Additional Resources
Using header elements - WAI recommended technique.
View WAI checkpoint 3.5 - Use header elements to convey document structure and use them according to specification.
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Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Examples for the State
of Kansas
Priority 1 Item 9
Use markup according to specification. For example, use
header elements to convey document structure. Mark up lists and list
items properly. Mark up quotations. Do not use quotation markup for
formatting effects such as indentation.
heading 1
heading 2
heading 3
heading 4
heading 5
heading 6
heading 4
heading 2
heading 5
heading 4
heading 3
heading 6
Why use header elements to convey document
structure?
Many people navigate or skim through documents by reading the headings
to get a feel for the structure and an overview of the content and
scope of a document.
Also, some screen readers will read content assigned as a header in a different tone of voice to other content on the page, providing users with important clues about document structure. Misusing heading attributes will therefore misinform and confuse screen reader users.
<html>
<body>
<ol>
<li>This is the first item.</li>
<li>This is the second item.</li>
<li>This is the third item.</li>
</ol>
</body>
</html>
<body>
<ol>
<li>This is the first item.</li>
<li>This is the second item.</li>
<li>This is the third item.</li>
</ol>
</body>
</html>
<html>
<body>
<p>
1. This is the first item.<br>
2. This is the second item.<br >
3. This is the third item.<br>
</p>
</body>
</html>
<body>
<p>
1. This is the first item.<br>
2. This is the second item.<br >
3. This is the third item.<br>
</p>
</body>
</html>
Why mark up lists?
Screen reader users will refer to the numbers in an ordered list for navigation
and context. If the numbers do not relate to a clear structural hierarchy,
users will be easily confused.
Mark up quotations. Do not use quotation markup for formatting effects such as indentation.
"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."
-- Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web
The appropriate use of the blockquote tag.
<body>
<blockquote>
<p>
"The power of the Web is in its universality.
Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential
aspect."
<br>
-- Tim Berners-Lee,
<acronym title="World Wide Web Consortium">W3C</acronym>
Director and inventor of the World Wide Web
</p>
</blockquote>
</body>