Level ASince WCAG 2.0
1.3.1 Info and Relationships
Guideline 1.3: Adaptable – Structure and meaning live in the code – not only in the looks.
What does the rule require?
What looks like a heading, list, table or form field must also be marked up that way in code. That is how assistive technology recognises structure.
How to get it right
Use real HTML elements: <h1>–<h6>, <ul>, <table> with <th>, <label for="…">. No bold <div> as a heading.
Who benefits most?
- Blind people
- People with cognitive disabilities
Official wording
This page explains the rule in simple words. Only the original W3C text is normative.
- “Understanding Info and Relationships” at W3C (external site)
- Techniques in the WCAG Quick Reference (external site)