Accessibility Scan Report

Title: NSF.gov — Issue: #169 Date: 5/12/2026, 1:13:36 AM Duration: 22.3m URLs: 149 / 149
Viewport: Desktop (1280×800) Color scheme: both Browser: chromium
🌙 Dark Mode: 14 / 149 URLs⚡ Reduced Motion: 6 / 149 URLs🖥️ Forced Colors: 39 / 149 URLs

🔄 Changes Since Last Scan

1743 New unique issues
🆕 New Issues (1743)

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Title keywords

VIEWPORT:desktop COLORSCHEME:both BROWSER:chromium

Issue body section

### Scan context Viewport: desktop ColorScheme: both Browser: chromium

Summary

Issues

  • By Level: A (239), AA (686), AAA (57)
  • By Version (A & AA): WCAG 2.0 (318), WCAG 2.2 (607)
  • By Category: axe-strict (692) & Best Practice (25) & Others (1039)
  • Total: 1756 across 52 unique rules & 2 accessibility engines

By Severity

Critical
Serious
Moderate
Minor

By Role

UX Designer
Visual Designer
Content Author
Front-End Developer

Issues

🎯 Pages with Most Errors

Focus your efforts on these pages to make the biggest impact. Click any error count to filter the rule list below. Numbers in parentheses (+N) indicate findings that cover WCAG criteria already reported by axe.

Government Funding for Science and Engineering | NCSES | NSF 56
NCSES Section 508 WCAG 2.0 Accessibility | NCSES | NSF 29
Surveys | NCSES | NSF 27
404 Page Not Found | NCSES | NSF 28
NSF OIG 13
NSF OIG 13
Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation 35
Research Performance Progress Reports - Policies | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation 24
- U.S. National Science Foundation Search Results 12
NSF OIG 9

🔧 Most Common Issues (ALFA)

31 rules
607 Serious alfa SC 2.5.8 AA Motor SIA-R111: Interactive elements have a sufficient target size
44 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: UX Designer, Visual Designer

Blocking: ⚠️ Yes (Task-Blocking)

WCAG: SC 2.5.8 AA

Disabilities affected:
Motor

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Target has insufficient size
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2a2e68d5 | Pattern ID: A11Y-f1655a39
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-1">...</button>
XPath: /button[@class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link "]
Example 2 View on Page
Target has insufficient size
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-3e9fe843 | Pattern ID: A11Y-2c232774
<a class="credit__link" href="#image-caption-credit-block"> View image credit & caption</a>
XPath: /a[@class="credit__link"]
Example 3 View on Page
Target has insufficient size
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c66dba04 | Pattern ID: A11Y-1a6c60d2
<a href="/funding/opportunities">Search for Funding</a>
XPath: /a
Example 4 View on Page
Target has insufficient size
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9c6e3aca | Pattern ID: A11Y-fbfac018
<a href="/focus-areas" title="Explore what we support" class="link-button usa-button usa-button--outline "> Explore what we support </a>
XPath: /a[@class="link-button usa-button usa-button--outline "]
Example 5 View on Page
Target has insufficient size
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0a239c8b | Pattern ID: A11Y-d499334b
<button id="fba-button" data-id="f0b5f6ee" class="fba-button fixed-tab-button usa-button fba-initialized" name="fba-button" aria-label="Provide feedback" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-controls="fba-modal-f0b5f6ee" data-open-modal="" data-once="tpfeedbackButton">Feedback</button>
XPath: /button[@id="fba-button"]
91 Moderate alfa SIA-R87: First focusable element is a skip link
91 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The document has no tabbable descendants
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-8e18e6d1 | Pattern ID: A11Y-5d4f96b0
Example 2 View on Page
The document has no tabbable descendants
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c95735a4 | Pattern ID: A11Y-5d4f96b0
Example 3 View on Page
The document has no tabbable descendants
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2445a469 | Pattern ID: A11Y-5d4f96b0
Example 4 View on Page
The document has no tabbable descendants
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-e7cc5f30 | Pattern ID: A11Y-5d4f96b0
Example 5 View on Page
The document has no tabbable descendants
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c6e4946b | Pattern ID: A11Y-5d4f96b0
65 Moderate alfa SC 2.4.6 AA Visual Cognitive SIA-R59: Document has at least one heading to identify its main content
65 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Content Author, UX Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 2.4.6 AA

Disabilities affected:
Visual Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The document does not have a heading element
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-1580b06e | Pattern ID: A11Y-7dcace7e
Example 2 View on Page
The document does not have a heading element
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bcdbc66e | Pattern ID: A11Y-7dcace7e
Example 3 View on Page
The document does not have a heading element
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-8749800f | Pattern ID: A11Y-7dcace7e
Example 4 View on Page
The document does not have a heading element
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-cbb1d357 | Pattern ID: A11Y-7dcace7e
Example 5 View on Page
The document does not have a heading element
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0f71afaf | Pattern ID: A11Y-7dcace7e
62 Minor alfa SC 4.1.1 A Visual Cognitive SIA-R1: id attributes are unique within the document
62 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 4.1.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The first `<title>` element has no text content
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c3f9f42e | Pattern ID: A11Y-e4656760
Example 2 View on Page
The first `<title>` element has no text content
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4bb6d616 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e4656760
Example 3 View on Page
The first `<title>` element has no text content
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-43c55e60 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e4656760
Example 4 View on Page
The first `<title>` element has no text content
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4f6d1e1b | Pattern ID: A11Y-e4656760
Example 5 View on Page
The first `<title>` element has no text content
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2a7fcd7f | Pattern ID: A11Y-e4656760
57 Moderate alfa SC 1.4.6 AAA Visual SIA-R66: Text has enhanced contrast with its background
57 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Visual Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.4.6 AAA

