What this criterion requires
A mechanism exists for finding the expanded form of abbreviations.
Who it helps
Screen reader users and readers unfamiliar with the shorthand.
Example: fails vs passes
The abbreviation "ACR" used across the site, never expanded.
"Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)" on first use, or <abbr title="...">.AAA: expansions must be findable.
How to meet and fix it
- Expand on first use ("Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)") or use abbr with title
Common failures auditors find
- Unexplained internal acronyms across the site
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 3.1.4: Abbreviations - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 3.1.4 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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