Testing Checklist for Standards:
Pass/Fail Criteria by NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard
*** NOTE: Information on this page refers to previous policies and is out-of-date. Updated information will be coming soon. ***
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 — A text equivalent will be provided for all non-text elements. Non-text elements will include, but are not limited to, images, graphical representations of text (including symbols), image map regions, animations (e.g., animated GIFs), applets and programmatic objects, ASCII art, frames, scripts, images used as list bullets, spacers, graphical buttons, sounds (played with or without user interaction), stand-alone audio files, audio tracks of video, and video. WCAG 1.0 reference: 1.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508 reference: 1194.22(a) |
 No unexplained images (or other non-text elements) on the page |
Image or other non-text elements are used without a text equivalent |
| 1.2 — Ensure that equivalents for dynamic content updated when dynamic content changes. WCAG 1.0: 6.2 (Pri. 1), 6.5 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(j) |
If images are dynamically changed each time page loads, accompanying ALT attribute also changes |
Images or other content changes dynamically, but the text equivalent for the element does not change |
| If site is dynamically generated and text version is offered, both versions of page deliver same information |
Information on text version of page is different from the dynamically generated version |
|
| 1.3 — Ensure that pages are usable when scripts, applets, or other programmatic objects are turned off or are not supported. If this is not possible, provide equivalent information on an alternative accessible page. WCAG 1.0: 6.3 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(l), 1194.22(m) |
If page contains scripted element(s), equivalent information still available |
Information available with scripting enabled is unavailable when scripting disabled |
| 1.4 — A text equivalent will be provided for all non-text elements through the following means: "ALT," "LONGDESC," or in element context. WCAG 1.0: 1.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(a) |
Appropriate (i.e., meaningful) ALT or TITLE text spoken when image encountered |
No text equivalent available for image or other non-text elements |
| Complex elements, such as charts or graphs are fully described via LONGDESC link to accessible description |
Text equivalent for image or other non-text element is not meaningful in context (e.g., "Photo.") |
|
| Secondary text link to full description of complex elements available (e.g., for users of older AT that may not recognize LONGDESC element) |
No description of complex element available to AT |
|
| 1.5 — An ALT attribute will convey the same information, in a textual manner, as intended by image. WCAG 1.0: 1.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(a) |
ALT attribute describes meaning or content of graphic (depending on context. For example, at bottom of the page, an image of a right arrow might read "next page") |
ALT attribute is not meaningful in the context of the page or provides no useful information |
| 1.6 — Graphics which are strictly for decoration, such as bullets, will have an ALT attribute filled with one space (e.g., ALT=" "). WCAG 1.0/Section 508: N/A. NOTE: NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard clarifies ambiguities in WCAG 1.0 guideline 1.1. This is considered a "best practice." |
Non-meaningful images (e.g., spacer graphics, horizontal rules, bullets, etc.) do not have descriptive ALT attributes |
Repeated use on insignificant ALT attributes (e.g., "spacer," "bullet," etc.) |
| 1.7 — An ALT attribute, within an image element, will not exceed 150 characters. WCAG 1.0/Section 508: N/A. NOTE: NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard clarifies ambiguities in WCAG 1.0 guideline 1.1. This is considered a "best practice." |
ALT attributes are concise |
ALT attributes are too long |
| 1.8 — A LONGDESC attribute is required within an element if alt text exceeds 150 characters. A descriptive [text] link will also be provided. WCAG 1.0/Section 508: N/A. NOTE: NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard clarifies ambiguities in WCAG 1.0 guideline 1.1. This is considered a "best practice." |
Elements requiring longer descriptions use the LONGDESC attribute and include a plain text link to a description |
ALT attributes are too long and no LONGDESC element/link to text description are available |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 — Information will be conveyed in a manner that is not solely dependent on color as the primary means of informing a user how to interpret information. WCAG 1.0: 2.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(c) |
Ability to detect color is not required to correctly interpret page content |
Information is referenced by color (e.g., "the items listed in red are sale items") |
| If color is used to denote information, secondary cue to information (not reliant upon color) is also available, such as an asterisk |
The use of a color monitor is required to correctly interpret full meaning of some items contained on this page |
|
| 2.2 — Foreground and background colors will provide sufficient contrast. WCAG 1.0: 2.2 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(c) |
