 'In case you did not know' but no content.

3. MIFF app

Description tab for the Hoyts 11 page on the MIFF app. There is no content under this 'Description' heading.

Solution

Ensure these headings are removed if there is no content in the particular section.

OzWiki is an accessible resource that provides best known methods to achieve A & AA level design and interaction for web content in areas such as Audio, Video, Link, Captcha, Maps, Navigation and more. These outlined accessibility errors, examples and solutions help you become 508 compliant by demonstrating associated WCAG 2.0 success criteria and techniques.

Gain access to more detailed information on all OzWiki categories for only $39/month by purchasing a subscription today! You can cancel your subscription at any time.