Disabilities affected:
Visual

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Without Perception of Color 4.3% — ~14,500,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The highest possible contrast of the text is 6.72:1 which is below the required contrast of 7:1
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f3702c4b | Pattern ID: A11Y-8ca7b756
Example 2 View on Page
The highest possible contrast of the text is 6.04:1 which is below the required contrast of 7:1
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-6a7f9d39 | Pattern ID: A11Y-8ca7b756
Example 3 View on Page
The highest possible contrast of the text is 6.04:1 which is below the required contrast of 7:1
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4b804603 | Pattern ID: A11Y-8ca7b756
Example 4 View on Page
The highest possible contrast of the text is 6.04:1 which is below the required contrast of 7:1
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d0ae312b | Pattern ID: A11Y-8ca7b756
Example 5 View on Page
The highest possible contrast of the text is 6.04:1 which is below the required contrast of 7:1
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-a50e3d30 | Pattern ID: A11Y-8ca7b756
43 Moderate alfa SIA-R57: Landmarks don't repeat the same content
43 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The text is not included in a landmark region
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-57e2f15b | Pattern ID: A11Y-eaa01208
Example 2 View on Page
The text is not included in a landmark region
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bbfa2cf1 | Pattern ID: A11Y-eaa01208
Example 3 View on Page
The text is not included in a landmark region
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bf926bb7 | Pattern ID: A11Y-eaa01208
Example 4 View on Page
The text is not included in a landmark region
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-02bde273 | Pattern ID: A11Y-eaa01208
Example 5 View on Page
The text is not included in a landmark region
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-6dd12ea5 | Pattern ID: A11Y-eaa01208
26 Serious alfa SC 2.4.2 A Visual Cognitive SIA-R4: Page has a descriptive title
26 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Content Author, UX Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 2.4.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The `lang` attribute is either missing, empty, or only whitespace
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c84cba6c | Pattern ID: A11Y-e0ab4fdd
<html>...</html>
XPath: /html
Example 2 View on Page
The `lang` attribute is either missing, empty, or only whitespace
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-5458fb44 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e0ab4fdd
<html>...</html>
XPath: /html
Example 3 View on Page
The `lang` attribute is either missing, empty, or only whitespace
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-6ba12f62 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e0ab4fdd
<html>...</html>
XPath: /html
Example 4 View on Page
The `lang` attribute is either missing, empty, or only whitespace
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-35441b68 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e0ab4fdd
<html>...</html>
XPath: /html
Example 5 View on Page
The `lang` attribute is either missing, empty, or only whitespace
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-540ba293 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e0ab4fdd
<html>...</html>
XPath: /html
26 Moderate alfa SIA-R79
26 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The element has no <figure> ancestor and has text which not inside a <code>, <kbd> or <samp> element.
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-96e1781a | Pattern ID: A11Y-6ea37d0c
<pre>Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: m...</pre>
XPath: /pre
Example 2 View on Page
The element has no <figure> ancestor and has text which not inside a <code>, <kbd> or <samp> element.
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d13967ff | Pattern ID: A11Y-6ea37d0c
<pre>Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: 5...</pre>
XPath: /pre
Example 3 View on Page
The element has no <figure> ancestor and has text which not inside a <code>, <kbd> or <samp> element.
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-595f5183 | Pattern ID: A11Y-6ea37d0c
<pre>Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: u...</pre>
XPath: /pre
Example 4 View on Page
The element has no <figure> ancestor and has text which not inside a <code>, <kbd> or <samp> element.
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2be931e9 | Pattern ID: A11Y-6ea37d0c
<pre>Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: m...</pre>
XPath: /pre
Example 5 View on Page
The element has no <figure> ancestor and has text which not inside a <code>, <kbd> or <samp> element.
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2ea2eea1 | Pattern ID: A11Y-6ea37d0c
<pre>Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: p...</pre>
XPath: /pre
15 Critical alfa SC 1.1.1 A Visual SIA-R14: Images have an accessible name or are decorative
14 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Content Author

Blocking: ⚠️ Yes (Task-Blocking)

WCAG: SC 1.1.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The visible text content of the element is not included within its accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0f9b41b0 | Pattern ID: A11Y-d1aec08d
<a href="/about/contact" aria-label="N C S E S contact page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0">Contact Us</a>
XPath: /a
Example 2 View on Page
The visible text content of the element is not included within its accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9c509a1e | Pattern ID: A11Y-d1aec08d
<a href="https://ncses.nsf.gov/about/contact" aria-label="N C S E S Contact Page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0">Contact Us</a>
XPath: /a
Example 3 View on Page
The visible text content of the element is not included within its accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-b00548c4 | Pattern ID: A11Y-d1aec08d
<a href="/about/contact" aria-label="N C S E S contact page">Contact Us</a>
XPath: /a
Example 4 View on Page
The visible text content of the element is not included within its accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-fc99814f | Pattern ID: A11Y-d1aec08d
<a href="/about/contact" aria-label="N C S E S contact page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0">Contact Us</a>
XPath: /a
Example 5 View on Page
The visible text content of the element is not included within its accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c5aee8df | Pattern ID: A11Y-fd9abf2d
<a role="button" class="collapse-button no-icon" aria-label="Toggle subsection navigation" data-collapse-target="supplemental-materials-subsections" data-click-target="data-collapse" tabindex="0" aria-controls="supplemental-materials-subsections" aria-expanded="false">Supplemental Materials</a>
XPath: /a[@class="collapse-button no-icon"]
10 Moderate alfa Best Practice SIA-R53: Headings follow a logical hierarchy
9 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Content Author, UX Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: Best Practice