Contrast is sufficient so that text is clearly visible against background when viewed on monochrome display device (e.g., black-and-white PDA) |
Contrast between foreground (text) and background is poor. |
| Contrast is sufficient so that text will be visible to people who have color deficiencies. |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 — Web pages will be created using the most current web document specification (e.g., HTML, XHTML, XML). WCAG 1.0: 3.2 (Pri. 2), 11.1 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Page
includes a document type declaration at the beginning of a document that
refers to a currently published DTD (e.g., the strict HTML 4.0 DTD) |
Page
does not include a document type declaration citing a currently published
document type definition |
| Page is validated against a published document standard (set in validator) |
Page
does not validate |
|
| 3.2 — All web pages will include a valid document type declaration (DTD). WCAG 1.0: 3.2 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Page includes a document type declaration at the beginning of a document that refers to a published DTD (e.g., the strict HTML 4.0 DTD) |
Page does not include a document type declaration |
| 3.3 — The use of deprecated elements or attributes is not allowed (e.g., the usage of the BLOCKQUOTE element to indent text is deprecated). WCAG 1.0: 3.7 (Pri. 2), 11.2 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Page includes a valid DTD |
Page does not include a valid DTD |
| Page
is validated against the most current DTD, elements/attributes identified
as deprecated are eliminated/replaced 1 |
Page
contains deprecated elements and/or attributes |
|
| 3.4 — Web pages will be created using style sheets to achieve formatting and stylistic effects whenever possible. When style sheets are utilized the web pages must convey all relevant information in an accessible manner if the style sheet is disabled for any reason. WCAG 1.0: 6.1 (Pri. 1), 3.3 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(d) |
Common page elements (e.g., background color, layout, text appearance, etc.) are set in styles |
Deprecated
element attributes used to assign format/look instead of style elements/attributes.
(e.g., elements use ALIGN= "center" instead of STYLE="text-align:center; ") |
| Page information still accessible and cogent if style sheets are disabled in the browser |
Page
jumbled or portions of page not available without style sheets |
|
| 3.5 — All natural language usage will be clarified using the LANG attribute when the written language is not English. WCAG 1.0: 4.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: N/A |
Any
element containing a non-English language includes the LANG attribute enclosing
the non-English content |
Page includes unattributed references to non-English language |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 — Web pages will be designed to enable users to skip repetitive links. WCAG 1.0: 13.6 (Pri. 3) Section 508: 1194.22(o) |
Repetitive links preceding or in tandem with content can be bypassed with a "Skip to Content" link (link is visible to accommodate those with motor impairments) |
Page does not include ability to skip over repetitive links |
| 4.2 — All text links will indicate the destination or purpose. WCAG 1.0: 13.1 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(a) |
Text links and ALT attributes for images used as links are descriptive of the target destination |
Link text and ALT attributes used for image links do not provide a clear idea of target destination |
| 4.3 — All state agency web pages will allow the user to return to that state agency's home page. WCAG 1.0: 13.4 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Every web page on the agency's web site includes a HOME link |
Pages do not include HOME link |
| 4.4 — Web pages will be designed to be device independent; for example, allow navigation with or without a mouse. WCAG 1.0: 9.3 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(n) |
All elements and page functionality is available via keyboard |
Some elements or functionality of the page requires a mouse |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 — Web site screen elements will not have a flicker rate with a frequency between 2Hz and 55Hz (2 to 55 flashes per second). WCAG 1.0: 7.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(j) |
No page elements flicker |
Some page elements flicker at a frequency within the proscripted range |
| 5.2 — A mechanism will be in place to allow users to turn off screen elements that flicker. WCAG 1.0: 7.2 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
An option is available that indicates its choice will turn off flickering |
Some elements flicker and there is no discernable way to disengage that behavior |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1 — When a programmed timed response is used on a web site, a notification will be provided on that web page, identifying the time limits and providing the option to extend or remove the limit. WCAG 1.0: N/A Section 508: 1194.22(p) |
User has control over the timing of content changes or time-out/lock-out when completing forms |
No way to control timing of content changes or time-out/lock-out when completing forms |
| 6.2 — Client-side auto-refresh or client-side auto-redirect will not be used without a mechanism in place to first alert the user. WCAG 1.0: 7.4 (Pri. 2), 7.5 (Pri. 2), 10.1 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
