vital-scans open quality ledger

nih.gov: Accessibility — week 2026-W30

Automated Accessibility Conformance Report (OpenACR): Download ACR. Machine-readable; compatible with GSA OpenACR tooling. Automated tools find ~⅓ of real barriers — supplement with manual AT testing.

Training priorities

Top WCAG success criteria by pages affected this week. Use these to focus team training on the highest-impact issues.

SCCriterionPagesRulesNotes
1.4.1 Use of Color 4699 2
2.5.5 WCAG 2.5.5 1568 1
1.4.6 WCAG 1.4.6 1566 1
1.4.8 WCAG 1.4.8 1566 1
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (semantic structure) 366 3 Component inconsistency

Next 10 actions

Clusters are fingerprinted by normalized selector path + rule id + snippet shape. Rank score = (severity weight × pages affected) / distinct components for the rule. This supersedes the template threshold heuristic while still surfacing it as a validation signal.

Top 10 clustered component fixes for this week.
ClusterSeverityPagesWho it affectsHow to fixEvidenceDecision
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~3133 finding(s) on 3133 page(s).
XPath / selector: .usa-alert
<div class="usa-alert">
 Serious 3133 Requires manual testing. Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region. pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~3117 finding(s) on 3117 page(s).
XPath / selector: #system-breadcrumb
<h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</h2>
 Serious 3117 Requires manual testing. Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region. pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1362 finding(s) on 1362 page(s).
XPath / selector: #block-nih2-uswds-search
<div class="search-block-form usa-form block block-search container-inline" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" id="block-nih2-uswds-search" role="search">
 Moderate 1362 Requires manual testing. When a landmark role/type repeats (e.g. two <nav>s), give each a distinct accessible name with aria-label or aria-labelledby (e.g. "Primary" and "Footer" navigation) so screen-reader users can tell them apart. pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1). pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Health Information"
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1). pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Grants & Funding"
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1). pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Beginning in late July, NIH will start introducing a new website experience designed to make it easier to find health information, research, funding opportunities, and other resources. During t
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1566 finding(s) on 1566 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."
 Moderate 1566 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57 pages (CSV)

Bug reports

18 issue type(s) are shown by default out of 36 total. Prioritized by severity, key pages, WCAG level, and prevalence; use the toggle to show everything.

Overall severity mix: 4 critical, 7 serious, 21 moderate, 4 minor. By WCAG category: 13 WCAG 2.0 A, 4 WCAG 2.0 AA, 3 WCAG 2.x AAA, 8 Best Practice, 8 Undetermined. Ordered by severity, key-page impact, WCAG level, and prevalence. Following accessibility bug-reporting best practices. Download: Markdown · JSON (full archive) · JSON (AI diagnostic) · CSV (all findings) · Priority pages CSV · Priority pages JSON.

Automated testing does not establish full WCAG conformance. Findings in the verification lane require manual testing before they are treated as confirmed failures.

Default view shows 18 prioritized issue type(s); 18 more are available if you switch to "Show everything".

4 finding(s) marked "possible duplicate" — Alfa and axe-core both flagged the same WCAG SC on overlapping pages. If they target the same element, the axe-core report is authoritative. Filter the CSV by possible_duplicate_of to see these. Two engines flagging the same barrier reduces the chance of a false positive.

Findings needing review

These findings need manual verification before they can be treated as confirmed failures. Obligation remains visible for each finding.

Critical axe link-in-text-block WCAG 2.0 A Links must be distinguishable without relying on color (WCAG 1.4.1) 3133/3333 pages · 17985 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-27f3b4ed
Pattern ID
VS-8ade3360
Combined ID
VS-27f3b4ed (pattern VS-8ade3360) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
p:nth-child(12) > a[href$="www.nibib.nih.gov"][rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer"][title="(opens in a new window)"]
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (6 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" title="(opens in a new window)">https://www.nibib.nih.gov</a>

Description

Links must be distinguishable without relying on color. Detected by axe-core rule link-in-text-block on 3133 of 3333 scanned pages (17985 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: p:nth-child(12) > a[href$="www.nibib.nih.gov"][rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer"][title="(opens in a new window)"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-in-text-block against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

Impact

Affects Without color perception (4.5%), Limited vision (2.4%).

