nih.gov: Accessibility — week 2026-W31

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.

SC	Criterion	Pages	Rules
1.4.1	Use of Color	4740	2
2.5.5	WCAG 2.5.5	1597	1
1.4.6	WCAG 1.4.6	1596	1
1.4.8	WCAG 1.4.8	1596	1
1.3.1	Info and Relationships (semantic structure)	364	5

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.
Cluster	Severity	Pages	Who it affects	How to fix	Evidence	Decision
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~3144 finding(s) on 3144 page(s). XPath / selector: `.usa-alert` `<div class="usa-alert">`	Serious	3144	Requires manual testing.	Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~3126 finding(s) on 3126 page(s). XPath / selector: `#system-breadcrumb` `<h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</h2>`	Serious	3126	Requires manual testing.	Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Form field label is visible · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1596 finding(s) on 1596 page(s). XPath / selector: `{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys`	Moderate	1596	Requires manual testing.	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1397 finding(s) on 1397 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	1397	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)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1596 finding(s) on 1596 page(s). XPath / selector: `text: "Health Information"`	Moderate	1596	Requires manual testing.	Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1596 finding(s) on 1596 page(s). XPath / selector: `text: "Grants & Funding"`	Moderate	1596	Requires manual testing.	Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1593 finding(s) on 1593 page(s). XPath / selector: `text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."`	Moderate	1593	Requires manual testing.	Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
aria attribute is permitted for element role · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1593 finding(s) on 1593 page(s). XPath / selector: `@aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"`	Moderate	1593	Requires manual testing.	Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
aria attribute is permitted for element role · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1592 finding(s) on 1592 page(s). XPath / selector: `@aria-label="Official website of the Department of Health and Human Services"`	Moderate	1592	Requires manual testing.	Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1596 finding(s) on 1596 page(s). XPath / selector: `<p class="usa-banner__header-text">`	Moderate	1596	Requires manual testing.	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes

Bug reports

18 issue type(s) are shown by default out of 38 total. Prioritized by severity, key pages, WCAG level, and prevalence; use the toggle to show everything.

Overall severity mix: 4 critical, 7 serious, 23 moderate, 4 minor. By WCAG category: 15 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); 20 more are available if you switch to "Show everything".

7 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) 3144/3333 pages · 17603 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-e27d5231
Pattern ID: VS-8ade3360
Combined ID: VS-e27d5231 (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)
Rule: axe-core — Links must be distinguishable without relying on color [link-in-text-block]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
XPath / selector: a[href$="www.cancer.gov"]
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (7 wk)

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

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

Description

Links must be distinguishable without relying on color. Detected by axe-core rule link-in-text-block on 3144 of 3333 scanned pages (17603 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
Locate the element: a[href$="www.cancer.gov"]
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 3144 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

Triage status Notes

Serious axe list WCAG 2.0 A <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1) 157/3333 pages · 157 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)
Rule: axe-core — <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository?page=14
XPath / selector: .usa-pagination__list
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 157 of 3333 scanned pages (157 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository?page=14.
Locate the element: .usa-pagination__list
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 157 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

Triage status Notes

Critical axe image-alt WCAG 2.0 A Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1) 51/3333 pages · 139 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-5ab002fd
Pattern ID: VS-9074b4dd
Combined ID: VS-5ab002fd (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)
Rule: axe-core — Images must have alternative text [image-alt]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
XPath / selector: .thumbnail-teaser.thumbnail-teaser--1col:nth-child(2) > .link--no-tag.thumbnail-teaser__link[typeof="schema:WebPage"] > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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/2025-05/20240917-blood-test.jpg?itok=8VWvchu8" 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 (139 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances.
Locate the element: .thumbnail-teaser.thumbnail-teaser--1col:nth-child(2) > .link--no-tag.thumbnail-teaser__link[typeof="schema:WebPage"] > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]
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

