What this criterion requires
A mechanism exists to identify definitions of idioms, jargon and unusual words - a glossary or inline definitions.
Who it helps
People with cognitive disabilities and non-native readers.
Example: fails vs passes
Dense legal or technical jargon with no definitions anywhere.
Specialized terms linked to a glossary on first use.
AAA: a mechanism to find definitions of unusual words and idioms.
How to meet and fix it
- Link specialized terms to a glossary on first use
Common failures auditors find
- Dense jargon with no definitions anywhere
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 3.1.3: Unusual Words - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 3.1.3 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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