  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 3133 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-in-text-block?application=axeAPI

Serious axe list WCAG 2.0 A <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1) 169/3333 pages · 169 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-1f485843
Pattern ID
VS-a0bdbdf6
Combined ID
VS-1f485843 (pattern VS-a0bdbdf6) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.usa-pagination__list
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<ul class="usa-pagination__list pager__items js-pager__items">

Description

<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements. Detected by axe-core rule list on 169 of 3333 scanned pages (169 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository?page=14.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-pagination__list
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule list against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 169 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use <ul>/<ol> with only <li> children for lists; don't fake lists with <div>s.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/list?application=axeAPI

Critical axe image-alt WCAG 2.0 A Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1) 51/3333 pages · 135 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-914f0882
Pattern ID
VS-9074b4dd
Combined ID
VS-914f0882 (pattern VS-9074b4dd) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
a[title="Kids in Research"] > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2024-12/mother-daughter-laughing-together.jpg?itok=DDZeoJMs" width="200" height="auto" class="image-style-thumbnail-large">

Description

Images must have alternative text. Detected by axe-core rule image-alt on 51 of 3333 scanned pages (135 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open http://mailto:RADxInfo@nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/parents-children.
  2. Locate the element: a[title="Kids in Research"] > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule image-alt against WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 51 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give every <img> a meaningful alt attribute. Use alt="" only for decorative images so screen readers skip them.

Drupal tip: In Drupal's Media Library, fill the "Alternative text" field when uploading or editing an image. For images in body fields, the CKEditor "Image Properties" dialog includes an Alt Text field.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-alt?application=axeAPI

Critical axe label WCAG 2.0 A Form elements must have labels (WCAG 4.1.2) 42/3333 pages · 42 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-8d626e39
Pattern ID
VS-fafffee0
Combined ID
VS-8d626e39 (pattern VS-fafffee0) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.chosen-search-input
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="" data-bef-auto-submit-exclude="true">

Description

Form elements must have labels. Detected by axe-core rule label on 42 of 3333 scanned pages (42 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=180.
  2. Locate the element: .chosen-search-input
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule label against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 42 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Associate every form control with a <label> (via for/id) or an aria-label/aria-labelledby.

Drupal tip: Use Drupal's form element "Label" setting. In Webform, every element has a Label field — ensure it's not empty or hidden. Check that twig templates don't strip <label> elements from form fields.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/label?application=axeAPI

Critical axe aria-allowed-attr WCAG 2.0 A Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes (WCAG 4.1.2) 35/3333 pages · 49 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-edba72fa
Pattern ID
VS-1467ea8a
Combined ID
VS-edba72fa (pattern VS-1467ea8a) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
div[aria-multiselectable="true"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div aria-multiselectable="true" class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default">

Description

Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-attr on 35 of 3333 scanned pages (49 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge.
  2. Locate the element: div[aria-multiselectable="true"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-attr against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 35 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove ARIA attributes that aren't allowed on this role/element.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-attr?application=axeAPI

Serious axe valid-lang WCAG 2.0 AA lang attribute must have a valid value (WCAG 3.1.2) 28/3333 pages · 56 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e7a698a2
Pattern ID
VS-dd1c019f
Combined ID
VS-e7a698a2 (pattern VS-dd1c019f) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
li:nth-child(12) > a[lang="esp"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="https://salud.nih.gov/preguntele-a-carla" lang="esp">Pregúntele a Carla</a>

Description

lang attribute must have a valid value. Detected by axe-core rule valid-lang on 28 of 3333 scanned pages (56 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs.
  2. Locate the element: li:nth-child(12) > a[lang="esp"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule valid-lang against WCAG 3.1.2 Language of Parts.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 28 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/valid-lang?application=axeAPI

Serious axe link-name WCAG 2.0 A Links must have discernible text (WCAG 2.4.4) 17/3333 pages · 17 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-6fe78636
Pattern ID
VS-e9fe47ac
Combined ID
VS-6fe78636 (pattern VS-e9fe47ac) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.usa-in-page-nav__link[href="#"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link"></a>

Description

Links must have discernible text. Detected by axe-core rule link-name on 17 of 3333 scanned pages (17 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-in-page-nav__link[href="#"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-name against WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give the link discernible text. Avoid empty links and icon-only links without an aria-label.