Triage status Notes

Critical axe label WCAG 2.0 A Form elements must have labels (WCAG 4.1.2) 39/3333 pages · 43 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)
Rule: axe-core — Form elements must have labels [label]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=180
XPath / selector: .chosen-search-input
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 39 of 3333 scanned pages (43 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=180.
Locate the element: .chosen-search-input
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 39 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

Triage status Notes

Critical axe aria-allowed-attr WCAG 2.0 A Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes (WCAG 4.1.2) 30/3333 pages · 45 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-8c601530
Pattern ID: VS-1467ea8a
Combined ID: VS-8c601530 (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)
Rule: axe-core — Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes [aria-allowed-attr]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision
XPath / selector: .usa-accordion--bordered
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 30 of 3333 scanned pages (45 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision.
Locate the element: .usa-accordion--bordered
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 30 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

Triage status Notes

Serious axe valid-lang WCAG 2.0 AA lang attribute must have a valid value (WCAG 3.1.2) 22/3333 pages · 44 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)
Rule: axe-core — lang attribute must have a valid value [valid-lang]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs
XPath / selector: li:nth-child(12) > a[lang="esp"]
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 22 of 3333 scanned pages (44 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs.
Locate the element: li:nth-child(12) > a[lang="esp"]
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

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

Triage status Notes

Serious axe link-name WCAG 2.0 A Links must have discernible text (WCAG 2.4.4) 22/3333 pages · 22 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-c7edc4ad
Pattern ID: VS-e9fe47ac
Combined ID: VS-c7edc4ad (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)
Rule: axe-core — Links must have discernible text [link-name]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge
XPath / selector: .usa-in-page-nav__link[href="#"]
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 22 of 3333 scanned pages (22 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge.
Locate the element: .usa-in-page-nav__link[href="#"]
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

Triage status Notes

Serious axe color-contrast WCAG 2.0 AA Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds (WCAG 1.4.3) 13/3333 pages · 29 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)
Rule: axe-core — Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo
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-W31 (3 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 13 of 3333 scanned pages (29 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo.
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
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

Triage status Notes

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)
Rule: axe-core — Scrollable region must have keyboard access [scrollable-region-focusable]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program
XPath / selector: .usa-table-container--scrollable:nth-child(29)
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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

Open https://nih.gov/heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program.
Locate the element: .usa-table-container--scrollable:nth-child(29)
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

Triage status Notes

Serious axe region Best Practice All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined) 3144/3333 pages · 6274 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-423fdc33
Pattern ID: VS-f18df681
Combined ID: VS-423fdc33 (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
Rule: axe-core — All page content should be contained by landmarks [region]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
XPath / selector: .usa-alert
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (7 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 3144 of 3333 scanned pages (6274 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
Locate the element: .usa-alert
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule region.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 3144 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

Triage status Notes

Serious axe heading-order Best Practice Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2318/3333 pages · 2444 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-c42b5471
Pattern ID: VS-d25f622d
Combined ID: VS-c42b5471 (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
Rule: axe-core — Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
XPath / selector: article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 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 2318 of 3333 scanned pages (2444 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
Locate the element: article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule heading-order.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 2318 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r62 WCAG 2.0 A Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color (WCAG 1.4.1) 1596/3333 pages · 4972 instances · possible duplicate Likely template

Bug ID: VS-57dd3435
Pattern ID: VS-efd91fdd
Combined ID: VS-57dd3435 (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color [sia-r62]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)
Possible duplicate: Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-e27d5231 (pattern VS-8ade3360). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r62 on 1596 of 3333 scanned pages (4972 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
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 1596 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r64 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1) 181/3333 pages · 181 instances · possible duplicate Likely template

Bug ID: VS-930b3f67
Pattern ID: VS-3c632d31
Combined ID: VS-930b3f67 (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element has required owned roles [sia-r64]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/brain-scan-guided-emergency-stroke-treatment-can-save-more-lives
XPath / selector: <h3>
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (4 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 181 of 3333 scanned pages (181 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/brain-scan-guided-emergency-stroke-treatment-can-save-more-lives.
Locate the element: <h3>
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 181 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r2 WCAG 2.0 A Image has accessible name (WCAG 1.1.1) 26/3333 pages · 60 instances · possible duplicate Likely template

