Do Bullet Points Help With Accessibility?

Bullet points or unordered lists can enhance accessibility by adding structure to your web pages. Though you will need to use the best practices of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and avoid a few common implementation errors. 

This blog post will explain how to use HTML lists efficiently and accessibly. 

Improve Readability through Bullet Points

Mostly, people only ‘scan’ content, not read each word on the page. Most people who visit this blog likely glance over the headings or subheadings before deciding whether to read it in detail. And this happens specifically when you come across any longer text. 

That is because in most online situations, people look for information rapidly. Bullet points help content read across the subheadings to decide whether you want to read further. 

Lists could be especially helpful for folks with disabilities in different ways. 

• Providing Structure

Lists convey the information’s structure and hierarchy in a way that only visual styling cannot. Assistive technologies such as screen readers could identify and interpret <ul>, <ol>, and <li> tags.

• Offering More Control

Assistive technologies could be tailored to engage with lists as per the user’s preferences. 

• Improving Comprehension

For people with cognitive disabilities and attention disorders, lists break down details into smaller, more manageable chunks, improving readability and making it effortless to process the content. 

• Better Navigation

People who use keyboards or their voices to navigate the web could use lists as navigation landmarks. A well-structured list enables them to rapidly jump among page sections and list items. 

These benefits can only be leveraged when the lists are actual lists; therefore, avoid using asterisks, emojis, or other “visual only” characters. Similarly, developers should not hide list content in <div> or <span> elements; structured HTML markup ensures that lists appear the same to screen readers and other assistive tech.

How Do Screen Readers Present Bullet Points to Users?

Screen readers are software that convert text into audio or braille, often used by people with vision impairments during accessibility testing. But accessibility isn’t just for blind users.

When reading an ordered list, most screen readers announce the number of items, then read them in order. The output depends on the user’s verbosity settings.

For example, a screen reader might say, “List. Five items,” helping users know what to expect and skip if uninterested.

Accessibility Errors You Must Avoid 

While bullet points can be great for accessibility, poorly executed lists could be overwhelming for users. Here are a few important tips to remember when crafting your content:

• Use HTML tags to Recognize Lists

Do not use asterisks, emojis, or other “visual only” characters. Proper HTML markup ensures that they work with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

• Use the Right Type of List

Ordered or numbered lists must be used when presenting a series of steps, ranking items, or presenting details that must follow a certain order. 

• Avoid Lists with an Excessive Number of Items

If a screen reader user hears, “List. 26 items,” they will possibly skip the content, and while long lists are oftentimes defensible, you could present that content in a better way. 

• Each listed item should be Fairly Concise.

If you are writing more than two or three sentences per item, instead consider using subheadings. 

Finally, remember that accessibility is about offering an improved experience for all users. Not only are you creating better content by incorporating structure and with the right HTML, but you are also ensuring that your bullet points are informative, accessible to everyone, and easy to comprehend, including those using assistive technologies. 

How WAC Can Help?

WAC (Web Accessibility Checker) makes it easy to make sure your bullet points and the rest of your content meet WCAG and ADA standards. It’s smart auditing tools help you find common list-related concerns such as improper markup or poor structure, while providing clear direction to fix them. Additionally, features like the accessibility widget and real-time monitoring make sure your site is more practical and comprehensive for everyone, particularly users with assistive technologies. Whether you have just begun or are thinking of fine-tuning your site, WAC provides you with the right tools to do it.

Author: Amna

Amna Shahid is a skilled content writer at WAC who crafts clear and engaging content that bridges the gap between complex software solutions and user requirements. With splendid storytelling skills and great knowledge around technology, Amna is professional in transforming complex software ideas into understanding and compelling prose.

Reviewed By: admin