Drupal tip: "Read more" links from Drupal Views should use the "Link text" rewrite field to add context, or add aria-label via the Views rewrite output.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-name?application=axeAPI

Serious axe color-contrast WCAG 2.0 AA Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds (WCAG 1.4.3) 10/3333 pages · 18 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e01eba07
Pattern ID
VS-be8d563e
Combined ID
VS-e01eba07 (pattern VS-be8d563e) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.media--view-mode-full-width.media.media--type-image:nth-child(1) > .field--name-field-long-caption.text-formatted.field--type-text-long
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-long-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item">NIH logo instituted in 1969.</div>

Description

Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds. Detected by axe-core rule color-contrast on 10 of 3333 scanned pages (18 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo.
  2. Locate the element: .media--view-mode-full-width.media.media--type-image:nth-child(1) > .field--name-field-long-caption.text-formatted.field--type-text-long
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule color-contrast against WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%), Without color perception (4.5%).

  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase the contrast between text and its background to at least 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text). Check both light and dark modes.

Drupal tip: Check your Drupal theme's base CSS. Themes like Olivero and Bartik have contrast issues in default color schemes — override failing color pairs in your subtheme's style.css.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/color-contrast?application=axeAPI

Serious axe scrollable-region-focusable WCAG 2.0 A Scrollable region must have keyboard access (WCAG 2.1.1) 2/3333 pages · 8 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-d227297d
Pattern ID
VS-c613c153
Combined ID
VS-d227297d (pattern VS-c613c153) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.usa-table-container--scrollable:nth-child(29)
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="usa-table-container--scrollable">

Description

Scrollable region must have keyboard access. Detected by axe-core rule scrollable-region-focusable on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (8 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-table-container--scrollable:nth-child(29)
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule scrollable-region-focusable against WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%), Limited reach (2.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population
  • Limited reach — 2.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Make scrollable regions keyboard-focusable (tabindex="0") so keyboard users can scroll them.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/scrollable-region-focusable?application=axeAPI

Serious axe region Best Practice All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined) 3133/3333 pages · 6255 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-93bc81f7
Pattern ID
VS-f18df681
Combined ID
VS-93bc81f7 (pattern VS-f18df681) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
.usa-alert
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (6 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="usa-alert">

Description

All page content should be contained by landmarks. Detected by axe-core rule region on 3133 of 3333 scanned pages (6255 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-alert
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule region.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 3133 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region.

Drupal tip: Use Drupal's region system (header, navigation, main, sidebar, footer) and map each to an HTML5 landmark element in your theme's page.html.twig.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI

Serious axe heading-order Best Practice Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2314/3333 pages · 2403 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-a4fcc531
Pattern ID
VS-d25f622d
Combined ID
VS-a4fcc531 (pattern VS-d25f622d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
article[data-history-node-id="9136"] > div > h3
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<h3></h3>

Description

Heading levels should only increase by one. Detected by axe-core rule heading-order on 2314 of 3333 scanned pages (2403 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: article[data-history-node-id="9136"] > div > h3
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule heading-order.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 2314 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use heading levels in order (h1 → h2 → h3) without skipping; structure, not size.

Drupal tip: Drupal Views and blocks can insert headings at arbitrary levels. In the Views UI, set "Title tag" for each display. For block titles, configure the heading level in the block's layout settings.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r62 WCAG 2.0 A Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color (WCAG 1.4.1) 1566/3333 pages · 4559 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-b7c81f6c
Pattern ID
VS-efd91fdd
Combined ID
VS-b7c81f6c (pattern VS-efd91fdd) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r62 on 1566 of 3333 scanned pages (4559 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r62 against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

Impact

Affects Without color perception (4.5%), Limited vision (2.4%).

