ITS Web Services

MUST

• Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element (e.g., via “alt”, “longdesc”, or in element content). This includes: images, graphical representations of text (including symbols), image map regions, animations e.g., animated GIFs), applets and programmatic objects, ASCII art, frames, scripts, images used as list bullets, spacers, graphical buttons, sounds (played with or without user interaction), stand-alone audio files, audio tracks of video, and video. WCAG 1.1, 508(a)
• For data tables, identify row and column headers. For data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers, use markup to associate data cells and header cells. WCAG 5.1, 508(g), WCAG 5.2, 508(h)
• Ensure that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup. WCAG 2.1, 508(c)
• Organize documents so they may be read without style sheets. For example, when an HTML document is rendered without associated style sheets, it must still be possible to read the document. WCAG 6.1, 508(d)

SHOULD

• Do not use tables for layout unless the table makes sense when linearized. Otherwise, if the table does not make sense, provide an alternative equivalent (which may be a linearized version). If a table is used for layout, do not use any structural markup for the purpose of visual formatting. WCAG 5.3, WCAG 5.4
• Ensure that foreground and background color combinations provide sufficient contrast when viewed by someone having color deficits or when viewed on a black and white screen. [Priority 2 for images, Priority 3 for text]. WCAG 2.2
• Use style sheets to control layout and presentation. WCAG 3.3
• Use relative rather than absolute units in markup language attribute values and style sheet property values. WCAG 3.4
• Use header elements to convey document structure and use them according to specification. WCAG 3.5
• Mark up lists and list items properly. WCAG 3.6

CONSIDER

• Provide summaries for tables. Provide a linear text alternative (on the current page or some other) for all tables that lay out text in parallel, word-wrapped columns. WCAG 5.5, WCAG 10.3
• Provide abbreviations for header labels. WCAG 5.6
• Supplement text with graphic or auditory presentations where they will facilitate comprehension of the page. WCAG 14.2