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The heading skips one or more levels
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-b869d46a | Pattern ID: A11Y-7e8efcdc
<h4 class="no-result-error">Please enter a search term in the box above.</h4>
XPath: /h4[@class="no-result-error"]
Example 2 View on Page
The heading skips one or more levels
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-e3630e43 | Pattern ID: A11Y-d27199ed
<h3>Page last updated: July 30, 2025</h3>
XPath: /h3
Example 3 View on Page
The heading skips one or more levels
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-dd3c4e20 | Pattern ID: A11Y-7e6dcb0c
<h4>What were the major goals and objectives of this p...</h4>
XPath: /h4
Example 4 View on Page
The heading skips one or more levels
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bdfb89a7 | Pattern ID: A11Y-0c6bc1d0
<h2>NCSES Section 508 WCAG 2.0 Accessibility</h2>
XPath: /h2
Example 5 View on Page
The heading skips one or more levels
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-29e9ac77 | Pattern ID: A11Y-d27199ed
<h3>The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2026</h3>
XPath: /h3
9 Moderate alfa SIA-R73: Text spacing can be adjusted without loss of content
7 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The line height of the paragraph is `normal` which will result in a line height of less than 1.5
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-dacd225f | Pattern ID: A11Y-5cb620b6
<p>NSF's Fiscal Year 2024 enacted budget</p>
XPath: /p
Example 2 View on Page
The line height of the paragraph is less than 1.5
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2200dd4a | Pattern ID: A11Y-5cb620b6
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 3 View on Page
The line height of the paragraph is less than 1.5
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-fb64f863 | Pattern ID: A11Y-5cb620b6
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 4 View on Page
The line height of the paragraph is less than 1.5
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bf365d65 | Pattern ID: A11Y-a5c3f635
<p class="hidden-xs focus-area">Innovation</p>
XPath: /p[@class="hidden-xs focus-area"]
Example 5 View on Page
The line height of the paragraph is less than 1.5
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-95aa21f9 | Pattern ID: A11Y-106eb19c
<p class="frequent">Data updated frequently.</p>
XPath: /p[@class="frequent"]
9 Moderate alfa Best Practice SIA-R61: Documents start with a level 1 heading
9 pages affected

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The document does not start with a level 1 heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-06e76a19 | Pattern ID: A11Y-7f96594e
Example 2 View on Page
The document does not start with a level 1 heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0bb4836a | Pattern ID: A11Y-7f96594e
Example 3 View on Page
The document does not start with a level 1 heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f50aa54c | Pattern ID: A11Y-7f96594e
Example 4 View on Page
The document does not start with a level 1 heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-a8e2d85a | Pattern ID: A11Y-7f96594e
Example 5 View on Page
The document does not start with a level 1 heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-96b55ebb | Pattern ID: A11Y-7f96594e
6 Moderate alfa SIA-R16
6 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The element does not have all required states and properties
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d8500cb4 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e9d8e4c7
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">...</div>
XPath: /div[@id="gov-banner-header"]
Example 2 View on Page
The element does not have all required states and properties
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f1547bc0 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e9d8e4c7
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">...</div>
XPath: /div[@id="gov-banner-header"]
Example 3 View on Page
The element does not have all required states and properties
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d0018c57 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e9d8e4c7
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">...</div>
XPath: /div[@id="gov-banner-header"]
Example 4 View on Page
The element does not have all required states and properties
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-fca161ce | Pattern ID: A11Y-e9d8e4c7
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">...</div>
XPath: /div[@id="gov-banner-header"]
Example 5 View on Page
The element does not have all required states and properties
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2a1963d3 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e9d8e4c7
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">...</div>
XPath: /div[@id="gov-banner-header"]
6 Moderate alfa SIA-R74
6 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The font size is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-45389a6e | Pattern ID: A11Y-ac28d7b7
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 2 View on Page
The font size is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-6f70b58d | Pattern ID: A11Y-ac28d7b7
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 3 View on Page
The font size is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4e9be676 | Pattern ID: A11Y-ac28d7b7
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 4 View on Page
The font size is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-da294eba | Pattern ID: A11Y-ac28d7b7
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 5 View on Page
The font size is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-25a5b975 | Pattern ID: A11Y-ac28d7b7
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
6 Moderate alfa SIA-R80: ASCII art has a text alternative
6 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The line height is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-07d96f85 | Pattern ID: A11Y-0186f3fe
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 2 View on Page
The line height is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-8df8b12e | Pattern ID: A11Y-0186f3fe
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 3 View on Page
The line height is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c6774724 | Pattern ID: A11Y-0186f3fe
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 4 View on Page
The line height is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f0c8dc31 | Pattern ID: A11Y-0186f3fe
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 5 View on Page
The line height is specified using an absolute unit
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-87a052fe | Pattern ID: A11Y-0186f3fe
<p>...</p>
XPath: /p
5 Moderate alfa Best Practice SIA-R85: Paragraphs of text are not all italics
5 pages affected