  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 1566 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Make links visually distinguishable from surrounding text (not by color alone).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r62

Moderate alfa sia-r64 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1) 175/3333 pages · 175 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-f1c02d27
Pattern ID
VS-3c632d31
Combined ID
VS-f1c02d27 (pattern VS-3c632d31) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<h3>
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (3 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-1f485843 (pattern VS-a0bdbdf6). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 175 of 3333 scanned pages (175 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <h3>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r64 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 175 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64

Moderate alfa sia-r2 WCAG 2.0 A Image has accessible name (WCAG 1.1.1) 25/3333 pages · 57 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-15bcd428
Pattern ID
VS-a24eaa8c
Combined ID
VS-15bcd428 (pattern VS-a24eaa8c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-06/20250603-gene.jpeg?itok=mBby1OwQ" width="200" height="auto">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

Image has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r2 on 25 of 3333 scanned pages (57 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances.
  2. Locate the element: <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-06/20250603-gene.jpeg?itok=mBby1OwQ" width="200" height="auto">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r2 against WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give every <img> an accessible name (alt text), or alt="" if purely decorative.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r2

Moderate alfa sia-r68 WCAG 2.0 A Presentational children of an element are not focusable (WCAG 1.3.1) 22/3333 pages · 22 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e5149ddf
Pattern ID
VS-d6097011
Combined ID
VS-e5149ddf (pattern VS-d6097011) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<ul class="chosen-results">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

Presentational children of an element are not focusable. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r68 on 22 of 3333 scanned pages (22 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=181.
  2. Locate the element: <ul class="chosen-results">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r68 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r68

Moderate alfa sia-r8 WCAG 2.0 A Form field has accessible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 17/3333 pages · 17 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-475b28ce
Pattern ID
VS-a48e6078
Combined ID
VS-475b28ce (pattern VS-a48e6078) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

Form field has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r8 on 17 of 3333 scanned pages (17 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=181.
  2. Locate the element: <input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r8 against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Associate the form field with a label.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r8

Moderate alfa sia-r7 WCAG 2.0 AA Element with lang attribute has correct language (WCAG 3.1.2) 14/3333 pages · 28 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-927e8524
Pattern ID
VS-400f3a18
Combined ID
VS-927e8524 (pattern VS-400f3a18) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
@lang="esp"
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-e7a698a2 (pattern VS-dd1c019f). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Element with lang attribute has correct language. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r7 on 14 of 3333 scanned pages (28 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison.
  2. Locate the element: @lang="esp"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r7 against WCAG 3.1.2 Language of Parts.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r7

Moderate alfa sia-r11 WCAG 2.0 A Link has accessible name (WCAG 2.4.4) 10/3333 pages · 10 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-4f2826ea
Pattern ID
VS-28ebd979
Combined ID
VS-4f2826ea (pattern VS-28ebd979) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-6fe78636 (pattern VS-e9fe47ac). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Link has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r11 on 10 of 3333 scanned pages (10 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge.
  2. Locate the element: <a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r11 against WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give the link an accessible name via text content or aria-label.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r11

Moderate alfa sia-r111 WCAG 2.x AAA Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5) 1568/3333 pages · 45308 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-6574f4f2
Pattern ID
VS-cb53cc4d
Combined ID
VS-6574f4f2 (pattern VS-cb53cc4d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.1)
XPath / selector
<a class="bg-accent-warm-dark usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 1568 of 3333 scanned pages (45308 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <a class="bg-accent-warm-dark usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r111 against WCAG 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced).

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1568 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111

Moderate alfa sia-r57 Undetermined Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1568/3333 pages · 6265 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-786edb4b
Pattern ID
VS-c18be945
Combined ID
VS-786edb4b (pattern VS-c18be945) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 1568 of 3333 scanned pages (6265 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r57.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1568 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57

Moderate alfa sia-r18 Undetermined aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1568/3333 pages · 3160 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-9e229998
Pattern ID
VS-e05344b9
Combined ID
VS-9e229998 (pattern VS-e05344b9) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
@aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 1568 of 3333 scanned pages (3160 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: @aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r18.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1568 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18

Moderate alfa sia-r66 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6) 1566/3333 pages · 82002 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e221a7fd
Pattern ID
VS-646b1e0b
Combined ID
VS-e221a7fd (pattern VS-646b1e0b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 1566 of 3333 scanned pages (82002 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r66 against WCAG 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced).

