WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT CHECKLIST
WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance
AUDIT INFORMATION
Organization Name: _______________________
Website URL(s):
| URL | Description |
|---|---|
| _____________________ | Primary Website |
| _____________________ | _____________________ |
| _____________________ | _____________________ |
Mobile Application(s) (if applicable):
| App Name | Platform |
|---|---|
| _____________________ | ☐ iOS ☐ Android |
| _____________________ | ☐ iOS ☐ Android |
Organization Type:
☐ Private Business (ADA Title III)
☐ State/Local Government (ADA Title II)
☐ Federal Agency (Section 508)
☐ Healthcare Provider
☐ Financial Institution
☐ Educational Institution
☐ Non-Profit Organization
☐ E-commerce
☐ Other: _______________________
Audit Conducted By: _______________________
Title/Organization: _______________________
Certifications: _______________________
Audit Date: _______________________
Audit Type:
☐ Full WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance Audit
☐ Targeted Assessment
☐ Pre-Litigation Review
☐ Post-Remediation Verification
☐ Annual Review
AUDIT METHODOLOGY
Testing Methods Used:
☐ Automated Testing
- Tools Used: _______________________
☐ Manual Testing
- Screen Reader(s): _______________________
- Browser(s): _______________________
☐ Keyboard-Only Navigation Testing
☐ Color Contrast Analysis
☐ User Testing with People with Disabilities
Assistive Technologies Tested:
☐ JAWS
☐ NVDA
☐ VoiceOver (macOS)
☐ VoiceOver (iOS)
☐ TalkBack (Android)
☐ Dragon NaturallySpeaking
☐ ZoomText
☐ Other: _______________________
Browsers Tested:
☐ Chrome
☐ Firefox
☐ Safari
☐ Edge
☐ Other: _______________________
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance Status:
☐ Fully Conformant
☐ Substantially Conformant (minor issues)
☐ Partially Conformant (significant issues)
☐ Non-Conformant
Total WCAG Violations Found: _______________________
Critical Issues (Blocking): _______________________
High Priority Issues: _______________________
Medium Priority Issues: _______________________
Low Priority Issues: _______________________
Remediation Timeline Recommendation: _______________________
PRINCIPLE 1: PERCEIVABLE
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
1.1 Text Alternatives
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)
Requirement: All non-text content has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose.
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Images have appropriate alt text | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Decorative images have empty alt (alt="") | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Complex images have long descriptions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Image buttons have descriptive alt text | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Image maps have appropriate alt text | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form image buttons have alt text | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| CAPTCHAs have accessible alternatives | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Icons have text alternatives | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| SVGs have accessible names | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Background images with content have alternatives | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.2 Time-Based Media
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-only has text transcript | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Video-only has text description or audio track | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All prerecorded video with audio has captions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Captions are synchronized with video | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Captions include speaker identification | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Captions include non-speech audio (music, sounds) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Auto-generated captions are reviewed/corrected | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video has audio description OR text alternative | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live video with audio has real-time captions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video content has audio description | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.3 Adaptable
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headings use proper heading tags (h1-h6) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Heading hierarchy is logical | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Lists use proper list markup (ul, ol, dl) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Data tables have proper headers (th) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Tables use scope or headers attributes | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form fields have associated labels | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form field groups use fieldset/legend | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Required fields are programmatically indicated | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Landmarks/regions are used appropriately | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Semantic HTML is used (nav, main, article, etc.) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading order matches visual presentation | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| DOM order matches visual order | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| CSS does not affect meaningful sequence | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructions don't rely solely on shape | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Instructions don't rely solely on size | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Instructions don't rely solely on location | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Instructions don't rely solely on sound | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content not restricted to single orientation | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Both portrait and landscape supported | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input fields have autocomplete attributes | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Personal data fields are programmatically identifiable | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.4 Distinguishable
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color is not the only means of conveying information | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Links are distinguishable without color alone | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form errors indicated by more than color | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Charts/graphs use patterns or labels with color | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-playing audio can be stopped/paused | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Volume can be controlled independently | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal text: 4.5:1 contrast ratio minimum | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Large text (18pt+/14pt bold+): 3:1 minimum | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Placeholder text meets contrast requirements | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Contrast Test Results:
