The WCAG Explained

Summary:
WCAG 1.3.1, "Info and Relationships," emphasizes the importance of presenting information, structure, and relationships in a way that can be interpreted by assistive technologies. This guideline is vital for users who rely on screen readers or other assistive tools, such as those with visual impairments.

What:
The criterion requires that information and relationships conveyed through visual or auditory formatting are programmatically determined or available in text. This includes proper labeling of form elements, consistent use of headings, and ensuring that tables are readable by screen readers.

Why:
For users of assistive technologies, understanding the structure and relationships of content is crucial for navigation and comprehension. Without these cues, which are often visual, content can become confusing or inaccessible. By providing these relationships programmatically, we ensure that all users have equal access to information.

Examples and Scenarios:

1. Form Fields: Labels should be programmatically connected to their respective fields, so screen readers can accurately announce what each field is for.
2. Headings and Layout: Use headings correctly to convey the structure of the content. Screen readers rely on these to help users navigate.
3. Data Tables: Tables should be marked up correctly so that users with screen readers can understand the relationship between column and row headers and cell data.

How to Comply:

• Websites: Use semantic HTML to structure content, ensuring that elements like headings, lists, and tables are coded correctly for screen readers. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles can be used to enhance accessibility.
• Mobile Apps: Ensure that accessibility features like VoiceOver for iOS and TalkBack for Android can correctly interpret the layout and relationships of elements on the screen.
• Software Applications: Structure information in your application interfaces using proper markup, so that relationships among content are clear to assistive technology users.

Exceptions:

• Decorative Elements: Elements that are purely decorative and don't provide important information or context.
• CAPTCHAs: Complex CAPTCHA elements may not fully meet this criterion due to their nature.
• Non-Text Content: Certain non-text content, like complex graphics or visualizations, might not be describable in a way that preserves their meaning.