Bug ID: VS-3057ea6a
Pattern ID: VS-a24eaa8c
Combined ID: VS-3057ea6a (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Image has accessible name [sia-r2]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
XPath / selector: <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-05/20240917-blood-test.jpg?itok=8VWvchu8" width="200" height="auto">
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)
Possible duplicate: Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-5ab002fd (pattern VS-9074b4dd). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Image has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r2 on 26 of 3333 scanned pages (60 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances.
Locate the element: <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-05/20240917-blood-test.jpg?itok=8VWvchu8" width="200" height="auto">
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

…and more — all 26 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: Give every <img> an accessible name (alt text), or alt="" if purely decorative.

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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r68 WCAG 2.0 A Presentational children of an element are not focusable (WCAG 1.3.1) 24/3333 pages · 29 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-6112e76a
Pattern ID: VS-d6097011
Combined ID: VS-6112e76a (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Presentational children of an element are not focusable [sia-r68]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=8
XPath / selector: <ul class="chosen-results">
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)

Description

Presentational children of an element are not focusable. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r68 on 24 of 3333 scanned pages (29 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=8.
Locate the element: <ul class="chosen-results">
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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r8 WCAG 2.0 A Form field has accessible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 20/3333 pages · 24 instances · possible duplicate Likely template

Bug ID: VS-6480e30a
Pattern ID: VS-a48e6078
Combined ID: VS-6480e30a (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Form field has accessible name [sia-r8]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=8
XPath / selector: <input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="">
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)
Possible duplicate: Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-8c601530 (pattern VS-1467ea8a). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Form field has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r8 on 20 of 3333 scanned pages (24 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=8.
Locate the element: <input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="">
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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r7 WCAG 2.0 AA Element with lang attribute has correct language (WCAG 3.1.2) 13/3333 pages · 26 instances · possible duplicate Likely template

Bug ID: VS-2e52a405
Pattern ID: VS-400f3a18
Combined ID: VS-2e52a405 (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element with lang attribute has correct language [sia-r7]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs
XPath / selector: @lang="esp"
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 13 of 3333 scanned pages (26 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs.
Locate the element: @lang="esp"
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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r11 WCAG 2.0 A Link has accessible name (WCAG 2.4.4) 11/3333 pages · 11 instances · possible duplicate Likely template

Bug ID: VS-1ff89d14
Pattern ID: VS-28ebd979
Combined ID: VS-1ff89d14 (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Link has accessible name [sia-r11]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/challenges/ninds-landis-award-outstanding-mentorship
XPath / selector: <a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link">
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)
Possible duplicate: Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-c7edc4ad (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 11 of 3333 scanned pages (11 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/ninds-landis-award-outstanding-mentorship.
Locate the element: <a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link">
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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r111 WCAG 2.x AAA Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5) 1597/3333 pages · 46045 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-8ad13599
Pattern ID: VS-cb53cc4d
Combined ID: VS-8ad13599 (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: <a class="bg-accent-warm-dark usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 1597 of 3333 scanned pages (46045 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: <a class="bg-accent-warm-dark usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
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 1597 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r57 Undetermined Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1597/3333 pages · 6387 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-ec6eb5eb
Pattern ID: VS-c18be945
Combined ID: VS-ec6eb5eb (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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)

Description

Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 1597 of 3333 scanned pages (6387 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r57.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1597 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r18 Undetermined aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1597/3333 pages · 3228 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-25f6e87c
Pattern ID: VS-e05344b9
Combined ID: VS-25f6e87c (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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: @aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)