If auto-refresh or auto-redirect used, user will be notified before refresh or redirect implemented |
Pages are auto-refreshed or redirected without notice |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 1194.22(i) — All tables are required to have a SUMMARY attribute. WCAG 1.0: 5.5 (Pri. 3) Section 508: N/A |
Tables include SUMMARY attributes |
Tables do not include SUMMARY attributes |
| 1194.22(i) — Tables used solely for formatting will specify that purpose using a SUMMARY attribute (e.g., SUMMARY="format" or SUMMARY="for layout only"). WCAG 1.0: N/A Section 508: N/A NOTE: NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard clarifies ambiguities in WCAG 1.0 guideline 5.5. This is considered a "best practice." |
Tables used for formatting include SUMMARY attributes stating the purpose |
Tables used for formatting (e.g., page layout) include SUMMARY attributes stating that purpose |
| 7.3 — Tables with tabular data will use the SCOPE attribute to identify both horizontal and vertical headings. WCAG 1.0: N/A Section 508: 1194.22(h) |
Data table headings (both column and row) include SCOPE attribute |
Data table headings (column and/or row) omit the SCOPE attribute |
| 7.4 — Row and column headers will be identified for data tables. WCAG 1.0: 5.1 (Pri. 1), 5.2 (Pri. 1), 5.6 (Pri. 3) Section 508: 1194.22(g), 1194.22(h) |
Row and column headers are identified |
Row and/or column headers are not identified |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1 — If frames are used, a noframes alternate will be provided. WCAG 1.0: N/A Section 508: N/A NOTE: This represents a "best practice." |
If frames are used, same page content also available (via NOFRAME element) when frame capability is turned off in browser |
Page not displayed or incorrectly displayed when frame capability is turned off in browser |
| 8.2 — If frames are used: 8.2.1 — Each frame must be identified with a descriptive title attribute that describes the purpose of each frame and how they relate to each other. WCAG 1.0: 12.1 (Pri. 1), 12.2 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(i) |
Each frame is titled and titles describe the frame's purpose and its relationship to other frames |
Frame titles do not describe frame's purpose and/or the frame's relationship to other frames |
| 8.2 — If frames are used: 8.2.2 — For title text greater than 150 characters a LONGDESC attribute will be used. WCAG 1.0: 12.2 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A NOTE: This item clarifies WCAG 1.0 checkpoint 12.2 and is considered a "best practice." |
Frame titles are shorter than 150 characters or FRAME element includes a LONGDESC attribute |
Frame titles are longer than 150 characters and/or FRAME element does not include a LONGDESC attribute |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 9.1 — Image mapping will be client-side based. WCAG 1.0: 9.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(f) |
Page does not include server-side image map |
Page includes server side image map |
| 9.2 — Redundant text links will be provided for each active region of a client-side image map. WCAG 1.0: 1.5 (Pri. 3) Section 508: N/A |
Image maps are not used or image maps are used along with redundant text links for each active region |
Image maps are used without redundant text links |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 10.1 — Information will not be conveyed by single audio (audio clip sounds to provide instructions, warnings, or other information) alone. WCAG 1.0: 1.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508:1194.22(a) |
Audio is not used or audio is accompanied by text equivalent |
Audio is used without text equivalent |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 11.1 — Audio State agencies will provide synchronized text captions for multi-media content containing speech, or other audio necessary to understand the content, in accordance with the following schedule: a. By January 1, 2005, 10 percent of all multi-media content containing speech, or other audio, will be captioned. b. By January 1, 2007, 25 percent of all multi-media content containing speech or other audio will be captioned. c. By January 1, 2009, 50 percent of all multi-media content containing speech or other audio will be captioned. d. For all multi-media content containing speech a transcript will be provided until a synchronized text caption is made available according to the schedule. WCAG 1.0: 1.1 (Pri. 1), 1.3 (Pri. 1), 1.4 (Pri. 1) Section 508:1194.22(a) |
N/A | N/A |
| 11.2 — Video/Visual State agencies will provide a video description for multi-media content that contains video, or other visual information necessary for the understanding of the content, in accordance with the following schedule: a. By January 1, 2005, 10 percent of all multi-media content containing video, or other visual information necessary for the understanding of the content, will include a video description. b. By January 1, 2007, 25 percent of all multi-media content containing video, or other visual information necessary for the understanding of the content, will include a video description. c. By January 1, 2009, 50 percent of all multi-media content containing video, or other visual information necessary for the understanding of the content, will include a video description. WCAG 1.0: 1.1 (Pri. 1), 1.4 (Pri. 1) Section 508:1194.22(b) |
N/A | N/A |