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The text of the paragraph is all italic
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-7e04420e | Pattern ID: A11Y-056f9289
<p>This report contains current data that may be of i...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 2 View on Page
The text of the paragraph is all italic
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-eb5b0718 | Pattern ID: A11Y-056f9289
<p>This report contains archived data that may be of ...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 3 View on Page
The text of the paragraph is all italic
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f7740ab7 | Pattern ID: A11Y-056f9289
<p>This report contains current data that may be of i...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 4 View on Page
The text of the paragraph is all italic
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-1da903ca | Pattern ID: A11Y-056f9289
<p>This report contains current data that may be of i...</p>
XPath: /p
Example 5 View on Page
The text of the paragraph is all italic
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9b9cb843 | Pattern ID: A11Y-056f9289
<p>This report contains current information that may ...</p>
XPath: /p
4 Serious alfa SC 3.1.1 A Cognitive SIA-R2: HTML elements have a valid lang attribute
4 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 3.1.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Cognitive

Who Is Affected

  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The image does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-952ae4db | Pattern ID: A11Y-c6049b1a
<span role="img" class="st-rss" />
XPath: /span[@class="st-rss"]
Example 2 View on Page
The image does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4a0b41b8 | Pattern ID: A11Y-c6049b1a
<span role="img" class="st-rss" />
XPath: /span[@class="st-rss"]
Example 3 View on Page
The image does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d8882255 | Pattern ID: A11Y-c6049b1a
<span role="img" class="st-rss" />
XPath: /span[@class="st-rss"]
Example 4 View on Page
The image does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4a11bafe | Pattern ID: A11Y-c6049b1a
<span role="img" class="st-rss" />
XPath: /span[@class="st-rss"]
3 Moderate alfa SIA-R78: Headings of same level have text content between them
3 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
There is no content between this heading and the next
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-367e656e | Pattern ID: A11Y-a6e719a6
<h3>Page last updated: July 30, 2025</h3>
XPath: /h3
Example 2 View on Page
There is no content between this heading and the next
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-74d2bd93 | Pattern ID: A11Y-8c036a94
<h3 class="topics">Government Funding for Science and Engineering Top...</h3>
XPath: /h3[@class="topics"]
Example 3 View on Page
There is no content between this heading and the next
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-7be28f86 | Pattern ID: A11Y-a6e719a6
<h3> </h3>
XPath: /h3
2 Moderate alfa SIA-R68: Accessible name contains the visible label text
2 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The element owns no elements as required by its semantic role
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bfc4c5df | Pattern ID: A11Y-daca6ca1
<ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion" />
XPath: /ul[@class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"]
Example 2 View on Page
The element owns no elements as required by its semantic role
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-aa013a98 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e29dd2dc
<div class="carousel-inner" role="listbox">...</div>
XPath: /div[@class="carousel-inner"]
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R56: Landmarks with the same role are distinguishable
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Some `banner` have the same name.
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-7d650e42 | Pattern ID: A11Y-e5fcb973
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R18: ARIA states are consistent with element semantics
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The attribute is prohibited for the element on which it is specified
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9eb506e2 | Pattern ID: A11Y-f1ce6629
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R3: lang attribute has a valid language code
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The element does not have a unique ID
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-a3f5fac9 | Pattern ID: A11Y-7ff4df28
<img id="nsblogo" alt="NSB logo." src="/resources/assets/images/master-template/nsb-logo-clearb-100.png" />
XPath: /img[@id="nsblogo"]
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R72
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The text of the paragraph is uppercased
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c8785a11 | Pattern ID: A11Y-d6475b17
<p class="hidden-xs focus-area">Innovation</p>
XPath: /p[@class="hidden-xs focus-area"]
1 Critical alfa SC 1.3.1, SC 4.1.2 A Visual Motor Cognitive SIA-R8: Form elements have accessible labels
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer, UX Designer

Blocking: ⚠️ Yes (Task-Blocking)

WCAG: SC 1.3.1, SC 4.1.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Motor Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The form field does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0751994b | Pattern ID: A11Y-041ac95a
<div class="carousel-inner" role="listbox">...</div>
XPath: /div[@class="carousel-inner"]
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R5: html element has a lang attribute
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The `lang` attribute does not have a valid primary language tag
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f3da5e2e | Pattern ID: A11Y-05b7c84f
1 Serious alfa SC 1.4.1 A Visual Cognitive SIA-R62: Links are visually distinguishable from surrounding text
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Visual Designer, UX Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.4.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans
  • Without Perception of Color 4.3% — ~14,500,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The link is not distinguishable from the surrounding text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0183838d | Pattern ID: A11Y-c592c038
<a href="/search" tabindex="0">Search NCSES</a>
XPath: /a
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R113
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Target has insufficient size and spacing
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-49178420 | Pattern ID: A11Y-7d98a96d
<a class="topic" href="/search?query=&aois=Government Funding for Science and Engineering&topics=R%26D Funding Agreement (contract, grant, reimbursement, etc.)" rel="noopener" tabindex="0">R&D Funding Agreement (contract, grant, reimbursem...</a>
XPath: /a[@class="topic"]
1 Serious alfa SC 2.4.4, SC 4.1.2 A Visual Motor Cognitive SIA-R12: Links have an accessible name
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Content Author, UX Designer

