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Edit comment LC-473 for Accessibility Guidelines Working Group

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Comment LC-473
:
Commenter: Roger Hudson <rhudson@usability.com.au>

or
Resolution status:

Item Number: Success Criterion 2.4.4
Part of Item:
Comment Type: GE
Comment (Including rationale for any proposed change):
Although the wording of SC 2.4.4 is convoluted, it is presumably a replacement for WCAG 1.0, Checkpoint 13.1 "Clearly identify the target of each link [Priority 2]". However 13.1 also required the link text to meaningful enough to make sense when read out of context, either on their own or as a sequence of links, and this does not appear to be the case with SC 2.4.4.

In my experience, many screen reader users extensively use the screen-reader facility that enables them to obtain a list of links on a page. This is often the preferred technique when looking for information on a site or undertaking a task, and in virtually all situations it is only effective when the link text indicates the link destination. While I believe it is possible with some screen readers to select an option that provides context from the surrounding text I have never seen this done. However, many times I have seen screen reader users become frustrated with links that contain only the words "more", "next" or "click here".

I believe it is very important for link text to provide a clear indication of the link destination. Also, the link text should make sense without the need to rely on surrounding contextual information or a title attribute within the link element.

Proposed Change:

I believe 2.4.4 should remain a level 2 SC, but should be rewritten to read, "The target or destination of each link should be clearly indicated by the link text."
LC-712
(space separated ids)
(Please make sure the resolution is adapted for public consumption)


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