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1566 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66

Moderate alfa sia-r73 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8) 1566/3333 pages · 5100 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-cc1cc74f
Pattern ID
VS-2208081b
Combined ID
VS-cc1cc74f (pattern VS-2208081b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.8 Visual Presentation (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 1566 of 3333 scanned pages (5100 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <p class="usa-banner__header-text">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r73 against WCAG 1.4.8 Visual Presentation.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1566 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73

Moderate alfa sia-r61 Undetermined Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1566/3333 pages · 1566 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e02254db
Pattern ID
VS-7118fead
Combined ID
VS-e02254db (pattern VS-7118fead) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (4 wk)

Description

Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 1566 of 3333 scanned pages (1566 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r61.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1566 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61

Moderate axe landmark-unique Best Practice Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1362/3333 pages · 1367 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-6ad8a6b0
Pattern ID
VS-8806389c
Combined ID
VS-6ad8a6b0 (pattern VS-8806389c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
#block-nih2-uswds-search
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="search-block-form usa-form block block-search container-inline" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" id="block-nih2-uswds-search" role="search">

Description

Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-unique on 1362 of 3333 scanned pages (1367 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer.
  2. Locate the element: #block-nih2-uswds-search
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-unique.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1362 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: When a landmark role/type repeats (e.g. two <nav>s), give each a distinct accessible name with aria-label or aria-labelledby (e.g. "Primary" and "Footer" navigation) so screen-reader users can tell them apart.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r53 Undetermined Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1134/3333 pages · 1179 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-8a57ccd4
Pattern ID
VS-f054f4a4
Combined ID
VS-8a57ccd4 (pattern VS-f054f4a4) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
<h3>
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (3 wk)

Description

Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 1134 of 3333 scanned pages (1179 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <h3>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r53.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1134 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use headings in a logical, non-skipping order.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53

Minor axe empty-heading Best Practice Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 345/3333 pages · 345 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-2267b086
Pattern ID
VS-0066c67d
Combined ID
VS-2267b086 (pattern VS-0066c67d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
article[data-history-node-id="9136"] > div > h3
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (3 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<h3></h3>

Description

Headings should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-heading on 345 of 3333 scanned pages (345 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: article[data-history-node-id="9136"] > div > h3
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-heading.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 345 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove empty headings or give them text. Don't use heading tags for spacing.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r85 Undetermined Keyboard trap does not exist (WCAG criterion undetermined) 287/3333 pages · 370 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-aab2091b
Pattern ID
VS-4c341c77
Combined ID
VS-aab2091b (pattern VS-4c341c77) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
<p class="nih-slogan">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

Keyboard trap does not exist. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r85 on 287 of 3333 scanned pages (370 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <p class="nih-slogan">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r85.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 287 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r85

Moderate alfa sia-r78 Undetermined Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined) 110/3333 pages · 128 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-82024512
Pattern ID
VS-2cd767ca
Combined ID
VS-82024512 (pattern VS-2cd767ca) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
<h3>
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 110 of 3333 scanned pages (128 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells.
  2. Locate the element: <h3>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r78.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 110 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78

Moderate axe page-has-heading-one Best Practice Page should contain a level-one heading (WCAG criterion undetermined) 41/3333 pages · 41 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-98baebe9
Pattern ID
VS-fa44f293
Combined ID
VS-98baebe9 (pattern VS-fa44f293) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
html
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W30 (3 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" class=" js">

Description

Page should contain a level-one heading. Detected by axe-core rule page-has-heading-one on 41 of 3333 scanned pages (41 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/node.
  2. Locate the element: html
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule page-has-heading-one.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 41 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/page-has-heading-one?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r69 WCAG 2.0 AA Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) (WCAG 1.4.3) 6/3333 pages · 14 instances · possible duplicate
Bug ID
VS-9c6d72b1
Pattern ID
VS-f7e99f4b
Combined ID
VS-9c6d72b1 (pattern VS-f7e99f4b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
text: "NIH logo instituted in 1969."
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-e01eba07 (pattern VS-be8d563e). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r69 on 6 of 3333 scanned pages (14 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo.
  2. Locate the element: text: "NIH logo instituted in 1969."
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r69 against WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%), Without color perception (4.5%).