Blocking: ⚠️ Yes (Task-Blocking)

WCAG: SC 2.4.4, SC 4.1.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Motor Cognitive

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The button does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-dbd9aa47 | Pattern ID: A11Y-3e95eecd
<button class="expand-view cms-v2">...</button>
XPath: /button[@class="expand-view cms-v2"]
1 Moderate alfa SIA-R83: Text can be resized to 200% without loss of content
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The text is clipped
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f705f18d | Pattern ID: A11Y-10eed11c
1 Moderate alfa Best Practice SIA-R64: Heading has non-empty accessible name
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Content Author, Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: Best Practice

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The heading does not have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bf78ac52 | Pattern ID: A11Y-01116366
<h3> </h3>
XPath: /h3
1 Serious alfa SC 1.4.3 AA Visual SIA-R69: Text has sufficient contrast with its background
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: alfa

Roles: Visual Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.4.3 AA

Disabilities affected:
Visual

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Without Perception of Color 4.3% — ~14,500,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
The highest possible contrast of the text is 4.36:1 which is below the required contrast of 4.5:1
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-39d9e875 | Pattern ID: A11Y-14385a8b

🔧 Most Common Issues (axe)

21 rules
392 Moderate axe region: Ensures all page content is contained within landmark regions. Content outside landmarks cannot be found by screen reader users navigating by landmarks.
137 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer, UX Designer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
All page content should be contained by landmarks
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-5a5753a3 | Pattern ID: A11Y-5a929090
<div class="usa-footer__return-to-top" data-once="tpFeedbackRttWrapper"> <div class="usa-footer__return-to-top--inner" data-once="tpFeedbackRtt"> <a class="usa-button usa-button--secondary usa-button__link" href="#" tabindex="-1"><span class="arrow"></span>Top</a> </div> </div>
XPath: .usa-footer__return-to-top
Example 2 View on Page
All page content should be contained by landmarks
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-236ffb4a | Pattern ID: A11Y-0b527b4b
<h1>403 ERROR</h1>
XPath: h1
Example 3 View on Page
All page content should be contained by landmarks
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c0765c68 | Pattern ID: A11Y-fe7463fa
<h2>The request could not be satisfied.</h2>
XPath: h2
Example 4 View on Page
All page content should be contained by landmarks
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9963dd97 | Pattern ID: A11Y-05ca71a7
<pre>Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: spLorFw0FYAeKxNCqkwsOtDU12tfhbCIafCRMfcV4oEY7l9YYHkeFQ== </pre>
XPath: pre
Example 5 View on Page
All page content should be contained by landmarks
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-8eae17ce | Pattern ID: A11Y-0b527b4b
<h1>403 ERROR</h1>
XPath: h1
95 Moderate axe landmark-one-main: Ensures the page has exactly one main landmark. Screen reader users rely on the main landmark to skip navigation and jump directly to page content.
95 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer, UX Designer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Document should have one main landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-88840841 | Pattern ID: A11Y-85b00be0
<html>
XPath: html
Example 2 View on Page
Document should have one main landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4fd13f96 | Pattern ID: A11Y-85b00be0
<html>
XPath: html
Example 3 View on Page
Document should have one main landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f2d6ec27 | Pattern ID: A11Y-85b00be0
<html>
XPath: html
Example 4 View on Page
Document should have one main landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0ebbe351 | Pattern ID: A11Y-85b00be0
<html lang="en">
XPath: html
Example 5 View on Page
Document should have one main landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-e7ff824f | Pattern ID: A11Y-85b00be0
<html>
XPath: html
88 Serious axe SC 3.1.1 A Cognitive html-has-lang: Ensures the <html> element has a lang attribute. Screen readers use the language attribute to select the correct pronunciation engine.
88 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 3.1.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
<html> element must have a lang attribute
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-5a24877b | Pattern ID: A11Y-9a2136ae
<html>
XPath: html
Example 2 View on Page
<html> element must have a lang attribute
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9ac2646d | Pattern ID: A11Y-9a2136ae
<html>
XPath: html
Example 3 View on Page
<html> element must have a lang attribute
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-ca681d05 | Pattern ID: A11Y-9a2136ae
<html>
XPath: html
Example 4 View on Page
<html> element must have a lang attribute
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f310fbed | Pattern ID: A11Y-9a2136ae
<html>
XPath: html
Example 5 View on Page
<html> element must have a lang attribute
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2f4c3139 | Pattern ID: A11Y-9a2136ae
<html>
XPath: html
42 Moderate axe landmark-complementary-is-top-level: Ensures the complementary landmark (<aside>) is a top-level landmark. Nested aside elements cannot be found by screen reader landmark navigation.
28 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer, UX Designer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Aside should not be contained in another landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-33d98b6e | Pattern ID: A11Y-fb1d2ccd
<aside aria-label="Image credits and captions" id="image-caption-credit-block" class="image-caption-credit-block usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered">
XPath: #image-caption-credit-block
Example 2 View on Page
Aside should not be contained in another landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-8f6f3398 | Pattern ID: A11Y-fb1d2ccd
<aside aria-label="Image credits and captions" id="image-caption-credit-block" class="image-caption-credit-block usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered">
XPath: #image-caption-credit-block
Example 3 View on Page
Aside should not be contained in another landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d4312034 | Pattern ID: A11Y-fb1d2ccd
<aside aria-label="Image credits and captions" id="image-caption-credit-block" class="image-caption-credit-block usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered">
XPath: #image-caption-credit-block
Example 4 View on Page
Aside should not be contained in another landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-da28eff0 | Pattern ID: A11Y-fb1d2ccd
<aside aria-label="Image credits and captions" id="image-caption-credit-block" class="image-caption-credit-block usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered">
XPath: #image-caption-credit-block
Example 5 View on Page
Aside should not be contained in another landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-76e66ee4 | Pattern ID: A11Y-fb1d2ccd
<aside aria-label="Image credits and captions" id="image-caption-credit-block" class="image-caption-credit-block usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered">
XPath: #image-caption-credit-block
13 Serious axe SC 1.4.3 AA Visual color-contrast: Ensures text and interactive elements have sufficient contrast ratio (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) against their background.
4 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Visual Designer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.4.3 AA

