What this criterion requires
The purpose of every link must be clear from its text alone or together with its programmatic context.
Who it helps
Screen reader users who pull up a list of all links on the page.
Example: fails vs passes
<a href="/vpat">Click here</a> to download the template.<a href="/vpat">Download the VPAT template</a>Screen reader users browse lists of links out of context - each link must say where it goes.
How to meet and fix it
- Write descriptive link text: "Download the VPAT template", not "click here"
- Differentiate repeated links ("Read more") with aria-label or visually-hidden text naming the target
Common failures auditors find
- Lists of identical "Read more" / "Learn more" links
- Bare URLs as link text
- Icon links with no accessible name
Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.
Sources
- W3C, Understanding 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context) - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 2.4.4 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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