Description

aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 1597 of 3333 scanned pages (3228 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: @aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r18.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1597 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r66 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6) 1596/3333 pages · 83209 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-6b0dc7ca
Pattern ID: VS-646b1e0b
Combined ID: VS-6b0dc7ca (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Text has enhanced contrast [sia-r66]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)

Description

Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 1596 of 3333 scanned pages (83209 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: text: "Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions."
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 1596 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r73 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8) 1596/3333 pages · 5206 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-54078dc5
Pattern ID: VS-2208081b
Combined ID: VS-54078dc5 (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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: <p class="usa-banner__header-text">
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)

Description

Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 1596 of 3333 scanned pages (5206 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: <p class="usa-banner__header-text">
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 1596 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r61 Undetermined Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1596/3333 pages · 1596 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-ceb721a5
Pattern ID: VS-7118fead
Combined ID: VS-ceb721a5 (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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Form field label is visible [sia-r61]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (5 wk)

Description

Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 1596 of 3333 scanned pages (1596 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r61.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1596 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe landmark-unique Best Practice Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1397/3333 pages · 1403 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
Rule: axe-core — Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c [landmark-unique]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
XPath / selector: #block-nih2-uswds-search
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 1397 of 3333 scanned pages (1403 instances).

Steps to reproduce

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

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1397 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r53 Undetermined Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1181/3333 pages · 1233 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-c90fa13e
Pattern ID: VS-f054f4a4
Combined ID: VS-c90fa13e (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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: <h3>
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (4 wk)

Description

Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 1181 of 3333 scanned pages (1233 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: <h3>
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r53.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1181 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

Triage status Notes

Minor axe empty-heading Best Practice Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 346/3333 pages · 346 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-993249c8
Pattern ID: VS-0066c67d
Combined ID: VS-993249c8 (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
Rule: axe-core — Headings should not be empty [empty-heading]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
XPath / selector: article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (4 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 346 of 3333 scanned pages (346 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
Locate the element: article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-heading.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 346 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r85 Undetermined Keyboard trap does not exist (WCAG criterion undetermined) 282/3333 pages · 378 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-993b0f8e
Pattern ID: VS-4c341c77
Combined ID: VS-993b0f8e (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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Keyboard trap does not exist [sia-r85]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
XPath / selector: <p class="nih-subtitle">
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)

Description

Keyboard trap does not exist. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r85 on 282 of 3333 scanned pages (378 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions.
Locate the element: <p class="nih-subtitle">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r85.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 282 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r78 Undetermined Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined) 112/3333 pages · 128 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-5f56950e
Pattern ID: VS-2cd767ca
Combined ID: VS-5f56950e (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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Table header has scope [sia-r78]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-clinical-trial-tuberculous-meningitis-drug-regimen-begins
XPath / selector: <h3>
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)

Description

Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 112 of 3333 scanned pages (128 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-clinical-trial-tuberculous-meningitis-drug-regimen-begins.
Locate the element: <h3>
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r78.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 112 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe page-has-heading-one Best Practice Page should contain a level-one heading (WCAG criterion undetermined) 40/3333 pages · 40 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
Rule: axe-core — Page should contain a level-one heading [page-has-heading-one]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/node
XPath / selector: html
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W31 (4 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 40 of 3333 scanned pages (40 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/node.
Locate the element: html
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 40 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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r69 WCAG 2.0 AA Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) (WCAG 1.4.3) 9/3333 pages · 23 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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo
XPath / selector: text: "NIH logo instituted in 1969."
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 9 of 3333 scanned pages (23 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo.
Locate the element: text: "NIH logo instituted in 1969."
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

Triage status Notes

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
Rule: axe-core — Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text [image-redundant-alt]
Example URL: http://mailto:RADxInfo@nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication
XPath / selector: img[alt="Health Literacy"]
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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

Open http://mailto:RADxInfo@nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication.
Locate the element: img[alt="Health Literacy"]
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

Triage status Notes

Minor axe aria-allowed-role Best Practice ARIA role should be appropriate for the element (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/3333 pages · 2 instances Likely content