Disabilities affected:
Visual

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Without Perception of Color 4.3% — ~14,500,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-59bb61f2 | Pattern ID: A11Y-29dbf496
<a href="/funding/entrepreneurs" title="Funding for Entrepreneurial Researchers" class="link-button usa-button usa-button--outline "> Funding for Entrepreneurial Researchers </a>
XPath: .link-button.usa-button--outline[href$="entrepreneurs"]
Example 2 View on Page
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-7c1c50e3 | Pattern ID: A11Y-65cbd36b
<a href="/funding/industry" title="Funding for Industry" class="link-button usa-button usa-button--outline "> Funding for Industry </a>
XPath: a[title="Funding for Industry"]
Example 3 View on Page
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-538ee8f0 | Pattern ID: A11Y-fdfd781b
<strong class="StrongText---richtext_strong">Office of Inspector General</strong>
XPath: .ColorText---color_custom:nth-child(2) > .SizedText---medium_plus.SizedText---predefined > strong
Example 4 View on Page
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-0a17630e | Pattern ID: A11Y-b4549fda
<span class="SizedText---medium SizedText---predefined">Reports &amp; Publications</span>
XPath: .ColumnLayout---column_padding_sparse.ColumnLayout---stack_when_tablet_portrait.ColumnLayout---stack_when_tablet_landscape:nth-child(1) > .FieldLayout---margin_below_even_more.FieldLayout---inDarkBackground.FieldLayout---margin_above_none:nth-child(1) > .FieldLayout---input_below > .SideBySideGroup---side_by_side.SideBySideGroup---default_direction.SideBySideGroup---top > .SideBySideItem---sparse.SideBySideItem---flex_item[data-padding-right="0"] > .FieldLayout---inScalarSideBySideItem.FieldLayout---inDarkBackground.FieldLayout---margin_below_none > .FieldLayout---input_below > div > .ParagraphText---inDarkBackground.ParagraphText---align_start > .ColorText---inDarkBackground.ColorText---color_custom > strong > .LinkedItem---inDarkBackground.elements---inDarkBackground.LinkedItem---inStrongText > .SizedText---medium.SizedText---predefined
Example 5 View on Page
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-22efdd6b | Pattern ID: A11Y-b932e667
<span class="SizedText---medium SizedText---predefined">Whistleblower Info</span>
XPath: a[href=""] > .SizedText---medium.SizedText---predefined
12 Serious axe SC 1.3.1 A Visual Cognitive list: Ensures <ul> and <ol> contain only <li> elements. Invalid list structure prevents screen readers from announcing list item counts and navigation shortcuts.
4 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Content Author, Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.3.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Cognitive

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-a0bcd94f | Pattern ID: A11Y-af0166f7
<ul aria-label="Our data and analysis" class="ncses-link-column">
XPath: ul[aria-label="Our data and analysis"]
Example 2 View on Page
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-243d700a | Pattern ID: A11Y-688e1174
<ul aria-label="About" class="ncses-link-column">
XPath: ul[aria-label="About"]
Example 3 View on Page
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-48491736 | Pattern ID: A11Y-13fafe6f
<ul aria-label="Help" class="ncses-link-column">
XPath: ul[aria-label="Help"]
Example 4 View on Page
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-4c67f67a | Pattern ID: A11Y-af0166f7
<ul aria-label="Our data and analysis" class="ncses-link-column">
XPath: ul[aria-label="Our data and analysis"]
Example 5 View on Page
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-3bd2ed1c | Pattern ID: A11Y-688e1174
<ul aria-label="About" class="ncses-link-column">
XPath: ul[aria-label="About"]
11 Moderate axe heading-order: Ensures heading levels are not skipped (e.g. h1→h3). Inconsistent heading hierarchy makes page structure difficult to navigate for screen reader users.
7 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Content Author, UX Designer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Heading levels should only increase by one
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-2544f702 | Pattern ID: A11Y-61c4188c
<h4 class="no-result-error">Please enter a search term in the box above.</h4>
XPath: h4
Example 2 View on Page
Heading levels should only increase by one
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-463cec42 | Pattern ID: A11Y-8ffe3b28
<h3>Page last updated: July 30, 2025</h3>
XPath: .nsf-layout--twocol.constrained-width.layout-container--wrapper:nth-child(2) > .nsf-layout--outer > .nsf-layout--inner:nth-child(2) > .layout__region--first.layout__region > .block-inline-blockcomponent-text.block-layout-builder.nsf-component > .text__container > .text__content.text-formatted > h3
Example 3 View on Page
Heading levels should only increase by one
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d00e41cb | Pattern ID: A11Y-67199818
<h4>What were the major goals and objectives of this project?</h4>
XPath: h4:nth-child(5)
Example 4 View on Page
Heading levels should only increase by one
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-9f5fab71 | Pattern ID: A11Y-71c38c14
<h4><u>Participants and Other Collaborating Organizations</u>: Who has been involved?</h4>
XPath: .block-inline-blockcomponent-text.nsf-component.block-layout-builder:nth-child(4) > .text__container > .text__content.text-formatted > h4
Example 5 View on Page
Heading levels should only increase by one
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-f6f6de05 | Pattern ID: A11Y-bac3fcfd
<h4><u>Impact</u>: What was the impact of the project? How has it contributed?</h4>
XPath: .block-inline-blockcomponent-text.nsf-component.block-layout-builder:nth-child(7) > .text__container > .text__content.text-formatted > h4
7 Moderate axe SC 4.1.2 A Visual Motor Cognitive aria-prohibited-attr
3 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 4.1.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Motor Cognitive