| 11.3 — Web Cast All state agency web casts will have synchronized captioning of the speech, or other audio content contained in the web cast, in accordance with the following schedule: a. By January 1, 2005, 10 percent of all web cast hours residing on the web site, transmitted during the preceding 12 months will include captioning. b. By January 1, 2007, 25 percent of all live web cast hours residing on the web site will include captioning. c. By January 1, 2009, 50 percent of all live web cast hours residing on the web site will include captioning. WCAG 1.0: 1.1 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(a), 1194.22(b) |
N/A | N/A |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 12.1 — If web pages utilize scripting languages to display content or create interface elements, the information that is provided by the script will be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology devices. WCAG 1.0: 6.3 (Pri. 1), 6.2 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(l), 1194.22(m) |
All page content available with and without scripting enabled in browser |
Some content available with scripting enabled is not available with scripting disabled |
| 12.2 — Event handlers used in any script will be device independent. Device-independent event handlers will be used instead of event handlers that require a specific input device (e.g., mouse). If a generic event handler is not available, more than one device-specific event handler will be used. WCAG 1.0: 6.4 (Pri. 2), 9.3, (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Page can be navigated and all page content/functionality available when only keyboard is used to access page |
Page unnavigable or some page content/functionality unavailable when only keyboard is used |
| 12.3 — The use of [the] onDBLClick event will not be allowed. WCAG 1.0: 6.4 (Pri. 2), 9.3, (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Page content/functionality does not require mouse to activate |
Page content/functionality requires mouse to activate |
| 12.4 — A mechanism (e.g., a text notice - the following link will bring you to a new browser [window]) will be in place to alert the user prior to the opening of an additional web browser [session], pop-up window or a redirect that disables the browser's back button. WCAG 1.0: 7.5 (Pri. 2), 10.1 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Page does not spawn new windows, or warns user before spawning new window and instructs user on how to return to page originally visited |
Page spawns new windows or pop-ups or redirects visitors without warning or instruction for returning |
| 12.5 — All documents with client side scripting will provide equivalent content or functionality via a NOSCRIPT element. WCAG 1.0: 6.3 (Pri. 1) Section 508: 1194.22(l) |
If client side scripting is used (e.g., JavaScript), equivalent information available via preceding NOSCRIPT element |
Client side scripting is used without equivalent information for users without scripting enabled |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 13.1 — On-line forms will allow people using assistive technology devices to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. WCAG 1.0: 8.1 (Pri. 1/2), 9.3 (Pri. 2), 10.2 (Pri. 2), 12.4 (Pri. 2) Section 508: 1194.22(n), 1194.22(p) |
All form content and functionality available using AT |
Some form content and/or functionality not available when using AT |
| 13.2 — A LABEL element will be used for all form controls that do not have implicit labels. WCAG 1.0: 10.2 (Pri. 2), 12.4 (Pri. 2) Section 508: N/A |
Each form input element is coupled with a descriptive LABEL element |
Form input elements are not associated with LABEL elements |
| 13.3 — Forms elements will be in logical tab order. WCAG 1.0: 9.4 (Pri. 3) Section 508: N/A |
Form can be correctly navigated using the TAB key or accesskeys |
Form navigation cannot be accomplished using TAB key or accesskeys |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| 14.1 — When downloadable documents (e.g., word processing documents, spreadsheets, Portable Document Format [PDF], Java applets) are used, a link to accessible HTML or text version(s) will be made available. WCAG 1.0: 11.3 (Pri. 3) Section 508: 1194.22(m) |
All PDF or other proprietary format documents accompanied by accessible alternatives, clearly labeled |
PDF or other proprietary format documents are posted without an accessible alternative |
| 14.2 — When hardware, software and assistive technology devices are controlled by a state agency, downloadable documents (e.g., word processing documents, spreadsheets, Portable Document Format [PDF]) available through an intranet or extranet will be allowed. WCAG 1.0: N/A Section 508: N/A NOTE: This standard was adopted to allow the use of technologies and content that would be considered questionable on a public site, where visitor hardware/software is unknown. |
N/A | N/A |
| NYS Standard and Applicable WCAG 1.0/Sect. 508 Standard |
PASS | FAIL |
|---|---|---|
| Part 2. Notice and Contact Information — State agencies will post contact information (e-mail address and telephone number) with respect to accessibility for persons with disabilities on their web sites to enable individuals to contact the state agency. Such links will be posted, at a minimum, in the footer of the state agency's home page and be clearly distinguishable from any other link found in that footer. | Contact information for individuals with disabilities is clearly identified and posted on the site's home page |
Contact information for individuals with disabilities is not readily apparent |