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
Rule: axe-core — ARIA role should be appropriate for the element [aria-allowed-role]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/virtual-tour
XPath / selector: video
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 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 2 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://nih.gov/virtual-tour.
Locate the element: video
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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r77 WCAG 2.0 A Table cell has header (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/3333 pages · 3 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-72550ae2
Pattern ID: VS-3f067795
Combined ID: VS-72550ae2 (pattern VS-3f067795) — 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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Table cell has header [sia-r77]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options
XPath / selector: <td>
History: first seen 2026-W31, last seen 2026-W31 (1 wk)

Description

Table cell has header. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r77 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options.
Locate the element: <td>
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r77 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

/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options

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-r77

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r46 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required aria-owns (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/3333 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-1443c2f7
Pattern ID: VS-4408605e
Combined ID: VS-1443c2f7 (pattern VS-4408605e) — 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)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element has required aria-owns [sia-r46]
Example URL: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options
XPath / selector: <th scope="row">
History: first seen 2026-W31, last seen 2026-W31 (1 wk)

Description

Element has required aria-owns. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r46 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options.
Locate the element: <th scope="row">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r46 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

/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options

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-r46

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r59 Undetermined Element with orientation is not locked (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/3333 pages · 1 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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element with orientation is not locked [sia-r59]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/virtual-tour
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)

Description

Element with orientation is not locked. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r59 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

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

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/virtual-tour

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

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r87 Undetermined First focusable element is link to main content (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/3333 pages · 1 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
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — First focusable element is link to main content [sia-r87]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/virtual-tour
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History: first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W31 (3 wk)

Description

First focusable element is link to main content. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r87 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

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

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/virtual-tour

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

Triage status Notes

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
Rule: axe-core — Table header text should not be empty [empty-table-header]
Example URL: https://nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/include-project/faqs/faqs-omics-phenotypes-related-down-syndrome-include-project
XPath / selector: th:nth-child(1)
History: first seen 2026-W30, last seen 2026-W31 (2 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

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

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/include-project/faqs/faqs-omics-phenotypes-related-down-syndrome-include-project