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Elements must only use permitted ARIA attributes
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-eb09f02c | Pattern ID: A11Y-94e15888
<div class="html5-video-player ytp-hide-controls ytp-exp-bottom-control-flexbox ytp-modern-caption ytp-livebadge-color unstarted-mode ytp-large-width-mode" tabindex="" id="movie_player" data-version="/s/player/8fb635c2/player_embed.vflset/en_US/base.js" aria-label="YouTube Video Player">
XPath: .layout__region--second.layout__region > .block-inline-blockcomponent-video.block-layout-builder[data-once="eachVideoWrapper"] > .field-block-video-url.field > iframe[width="200"][height="113"][frameborder="0"]
Example 2 View on Page
Elements must only use permitted ARIA attributes
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-c0202195 | Pattern ID: A11Y-3248fc3d
<div class="html5-video-player ytp-hide-controls ytp-exp-bottom-control-flexbox ytp-modern-caption ytp-livebadge-color unstarted-mode ytp-small-mode" tabindex="" id="movie_player" data-version="/s/player/8fb635c2/player_embed.vflset/en_US/base.js" aria-label="YouTube Video Player">
XPath: .layout__region--first.layout__region > .block-inline-blockcomponent-video.block-layout-builder[data-once="eachVideoWrapper"] > .field-block-video-url.field > iframe[width="200"][height="113"][frameborder="0"]
Example 3 View on Page
Elements must only use permitted ARIA attributes
Mode: dark 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-39fa5653 | Pattern ID: A11Y-c38adc70
<div class="html5-video-player ytp-hide-controls ytp-exp-bottom-control-flexbox ytp-modern-caption ytp-livebadge-color unstarted-mode ytp-large-width-mode" tabindex="" id="movie_player" data-version="/s/player/8fb635c2/player_embed.vflset/en_US/base.js" aria-label="YouTube Video Player">
XPath: .layout__region--second.layout__region > .block-inline-blockcomponent-video.block-layout-builder[data-once="eachVideoWrapper"] > .field-block-video-url.field > iframe[width="200"][height="113"][frameborder="0"]
Example 4 View on Page
Elements must only use permitted ARIA attributes
Mode: dark 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-3a31af98 | Pattern ID: A11Y-18c0e75d
<div class="html5-video-player ytp-hide-controls ytp-exp-bottom-control-flexbox ytp-modern-caption ytp-livebadge-color unstarted-mode ytp-small-mode" tabindex="" id="movie_player" data-version="/s/player/8fb635c2/player_embed.vflset/en_US/base.js" aria-label="YouTube Video Player">
XPath: .layout__region--first.layout__region > .block-inline-blockcomponent-video.block-layout-builder[data-once="eachVideoWrapper"] > .field-block-video-url.field > iframe[width="200"][height="113"][frameborder="0"]
Example 5 View on Page
Elements must only use permitted ARIA attributes
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-a166508d | Pattern ID: A11Y-4243a37a
<div class="html5-video-player ytp-hide-controls ytp-exp-bottom-control-flexbox ytp-modern-caption ytp-livebadge-color unstarted-mode ytp-large-width-mode" tabindex="" id="movie_player" data-version="/s/player/74be5b62/player_embed.vflset/en_US/base.js" aria-label="YouTube Video Player">
XPath: iframe[width="854"]
6 Moderate axe SC 4.1.2 A Visual Motor Cognitive aria-required-attr
6 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 4.1.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Motor Cognitive