| Element | Foreground | Background | Ratio | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body text | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Links | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Headings | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Button text | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Form labels | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Error messages | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Text can be resized to 200% without loss | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No horizontal scrolling at 200% zoom | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Content remains visible at 200% | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real text used instead of images of text | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Logos are the only images of text (exception) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content reflows at 400% zoom (320px width) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No horizontal scrolling for vertical content | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No loss of content or functionality | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UI components have 3:1 contrast ratio | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form field boundaries: 3:1 contrast | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Focus indicators: 3:1 contrast | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Icons: 3:1 contrast (if needed to understand) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Graphical objects: 3:1 contrast | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line height 1.5x font size supported | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Paragraph spacing 2x font size supported | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Letter spacing 0.12x font size supported | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Word spacing 0.16x font size supported | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No loss of content with text spacing changes | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hover/focus content is dismissible (Esc key) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Hover content can be hovered over | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Hover/focus content persists until dismissed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE 2: OPERABLE
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
2.1 Keyboard Accessible
2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All functionality available via keyboard | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Links are keyboard accessible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Buttons are keyboard accessible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form controls are keyboard accessible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Menus/dropdowns work with keyboard | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Modals/dialogs are keyboard accessible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Custom widgets are keyboard accessible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Carousels/sliders work with keyboard | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Date pickers are keyboard accessible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No keyboard traps exist | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Focus can be moved away from all elements | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Modals can be closed with keyboard | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Embedded content (iframes) doesn't trap focus | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single character shortcuts can be turned off | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR shortcuts can be remapped | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR shortcuts only active on focus | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
2.2 Enough Time
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time limits can be turned off | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR time limits can be adjusted | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR user warned before timeout | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Session timeout warnings provided | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-moving content can be paused/stopped | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Auto-updating content can be paused/stopped | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Carousels have pause mechanism | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Animations can be stopped | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions
2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No content flashes more than 3 times/second | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Flash/blink rates are within safe limits | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
2.4 Navigable
2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skip to main content link provided | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Skip link is visible on focus | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Skip link is first focusable element | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Landmark regions used appropriately | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All pages have descriptive titles | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Titles are unique across site | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Titles describe page content/purpose | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus order is logical and intuitive | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Focus moves through content meaningfully | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Modal focus is trapped appropriately | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Focus returns to trigger after modal close | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link text describes destination/purpose | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No generic "click here" or "read more" links | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Links opening new windows are indicated | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Links to files indicate file type/size | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple ways to locate pages provided | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Site has search functionality | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Site has sitemap | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Consistent navigation across pages | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headings describe content below them | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form labels are descriptive | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Section headings are meaningful | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard focus indicator is visible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Focus indicator has sufficient contrast | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Focus indicator not removed via CSS | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Custom focus styles are visible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
2.5 Input Modalities - WCAG 2.1
2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No multipoint gestures required | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No path-based gestures required | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Single pointer alternatives available | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down-event doesn't trigger actions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR action can be aborted/undone | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR up-event reverses down-event | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible labels included in accessible names | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Accessible names start with visible label | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motion-triggered functions have alternatives | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Motion response can be disabled | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE 3: UNDERSTANDABLE
Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
3.1 Readable
3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page language specified in HTML (lang attribute) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Language code is valid (e.g., "en", "es") | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language changes marked with lang attribute | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Foreign phrases/words properly marked | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
