*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
When building a website, it’s essential to create a clear and user-friendly structure. Proper use of section headings plays a critical role in enhancing accessibility, especially for users who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. By using section headings effectively, users can quickly understand and navigate the content on a page without relying solely on visual cues.
This article explains the importance of “section headings” in web accessibility and provides guidelines for using them correctly.
The Role of Section Headings
Section headings organize content into meaningful segments, helping users identify the purpose of each part of a page. Specifically, they are essential because they:
- Clarify Content Structure: Headings divide a page into sections that clearly indicate what each part covers, making it easier for users to locate the information they need.
- Support Navigation for Visually Impaired Users: Screen readers rely on section headings to analyze page structure and convey an overview. Headings help users navigate the page without visual cues.
- Enhance SEO: Headings are also crucial for search engines, as they help convey the content’s structure and meaning, improving search engine understanding and ranking.
How to Use Section Headings Effectively
1. Maintain Heading Hierarchy
Use appropriate heading tags (<h1> to <h6>) to structure content logically. Headings should follow a hierarchy to indicate the importance and relationship between sections:
<h1>: Reserved for the main page title, and should only appear once per page.<h2>: Indicates major section titles, providing primary division under<h1>.<h3>: Marks subsections within<h2>, further dividing content logically.<h4>to<h6>: Used for deeper levels of structure, when necessary.
Example:
<h1>What is Web Accessibility?</h1>
<h2>The Role of Section Headings</h2>
<h3>Structuring Information</h3>
<h3>Supporting Screen Reader Navigation</h3>
<h2>Best Practices for Using Heading Tags</h2>
<h3>Maintaining Heading Hierarchy</h3>
<h3>Aligning Text with Heading Content</h3>
2. Keep Headings Concise and Clear
Headings should accurately describe each section’s content concisely. Avoid overly long or ambiguous headings to ensure users can quickly understand each section’s main topic, making it more accessible for those with visual or cognitive impairments.
Good Examples:
- “Accessibility Principles”
- “Using Screen Readers Effectively”
Poor Examples:
- “In this section, we will discuss the basic principles of web accessibility” (too lengthy and unclear)
3. Ensure Heading Tags Match Content
Verify that the heading tag used aligns with the content below. For example, if an <h2> heading reads “Accessibility Tools,” the section should cover specific tools. Consistency between headings and content ensures users can easily understand and navigate to relevant information.
4. Use Hidden Headings for Screen Readers
Adding hidden headings can be helpful for screen reader users to clarify sections that may not need a visible heading. For instance, to organize a navigation area, include a hidden heading using sr-only CSS class for screen readers without visually displaying it.
Example:
<h2 class="sr-only">Table of Contents</h2>
With sr-only, the heading is hidden visually but accessible to screen readers, providing structural clarity.
5. Consider Keyboard Navigation Ease
Properly structured headings improve keyboard navigation. With clear headings, users can use the Tab key to navigate sections efficiently, improving accessibility for users who do not use a mouse.
Tools for Improving Heading Accessibility
Several tools can help ensure proper use of headings:
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): Visualizes page structure, including headings, color contrast, and ARIA labels.
- Axe Accessibility Checker: A Chrome extension that helps verify heading hierarchy and other accessibility elements.
- Screen Readers: Testing with screen readers provides firsthand insight into user experience.
Conclusion
Section headings are a foundational aspect of web accessibility. Using headings correctly enables screen readers and visually impaired users to navigate pages effectively. Structured information with clear and logical headings contributes to a universally accessible web experience.
Follow these guidelines by maintaining hierarchy, keeping headings clear, and using hidden headings where necessary. By prioritizing accessibility in heading design, you can build websites that offer a seamless and inclusive experience for all users.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.