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Required ARIA attributes must be provided
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bd476d1e | Pattern ID: A11Y-06db58df
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">
XPath: #gov-banner-header
Example 2 View on Page
Required ARIA attributes must be provided
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-e3a3d543 | Pattern ID: A11Y-06db58df
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">
XPath: #gov-banner-header
Example 3 View on Page
Required ARIA attributes must be provided
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-bad43af1 | Pattern ID: A11Y-06db58df
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">
XPath: #gov-banner-header
Example 4 View on Page
Required ARIA attributes must be provided
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-8c64f866 | Pattern ID: A11Y-06db58df
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">
XPath: #gov-banner-header
Example 5 View on Page
Required ARIA attributes must be provided
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d34c3362 | Pattern ID: A11Y-06db58df
<div role="heading" id="gov-banner-header">
XPath: #gov-banner-header
5 Moderate axe page-has-heading-one
5 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Page should contain a level-one heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-d31bbfd2 | Pattern ID: A11Y-ee8d7590
<html lang="en">
XPath: html
Example 2 View on Page
Page should contain a level-one heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-77d03d1d | Pattern ID: A11Y-ee8d7590
<html lang="en">
XPath: html
Example 3 View on Page
Page should contain a level-one heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-25f533a5 | Pattern ID: A11Y-ee8d7590
<html lang="en-US" style="--appian-button-text...">
XPath: html
Example 4 View on Page
Page should contain a level-one heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-72ef447b | Pattern ID: A11Y-ee8d7590
<html lang="en-US" style="--appian-button-text...">
XPath: html
Example 5 View on Page
Page should contain a level-one heading
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-25f533a5 | Pattern ID: A11Y-ee8d7590
<html lang="en-US" style="--appian-button-text...">
XPath: html
4 Moderate axe SC 1.1.1 A Visual role-img-alt
4 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.1.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
[role="img"] elements must have alternative text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-cea6ad6b | Pattern ID: A11Y-cb41abf5
<span role="img" class="st-rss"></span>
XPath: .st-rss
Example 2 View on Page
[role="img"] elements must have alternative text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-cf92b71a | Pattern ID: A11Y-cb41abf5
<span role="img" class="st-rss"></span>
XPath: .st-rss
Example 3 View on Page
[role="img"] elements must have alternative text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-3b90069f | Pattern ID: A11Y-cb41abf5
<span role="img" class="st-rss"></span>
XPath: .st-rss
Example 4 View on Page
[role="img"] elements must have alternative text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-5a7e3599 | Pattern ID: A11Y-cb41abf5
<span role="img" class="st-rss"></span>
XPath: .st-rss
2 Critical axe SC 4.1.2 A Visual Motor Cognitive button-name: Ensures buttons have discernible text so screen reader users know what action the button performs.
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer, Content Author

Blocking: ⚠️ Yes (Task-Blocking)

WCAG: SC 4.1.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Motor Cognitive

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Buttons must have discernible text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-3b492fe0 | Pattern ID: A11Y-c02099e3
<button class="expand-view cms-v2"><i class="fa-solid fa-caret-down" style="font-size: 12px"></i></button>
XPath: .module-card:nth-child(2) > .expandable-container > .content > .expand-view.cms-v2
Example 2 View on Page
Buttons must have discernible text
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-db7cb807 | Pattern ID: A11Y-63e69699
<button class="expand-view cms-v2"><i class="fa-solid fa-caret-down" style="font-size: 12px"></i></button>
XPath: .module-card:nth-child(3) > .expandable-container > .content > .expand-view.cms-v2
2 Moderate axe empty-heading
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Headings should not be empty
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-6865d087 | Pattern ID: A11Y-cb18effd
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
XPath: .text__content.text-formatted > h3:nth-child(1)
Example 2 View on Page
Headings should not be empty
Mode: dark 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-681924ef | Pattern ID: A11Y-46cf46b6
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
XPath: .text__content.text-formatted > h3:nth-child(1)
1 Moderate axe landmark-no-duplicate-banner: Ensures the page has only one banner landmark (<header> at top level). Multiple banners confuse screen reader users navigating by landmarks.
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer, UX Designer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Document should not have more than one banner landmark
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-535bce24 | Pattern ID: A11Y-1b6647b4
<header class="usa-banner__header">
XPath: .usa-banner__header
1 Moderate axe landmark-unique
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

Affected Pages

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) combination
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-b3c20605 | Pattern ID: A11Y-8dc401b9
<header data-testid="header" class="usa-header usa-header--basic sc-fhHczv cjTEbb" styles="[object Object]">
XPath: .sc-fhHczv
1 Serious axe SC 4.1.2 A Visual Motor Cognitive aria-input-field-name: Ensures every ARIA input field has an accessible name so screen reader users know what information to enter.
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer, Content Author

Blocking: ⚠️ Yes (Task-Blocking)

WCAG: SC 4.1.2 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Motor Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Manipulation 2.2% — ~7,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Reach and Strength 5.8% — ~19,600,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
ARIA input fields must have an accessible name
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-7b84bc88 | Pattern ID: A11Y-7642e1ad
<div class="carousel-inner" role="listbox">
XPath: .carousel-inner
1 Moderate axe SC 1.3.1 A Visual Cognitive aria-required-children
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 1.3.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Visual Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Without Vision 1.0% — ~3,400,000 Americans
  • Limited Vision 2.4% — ~8,100,000 Americans
  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
Certain ARIA roles must contain particular children
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-25bdb0f4 | Pattern ID: A11Y-a7a75af6
<div class="carousel-inner" role="listbox">
XPath: .carousel-inner
1 Moderate axe SC 3.1.1 A Cognitive html-lang-valid
1 pages affected

Rule Information

Engine: axe

Roles: Front-End Developer

Blocking: No

WCAG: SC 3.1.1 A

Disabilities affected:
Cognitive

Affected Pages

Who Is Affected

  • Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities 4.7% — ~15,900,000 Americans

Examples

Example 1 View on Page
<html> element must have a valid value for the lang attribute
Mode: light 🕑 First identified: 2026-05-12 🔑 Bug ID: A11Y-a287c234 | Pattern ID: A11Y-9a2136ae
<html lang="en_US">
XPath: html