Spotlight 11

Using Links

(WCAG 2.4.4 & 2.4.9)

In this spotlight, we’ll talk about using links. 


What do the criteria say?

WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose: In Context - level A and 2.4.9 Link Purpose: Link only - level AAA both relate to making links meaningful to users. The difference is that with 2.4.4, the users should be able to work out where the link will take them from the context surrounding the link, while according to 2.4.9, they should be able to do that from the link text alone.

Links are usually visually different from standard text. Screen readers try to mimic that functionality and allow users to pull up a list of links and navigate through that list quickly. However, if the list has 3 "Click here" and 4 " Find out more" links, users have to investigate the surrounding content to find out what these specifically refer to. If they can work out the meaning from the context surrounding the link, the learning content complies with the level A standard. However, in general, it's considered best practice to comply with the level AAA guideline and make the purpose or the destination of the link clear from the link alone. 

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WCAG 2.4.4. vs 2.4.9. 

WCAG 2.4.4 vs 2.4.9 Image Transcript

Examples of WCAG 2.4.4 and WCAG 2.4.9.

WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose: In Context (A)

The example says “Find out more about how to use links”. This is then followed by a full link of 3 lines that includes www.lcaspotlight.com and the breadcrumbs that lead to the exact page location.. 

WCAG 2.4.9 Link Purpose: Link only (AAA)

The example says ”Find out more”. This is then followed by a shortened hyperlink that simply reads: “Spotlight 11: Using links”. 

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Other considerations

Although not specifically mentioned in the WCAG guidelines, here are some more considerations when using links:

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Links Best Practices

Links Best Practices Image Transcript

A table with 2 columns of what to avoid and what to do instead. 

The image ends with the LCA Spotlight logo. 


Resources:

Discussion questions:

Get Involved: Come to the LCA Spotlight LinkedIn group and join the conversation.

When you post in the community, use the hashtag #LCASpotlightLinks      

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