Hello list, I'm having some troubles in understanding the standards of webaccessibility according to the headings.
On one side, there is the point of W3 saying: "Since some users skim through a document by navigating its headings, it is important to use them appropriately to convey document structure. Users should order heading elements properly. For example, in HTML, H2 elements should follow H1 elements, H3 elements should follow H2 elements, etc. Content developers should not "skip" levels (e.g., H1 directly to H3). Do not use headings to create font effects; use style sheets to change font styles for example." (http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10-HTML-TECHS/#document-headers) On the other hand, Joe Clark's book "Building Accessible Websites" says about the use of the <h>: "Styled headings Screen readers and the like let you select the order in which youd like to tab through elements, but the fundaments lie in HTML. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines tell us to use heading elements in strict numerical order <h1></h1>, then, if necessary, <h2></h2> through <h6></h6> in that sequence. That dictum suits androids and Vulcans quite well, but here in the real world you can skip intervening levels and you dont have to start at <h1></h1>. I am telling you that you can defy the WCAG in this limited way. You must not, however, use heading elements in anything but ascending order. " (http://www.joeclark.org/book/sashay/serialization/Chapter07.html) I've got two problems complying those norms: I would like to maintain a certain homogeneity through the site, having a unique <h1> for all the pages, and a <h4> at the homepage using it for the same level of heading on the next pages. But the guidelines tell not to skip any <h>, and it might happen that a certain page won't have a <h3> for example. Another doubt I have is the fact that <h> always should be used in ascending way. But what if there are several repeating sections containing subtitles? F.i. <h1>People at work</h1> <h2>People working at the office</h2> <ul><li>...</li><li>...</li></ul> <h2>People working at the factory</h2> <ul><li>...</li><li>...</li></ul> <h1>People at home</h1> <h2>Friends</h2> <ul><li>...</li><li>...</li></ul> <h2>Family</h2> <ul><li>...</li><li>...</li></ul> I hope I make myself clear... Anyone who can say anything about this question? Thank you very much. Regards, Esther ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ******************************************************