  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AA (4.5:1, or 3:1 for large text).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r69

Minor axe aria-allowed-role Best Practice ARIA role should be appropriate for the element (WCAG criterion undetermined) 3/3333 pages · 3 instances
Bug ID
VS-2213531d
Pattern ID
VS-4fac2f41
Combined ID
VS-2213531d (pattern VS-4fac2f41) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
video
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<video class="ct-app-background__media--video" autoplay="" muted="" loop="" crossorigin="anonymous" playsinline="" role="presentation">
							<source src="https://nih.hostexp.com/videos/VID_202209131

Description

ARIA role should be appropriate for the element. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-role on 3 of 3333 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/virtual-tour.
  2. Locate the element: video
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-role.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove or change the ARIA role — it isn't allowed on this element type.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-role?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r59 Undetermined Element with orientation is not locked (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/3333 pages · 2 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-9473173d
Pattern ID
VS-7fbb8b20
Combined ID
VS-9473173d (pattern VS-7fbb8b20) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

Element with orientation is not locked. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r59 on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/virtual-tour.
  2. Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r59.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r59

Moderate alfa sia-r87 Undetermined First focusable element is link to main content (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/3333 pages · 2 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-577d15e4
Pattern ID
VS-aa242c2d
Combined ID
VS-577d15e4 (pattern VS-aa242c2d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

Description

First focusable element is link to main content. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r87 on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/virtual-tour.
  2. Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r87.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r87

Minor axe image-redundant-alt Best Practice Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/3333 pages · 6 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-9e2721f4
Pattern ID
VS-f528778d
Combined ID
VS-9e2721f4 (pattern VS-f528778d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
img[alt="Health Literacy"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W30 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_900x527/public/2025-02/clear-comm-health-literacy_0.jpg?itok=WgUQl-_B 1x" width="900" height="auto" src="/sites/default/files/styles/tea

Description

Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text. Detected by axe-core rule image-redundant-alt on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (6 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open http://mailto:RADxInfo@nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication.
  2. Locate the element: img[alt="Health Literacy"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule image-redundant-alt.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-redundant-alt?application=axeAPI

Minor axe empty-table-header Best Practice Table header text should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/3333 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-1028ee42
Pattern ID
VS-d69fc059
Combined ID
VS-1028ee42 (pattern VS-d69fc059) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
th:nth-child(1)
History
first seen 2026-W30, last seen 2026-W30 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<th>
			<p>&nbsp;</p>
			</th>

Description

Table header text should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-table-header on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/include-project/faqs/faqs-omics-phenotypes-related-down-syndrome-include-project.
  2. Locate the element: th:nth-child(1)
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-table-header.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-table-header?application=axeAPI

Deque axe-core findings

Rule-level axe-core summary (17 rule type(s))

Each failing rule links out to the axe-core documentation. For full element-level detail including HTML snippets and XPaths, see the bug reports above.

axe-core rules failing in 2026-W30, by pages affected
RuleImpactPages affectedInstancesExample pagesAll affected
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color [link-in-text-block] serious 3133 17985 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions		 all 3133 pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks [region] moderate 3133 6255 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions		 all 3133 pages (CSV)
Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order] moderate 2314 2403 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions		 all 2314 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) combination [landmark-unique] moderate 1362 1367 /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/nih-research-matters/immune-cells-control-waste-clearance-brain
/news-events/nih-research-matters/sleep-exercise-may-reduce-mutation-driven-inflammation		 all 1362 pages (CSV)
Headings should not be empty [empty-heading] minor 345 345 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge		 all 345 pages (CSV)
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list] serious 169 169 /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository
/press-room
/news-events/nih-research-matters		 all 169 pages (CSV)
Images must have alternative text [image-alt] critical 51 135 /health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/parents-children
/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances		 all 51 pages (CSV)
Form elements must have labels [label] critical 42 42 /news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases		 all 42 pages (CSV)
Page should contain a level-one heading [page-has-heading-one] moderate 41 41 /node
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-january-10-2019
/about-nih		 all 41 pages (CSV)
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes [aria-allowed-attr] critical 35 49 /challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge
/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision
/brain/research/dissemination/u24-program/u24-faqs		 all 35 pages (CSV)
lang attribute must have a valid value [valid-lang] serious 28 56 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-january-10-2019
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-september-19-2019		 all 28 pages (CSV)
Links must have discernible text [link-name] serious 17 17 /challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge
/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge
/challenges/ncats-translational-science-education-training-challenge		 all 17 pages (CSV)
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast] serious 10 18 /about-nih/history/history-nih-logo
/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/research-tools
/about-nih/history		 all 10 pages (CSV)
ARIA role should be appropriate for the element [aria-allowed-role] minor 3 3 /virtual-tour
/virtual-tour
/virtual-tour		 all 3 pages (CSV)
Scrollable region must have keyboard access [scrollable-region-focusable] serious 2 8 /heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program
/heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text [image-redundant-alt] minor 2 6 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Table header text should not be empty [empty-table-header] minor 1 1 /research-training/medical-research-initiatives/include-project/faqs/faqs-omics-phenotypes-related-down-syndrome-include-project all 1 pages (CSV)

