Site Navigation

Accessibility Techniques for Consistent Identification and Navigation Patterns

Topic	Technique	WCAG AA Requirement
Consistency	Consistent Navigation Patterns: Navigation patterns that are repeated on web pages MUST be presented in the same relative order each time they appear and MUST NOT change order when navigating through the site. Testing methodology 3.2.3.a	Required WCAG 3.2.3
	Consistent Identification: Elements such as labels, names, and text alternatives for content that have the same functionality across multiple screens MUST be consistently identified. Testing methodology 3.2.4.a	Required WCAG 3.2.4
	Consistent Help: Certain help mechanisms that are repeated on multiple web pages MUST occur in the same relative order to other page content, unless a change is initiated by the user.	Required WCAG 3.2.6 (WCAG 2.2)
Multiple Ways	Multiple Ways: Multiple ways must be available to find other web pages on the site — at least two of: a list of related pages, table of contents, site map, site search, or list of all available web pages. Testing methodology 2.4.5.a	Required WCAG 2.4.5
Navigation Lists	Markup: A navigation list SHOULD be designated with the <nav> element or role="navigation". See also landmarks.	Best Practice
	Visible "You Are Here" Indicator: A navigation list SHOULD include a visible method of informing users which page within the navigation list is the currently active/visible page.	Best Practice
	Non-Visual "You Are Here" Indicator: A navigation list SHOULD include a method available to assistive technologies of informing blind users which page within the navigation list is the currently active/visible page.	Best Practice