3.2 Predictable
3.2.1 On Focus (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus doesn't cause unexpected context change | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No automatic form submission on focus | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No unexpected navigation on focus | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.2.2 On Input (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input doesn't cause unexpected context change | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Form submission requires explicit action | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Select elements don't auto-submit | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation order consistent across pages | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Main menu position consistent | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Repeated components in same order | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Components with same function labeled consistently | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Icons used consistently | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Search function labeled consistently | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
3.3 Input Assistance
3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form errors are identified | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Errors are described in text | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Error messages identify the field in error | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Errors are announced to screen readers | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form fields have visible labels | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Required fields are indicated | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Input format instructions provided | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Labels positioned correctly (before/above input) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Error messages suggest corrections | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Specific guidance for fixing errors | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Examples of valid input provided | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submissions are reversible | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR input is checked with correction opportunity | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| OR confirmation mechanism before submission | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Review step before final submission | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE 4: ROBUST
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
4.1 Compatible
4.1.1 Parsing (Level A) - Deprecated in WCAG 2.2
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTML is well-formed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| No duplicate IDs | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Elements have complete start/end tags | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Elements are nested correctly | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom controls have accessible names | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| ARIA roles are used correctly | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| ARIA states and properties are accurate | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| aria-expanded states are correct | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| aria-selected states are correct | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| aria-checked states are correct | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA) - WCAG 2.1
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status messages are announced to screen readers | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| aria-live regions used for dynamic content | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Alert role used for important messages | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
| Success/error messages programmatically conveyed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | _____ |
Issues Found:
_____________________________________________________________________________
STATE-SPECIFIC NOTES
CALIFORNIA
- Unruh Civil Rights Act: Website accessibility violations may trigger Unruh Act claims with $4,000 minimum statutory damages per violation.
- CCPA Accessibility: California Consumer Privacy Act accessibility requirements may apply.
- Leading Filing Jurisdiction: California is among the top states for website accessibility lawsuits.
TEXAS
- Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 121: State disability rights protections.
- Growing Litigation: Texas has seen increasing web accessibility litigation.
- DIR Accessibility Standards: Texas state agencies must comply with Texas Department of Information Resources accessibility standards.
FLORIDA
- High Volume Filing Jurisdiction: Florida ranks among the top states for ADA website lawsuits (487 cases in first half of 2025).
- Tourism Industry Focus: Significant litigation targeting hospitality and tourism websites.
NEW YORK
- Highest Filing Volume: New York leads the nation in website accessibility lawsuits (637 cases in first half of 2025).
- NY Human Rights Law: Permits compensatory damages not available under federal ADA.
- NYC Human Rights Law: Even broader protections within New York City.
- Overlay Widget Litigation: Significant litigation against sites using accessibility overlays (22.6% of lawsuits in 2024 targeted sites with overlays).
REMEDIATION PRIORITY MATRIX
Critical (Blocking) - Remediate within 30 days:
- Keyboard traps
- Missing alt text on essential images
- No skip navigation
- Form labels missing
- No video captions
- Severe contrast failures
High Priority - Remediate within 60 days:
- Focus not visible
- Inadequate color contrast
- Missing error messages
- Poor heading structure
- Non-descriptive link text
Medium Priority - Remediate within 90 days:
- Missing language attribute
- Images of text
- Status messages not announced
- Minor ARIA issues
- Text spacing issues
Low Priority - Remediate within 180 days:
- Enhancement opportunities
- Best practice improvements
- Minor label issues
ISSUE LOG
| # | WCAG | Level | Page/URL | Description | Priority | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | ☐ Open |
| 2 | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | ☐ Open |
| 3 | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | ☐ Open |
| 4 | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | ☐ Open |
| 5 | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | ☐ Open |
CERTIFICATION
This accessibility audit was conducted in accordance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines and applicable federal and state accessibility requirements.
Auditor Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________________
Printed Name: _______________________
Certifications: _______________________
Organization: _______________________
This template reflects WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements as of January 2026. The DOJ has adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the standard for Title II entities. Automated testing catches only 30-40% of issues; manual and user testing are essential. Consult current WCAG guidelines and legal counsel for specific compliance requirements.
About This Template
Jurisdiction-Specific
This template is drafted for general use across all U.S. jurisdictions. State-specific versions with local statutory references are also available.
How It's Made
Drafted using current statutory databases and legal standards for compliance regulatory. Each template includes proper legal citations, defined terms, and standard protective clauses.
Important Notice
This template is provided for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.
Last updated: February 2026