Siteimprove Alfa findings

Rule-level Alfa summary (19 rule type(s))

Rule-level summary from Siteimprove Alfa (W3C ACT-based). Findings that overlap with axe-core on the same WCAG success criterion are noted as possible duplicates in the bug reports above.

Alfa rules failing in 2026-W30, by pages affected
RuleImpactPages affectedInstancesExample pagesAll affected
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111] n/a 1568 45308 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1568 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57] n/a 1568 6265 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1568 pages (CSV)
aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18] n/a 1568 3160 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1568 pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast [sia-r66] n/a 1566 82002 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1566 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73] n/a 1566 5100 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1566 pages (CSV)
Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color [sia-r62] n/a 1566 4559 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1566 pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible [sia-r61] n/a 1566 1566 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository		 all 1566 pages (CSV)
Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53] n/a 1134 1179 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge		 all 1134 pages (CSV)
Keyboard trap does not exist [sia-r85] n/a 287 370 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 287 pages (CSV)
Element has required owned roles [sia-r64] n/a 175 175 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 175 pages (CSV)
Table header has scope [sia-r78] n/a 110 128 /news-events/news-releases/early-stimulation-improves-performance-bioengineered-human-heart-cells
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials
/news-events/news-releases/nih-mobilizes-national-innovation-initiative-covid-19-diagnostics		 all 110 pages (CSV)
Image has accessible name [sia-r2] n/a 25 57 /news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-promising-medical-findings
/news-events/nih-research-matters		 all 25 pages (CSV)
Presentational children of an element are not focusable [sia-r68] n/a 22 22 /news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases		 all 22 pages (CSV)
Form field has accessible name [sia-r8] n/a 17 17 /news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases		 all 17 pages (CSV)
Element with lang attribute has correct language [sia-r7] n/a 14 28 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-june-20-2019
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-october-15-2020		 all 14 pages (CSV)
Link has accessible name [sia-r11] n/a 10 10 /challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge
/challenges/ncats-translational-science-education-training-challenge
/challenges/targeting-rna-disease-novel-technologies-trdnt-challenge		 all 10 pages (CSV)
Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69] n/a 6 14 /about-nih/history/history-nih-logo
/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/research-tools
/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/training		 all 6 pages (CSV)
Element with orientation is not locked [sia-r59] n/a 2 2 /virtual-tour
/virtual-tour		 all 2 pages (CSV)
First focusable element is link to main content [sia-r87] n/a 2 2 /virtual-tour
/virtual-tour		 all 2 pages (CSV)

Unique accessibility issues (axe + Alfa consolidated)

axe and Alfa both implement W3C ACT rules, so the same issue is often caught by both. These are deduplicated by ACT rule and page, so a shared finding counts once (23460 raw engine findings → 23200 unique).

Unique issues (rule × page)
23200
Caught by both engines
260 highest confidence
axe only
10428
Alfa only
12512
6 rule type(s) caught by both engines — highest confidence

Two independent ACT-rule implementations (Deque axe-core and Siteimprove Alfa) flagged the same issue on the same pages. Agreement between separate engines is strong evidence the barrier is real, not a single-tool false positive — the best place to start.

Rules flagged by both axe-core and Alfa in 2026-W30, by pages affected.
IssuePagesRule references
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes1584axe aria-allowed-attr · Alfa sia-r18 · ACT 5c01ea
Headings should not be empty345axe empty-heading · Alfa sia-r64 · ACT ffd0e9
Images must have alternative text51axe image-alt · Alfa sia-r2 · ACT 23a2a8
Form elements must have labels42axe label · Alfa sia-r8 · ACT e086e5
lang attribute must have a valid value28axe valid-lang · Alfa sia-r7 · ACT de46e4
Links must have discernible text17axe link-name · Alfa sia-r11 · ACT c487ae