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

Triage status Notes

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-W31, by pages affected
Rule	Impact	Pages affected	Instances	Example pages	All affected
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color [link-in-text-block]	serious	3144	17603	/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 /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer	all 3144 pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks [region]	moderate	3144	6274	/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 /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer	all 3144 pages (CSV)
Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order]	moderate	2318	2444	/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 /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer	all 2318 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) combination [landmark-unique]	moderate	1397	1403	/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/how-exercise-can-protect-against-alzheimers	all 1397 pages (CSV)
Headings should not be empty [empty-heading]	minor	346	346	/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding /challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge /news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials	all 346 pages (CSV)
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list]	serious	157	157	/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository /news-events/nih-research-matters /press-room	all 157 pages (CSV)
Images must have alternative text [image-alt]	critical	51	139	/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances /news-events/nih-research-matters /health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/parents-children	all 51 pages (CSV)
Page should contain a level-one heading [page-has-heading-one]	moderate	40	40	/node /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-january-10-2019 /about-nih	all 40 pages (CSV)
Form elements must have labels [label]	critical	39	43	/news-events/news-releases /news-events/news-releases /news-events/news-releases	all 39 pages (CSV)
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes [aria-allowed-attr]	critical	30	45	/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision /brain/research/dissemination/u24-program/u24-faqs /challenges/ncats-translational-science-education-training-challenge	all 30 pages (CSV)
lang attribute must have a valid value [valid-lang]	serious	22	44	/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-thursday-june-20-2019	all 22 pages (CSV)
Links must have discernible text [link-name]	serious	22	22	/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 22 pages (CSV)
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast]	serious	13	29	/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo /nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/research-tools /about-nih/history	all 13 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)
ARIA role should be appropriate for the element [aria-allowed-role]	minor	2	2	/virtual-tour /virtual-tour	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 (21 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-W31, by pages affected
Rule	Impact	Pages affected	Instances	Example pages	All affected
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111]	n/a	1597	46045	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1597 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57]	n/a	1597	6387	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1597 pages (CSV)
aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18]	n/a	1597	3228	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1597 pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast [sia-r66]	n/a	1596	83209	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1596 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73]	n/a	1596	5206	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1596 pages (CSV)
Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color [sia-r62]	n/a	1596	4972	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1596 pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible [sia-r61]	n/a	1596	1596	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository	all 1596 pages (CSV)
Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53]	n/a	1181	1233	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer /news-events/nih-research-matters/how-exercise-can-protect-against-alzheimers	all 1181 pages (CSV)
Keyboard trap does not exist [sia-r85]	n/a	282	378	/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions /about-nih/nih-almanac/norka-ruiz-bravo-phd /about-nih/nih-almanac/michael-lauer-md	all 282 pages (CSV)
Element has required owned roles [sia-r64]	n/a	181	181	/news-events/news-releases/brain-scan-guided-emergency-stroke-treatment-can-save-more-lives /about-nih/nih-director/statements/statement-dr-jon-lorsch-being-named-nih-deputy-director-extramural-research /news-events/news-releases/nih-clinical-trial-tuberculous-meningitis-drug-regimen-begins	all 181 pages (CSV)
Table header has scope [sia-r78]	n/a	112	128	/news-events/news-releases/nih-clinical-trial-tuberculous-meningitis-drug-regimen-begins /news-events/news-releases/brian-berridge-tapped-manage-national-toxicology-program /news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-genome-editing-research-program	all 112 pages (CSV)
Image has accessible name [sia-r2]	n/a	26	60	/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances /health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/parents-children /news-events/nih-research-matters/research-in-context	all 26 pages (CSV)
Presentational children of an element are not focusable [sia-r68]	n/a	24	29	/news-events/news-releases /about-nih/visitor-information/request-tour-nih /news-events/news-releases	all 24 pages (CSV)
Form field has accessible name [sia-r8]	n/a	20	24	/news-events/news-releases /about-nih/visitor-information/request-tour-nih /news-events/news-releases	all 20 pages (CSV)
Element with lang attribute has correct language [sia-r7]	n/a	13	26	/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-june-20-2019 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-information	all 13 pages (CSV)
Link has accessible name [sia-r11]	n/a	11	11	/challenges/ninds-landis-award-outstanding-mentorship /challenges/radxr-tech-act-endo-challenge /challenges/nih-quantum-computing-challenge	all 11 pages (CSV)
Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69]	n/a	9	23	/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo /about-nih/history /nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/training	all 9 pages (CSV)
Table cell has header [sia-r77]	n/a	1	3	/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options	all 1 pages (CSV)
Element with orientation is not locked [sia-r59]	n/a	1	1	/virtual-tour	all 1 pages (CSV)
First focusable element is link to main content [sia-r87]	n/a	1	1	/virtual-tour	all 1 pages (CSV)
Element has required aria-owns [sia-r46]	n/a	1	1	/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options	all 1 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 (23768 raw engine findings → 23502 unique).

Unique issues (rule × page): 23502
Caught by both engines: 266 highest confidence
axe only: 10464
Alfa only: 12772

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-W31, by pages affected.
Issue	Pages	Rule references
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes	1612	axe aria-allowed-attr · Alfa sia-r18 · ACT 5c01ea
Headings should not be empty	346	axe empty-heading · Alfa sia-r64 · ACT ffd0e9
Images must have alternative text	51	axe image-alt · Alfa sia-r2 · ACT 23a2a8
Form elements must have labels	39	axe label · Alfa sia-r8 · ACT e086e5
Links must have discernible text	22	axe link-name · Alfa sia-r11 · ACT c487ae
lang attribute must have a valid value	22	axe valid-lang · Alfa sia-r7 · ACT de46e4